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2012 Honda Accord has better fuel economy and new trim level
For 2012 Honda has given its flagship Accord improved gas mileage, minor styling upgrades and a new Special Edition trim level. Also, new for 2012 the USB audio interface becomes standard on every Accord with the addition of the feature to the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedan models.
The 2012 Accord offers four engine choices starting with a 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i‑VTEC 4-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans. Next is the 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that's standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models. The top-of-the-line 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 271 horsepower and is available in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and the Accord EX-L Coupe. To increase fuel efficiency, Accord V-6 models with automatic transmissions take 
advantage of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology, an innovative valvetrain system that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising. The performance-oriented Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission takes advantage of a special 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine that replaces VCM with a performance-tuned valvetrain, intake and exhaust systems to further broaden the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range.
Accord transmission choices vary by engine and trim level and include a 5-speed manual transmission (available on select 4-cylinder models) and a 5-speed automatic transmission (standard on select 4-cylinder models and all V-6 models). Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with an automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is available exclusively on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe.
The Accord rides on a fully independent, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems and now comes with standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers (alloy wheels on LX-P and SE), and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on EX and above sedan models. The Accord Coupe (4-cylinder) has 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, with 18-inch alloy wheels standard on the Accord V-6 Coupe. All Accords feature Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control and 4-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
From the curb the Accord Sedan's exterior comes with a prominent two-bar grille consisting of chrome-style crossbars, windswept headlights, inset character lines along the body sides and distinctively-shaped C-pillars. Building on the sedan's design character, the Accord Coupe is enhanced by a sporty front fascia design, a sleeker overall roof profile, a shorter wheelbase and an exclusive trunk and tailgate design.
Aerodynamic body features, low-friction engine technology and optimal transmission gear ratios all contribute to excellent fuel efficiency. The most fuel-efficient Accord model is the 4-cylinder sedan equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission, which returns an EPA-estimated2 23/34/27 mpg city/highway/combined. The EPA-estimated1 fuel-economy rating for the Accord V-6 Sedan model is 20/30/24 mpg city/highway/combined, also with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The interior of the 2012 Accord is complemented by high-quality materials with an emphasis on switchgear refinement. A hallmark of Honda design, the Accord exhibits simple and intuitive ergonomics with the audio, climate and vehicle controls organized by expected frequency of use. Often-used climate-control buttons are positioned on the left side of the center stack within easy reach of the driver for quick access. Less-frequently used buttons are positioned on the right side. The front seats are designed to provide supportive cushions for long-range cruising comfort and progressive lateral support while cornering. The fold-down, rear seatback offers cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items.
Three audio systems are available – all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability, an auxiliary input jack and the USB audio interface. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating FM radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Accord EX Sedan and LX-S Coupe add a 6-disc in-dash changer. A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models, which includes a 6-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio® is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2 (available on Accord EX-L) has an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. The navigation system features the Zagat Survey® guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions, in addition to a rear-view camera on the EX-L Sedan. Accord EX and EX-L Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly with compatible mobile phones.
The four cylinder Accord LX Sedan with a 5-Speed Manual has an MSRP of $21,380 and the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with Navi 6-Speed Manual is $31,930 excluding tax, license, registration, $770 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
8/18/11
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