Kizashi Club

I sell new Hondas.

I drove the new 2013 Accord sedan yesterday, and it's a home run. A major home run. Wow. I mean wow.
But still no AWD, so it doesn't make 'Tim's List'.

But it might make some of yours.......

The Euro version or normal Accord?

I saw the pictures of the new Accord. It seems to be a step in the right direction, as the styling has gone from truly ugly to just "bleh".
My experience with Accords i guess goes against the tide. I owned three different Accords, and all three were absolute pieces of crap. LOTS of problems. I guess they do have a lot of fans though....

Accords are usually OK- got lots of friends that owned them & had no trouble. They get the job done. In MT trim, they are usually engaging, Honda seems to put the right ratios to make driving engaging.
On paper, it looks like the Kizashi has it beat (I4 vs I4) performance/ handling wise.
IMO, the Kizzy interior is better as well- the Accord's dash is too busy.

WESHOOT2- what specifically about the accord made you go 'wow'?

The pictures I'd seen did not impress; in real life the car looks stunningly modern.

Inside the cabin quiet reigns; materials appear upscale and feel luxurious. Controls are well-placed, information is highly legible, seat doesn't feel 'made just for me', but still comfy. Great visibility.

The drive: That's what wowed me. I drove a CVT base version ("LX"). Power was very strong, feeling similar to my Kizashi. The CVT felt WAY better, like a good auto-box.
I await the opportunity to hammer one already broken in. Very strong (the newly added 'Sport' model offers a higher tune from its dual exhaust; paddle shifters, too).

Handling: Flat. Accurate steering. Minus FWD 'plow'.

These are initial impressions gleaned driving a new car that doesn't belong to me. But our dealership offers Honda, BMW, Mini, and Mercedes on site, and I sold a new EX-L to someone who'd tried both the 3-series and C300 before testing the new Accord.

I was blindsided by its goodness. My expectations were low, based on pictures.
If only they'd make an AWD for Tim........(but maybe an Accord for wife?).

Again: Wow. Try one and see for thyself.

cool-thanks for the details! If I can't get a Kizi MT in GTS trim, I will be looking at alternatives. The 2013 accord may be something I'll consider, based on your feedback ...

It's funny to me that in the US, Honda is a big name in cars and not as much in motorcycles. You say Honda, and people think Accord or Civic. Suzuki is better known in the US for their motorcycles and not their cars. You say Suzuki and people think GSX-R or Hayabusa. I was even asked by a DMV worker when I registered my car whether the Suzuki Kizashi was a motorcycle or not.
In Japan, Suzuki is better known for their cars (they are the biggest name in kei-cars) and Honda for their motorcycles. In fact, Suzuki is the 3rd largest automaker in Japan, only behind Toyota and Nissan, both of which have a longer history making cars.