The Accord’s handling has definitely improved. With its shorter overall length, slightly shorter wheelbase and slightly wider track, and a reduction in curb weight thanks in part to a new, lighter MacPherson strut front suspension (replacing double wishbones) and a lighter aluminum and steel front subframe, the 2013 Accord feels more nimble and balanced. It new electric variable assist power rack and pinion steering replaces the previous hydraulic steering and is among the best electric steering systems out there. It’s nicely weighted – steering effort when parallel parking is easy but not effortless, and at highway speeds it feels responsive and tracks well in a straight line. My only concern is the Accord’s rather wide turning diameter of 11.6 m (38.1 feet).
 2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge |
Contributing to driving safety is the Accord’s new LaneWatch Blind Spot monitor, a feature we think will soon be copied by other automakers. When the right turn signal is activated, a camera in the right outside mirror sends an image of the area beside and behind the car to the centre screen where the driver can observe other cars travelling in the car’s blind spot. It’s even better than shoulder checking because cars you can’t see hidden behind the C-pillar are visible in the screen. We think it would be nice to see a camera image for the driver’s side blind spot, too, but we noted there is a new “Expanded View Driver’s Mirror” that increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees.
In addition, all Accords now feature a rear-view camera. In addition to the normal view, EX-L and Touring models have a wide view that captures objects to the side, and a top-down view that helps judge the exact distance to the object behind the car. This is really useful when you want to park as close as possible to a wall or barrier without hitting it. My only reservation with vehicle cameras is that rain, ice, snow and grime can sometimes obscure the camera lens which can make the view murky.
  2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge |
Another new feature in the 2013 Accord is Forward Collision Warning, which uses radar to detect a potential frontal collision and warn the driver with warning sounds. As well, a new Lane Departure Warning System warns the driver if the car is moving out of its lane without using the turn signals. Soon we’ll be able to drive blindfolded!
 2013 Honda Accord Sedan V6 Touring. Click image to enlarge |
The Accord sedan’s braking performance is very good – Consumer Reports’ braking tests show a braking distance of 42.4 m (139 feet) from 96 km/h (60 mph) in the dry. P235/45R18-inch all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, and brake assist, and vehicle stability control are all standard.
For night-time visibility, top-of-the-line Touring models feature new LED (light emitting diode) projector beam headlights, which provide better illumination than the standard halogen projector beam headlights on all other Accord trims. In addition, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are now standard on all Accords.
