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IT has been quite some time since I have been able to test any vehicle from the Honda range, the last having been the iconic Civic Type R, so it was with interest that I spent a week with the Honda Accord Type S. Honda has come a long way since the introduction of the first Ballade that arrived on our shores many moons ago, in fact it's hard to equate that rather boxy little saloon to the current model line-up. The Accord is a relatively new model in South Africa, only arriving in January 2003, although it has been present in other markets since 1976 and if I am not mistaken the latest offering is the seventh generation of Accord.

The Type S is the sportier version of the Accord range and is very easily distinguishable from the rear by the twin tail pipes that protrude just below the bumper on either side of the car. In fact that's about the only way you can spot the difference as the Type S carries no distinguishing badging, which is surprising as most of us love to tell other motorists that we're driving something other than the standard model. Well anyway, I think that's one way of spotting the difference, if that's not right take a look inside, that aluminium gear knob's a dead giveaway.

Styling is very distinctive, from the aggressive appearance of the front end with its narrow headlight clusters and intake grille and the deep spoiler which houses two driving lights the Accords lines follow a definite wedge shape through to the high back end of the car. Stand it all on a set of 17" five, twin spoked alloy wheels in a gunmetal finish with 225/45 rubber and the Accord a pretty impressive looking piece of kit.

The cabin is finished in Honda's usual way, quality materials which all fit extremely well. Lots of dark surfaces and aluminium trim with all control knobs discretely finished, no big brash chrome bits here!

Positioning of instrumentation and information displays is excellent and easy to read, unlike many others, sunlight does not cause any problem by glaring across the display screens.

Controls for the audio system and cruise control are mounted on the fully adjustable steering wheel.

Seating is good with lots of support and very comfortable on those longer journeys and for those of us who suffer our own altitude deficiency the driver's seat is height adjustable.

Front driver and passenger airbags are complemented by side and curtain airbags and ABS and VSA ensure your safety.

Boot space on the Accord is cavernous and will allow you to carry all the families? needs and comfortably swallow the golf bag as well.

But it's under the bonnet that is the heart of the Accord Type S, a 2,4 litre i-VTEC, sixteen valve engine that's thumps out 140 kW @ 6800 rpm and a very healthy 223 Nm of torque @ 4500. Tractable around town, on the open road the motor starts to breathe. As with all Honda's VTEC units they love to rev and this ones no exception, pulling strongly up to the red line in a very smooth surge of power. But all this power is of little use without a good transmission, and here I must say Honda have excelled, the six speed manual box is super light and very positive in fact I think it's one of the nicest gearboxes I have encountered. Ratios are very well spaced and allow you to really enjoy the VTEC's power.

Ride quality is very good, as said earlier the Accord is comfortable but will surprise you with its chassis dynamics, the level of grip is high and the hydraulically assisted steering very precise allowing you to really enjoy the twisty bits of the roads. Braking was also good and more than up to the job and even after several heavy sessions none of the dreaded fade was experienced.

Fuel consumption is claimed at 9.0 litres/100 km but the best I managed was about 9.6 litres/100 km on a combined cycle.

To sum up the Honda Accord Type S is one of those cars that make you want to keep on driving, it's well finished and well mannered and will respond to any driving style from around town or tackling one of the many passes that surround us. The Type S is sure to put a smile on your face.

The Honda Accord Type S is priced at R234 800 including a 5 year/100 000 km warranty. Many thanks to Honda Helderberg for the supply of the test vehicle.

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