Clever technology lets Honda's new Accord swap from lusty tourer to economical cruiser.

WITH the launch of its new, larger Accord V6, Honda has the Commodore, Falcon and Aurion in its sights.

And the innovative Japanese carmaker believes the Accord has the cabin space, performance and features to pull long-time Big Three-buyers its way.

The 2008 Accord V6 appears to measure up to the Commodore, Falcon and Aurion family sedans in most key areas, as well as having additional boasting rights - it's the first vehicle in Australia's large-car class (a segment dominated by locally made models) to introduce a cylinder displacement system.

The Accord V6's clever VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system is a three-stage system that, under tender acceleration and usually on flat roads or downhill runs, subtly deactivates either three or two of the six cylinders.

It's a handy win for fuel efficiency to have the 3.5-litre six-cylinder running on three or four cylinders whenever it can. Occupants are unable to detect the under-bonnet changes, although an 'ECO' light is conveniently displayed on the dash when either two or three cylinders take a break.

The deactivated cylinders are re-engaged under harder acceleration or when the car tackles an incline.

Honda's engineers have masked the constant swing between six, four and three cylinders with the use of liquid-filled engine mounts called Active Control Mounts, which help subdue engine vibrations inherent in the cylinder deactivation process.

As well, a system known as Active Noise Control (ANC) uses built-in microphones to detect low-frequency engine noises entering the cabin. The ANC system then transmits opposite-phase sound waves through the car's speakers to cancel those noises.

Honda senses the time is right for the Accord V6 with VCM. It points out that buyers in the demographic it is targeting want performance, space and comfort, but they also have an eye on green issues and the rising cost of fuel.

In steady rural and urban driving, outside and through Melbourne, this writer extracted 8.4 litres/100km from the V6 Luxury. That's not quite diesel or hybrid numbers, but excellent for a large-capacity six-cylinder car.

The Accord is also a very pleasant and well-behaved car to punt along with haste. If you want performance, it's there thanks to the lively 202kW/339Nm on tap.

Its front-drive suspension is well sorted and it brakes and changes direction easily and predictably for a 1600kg vehicle.

The steering is accurate, although a little light on feel.

Ergonomically, the interior is well designed, with the information screen on the same high plane as the tachometer and speedo. Audio, trip computer, and dual-zone air-conditioning controls are a snip to use. European carmakers take note.

It also has a traditional handbrake, with automatic travel adjustment.

Safety is impressive - proprietary Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front and side airbags, active front head restraints and, on all but the base model, side-curtain airbags.

The range-topping V6 Luxury has a standard reversing camera and satellite navigation.

The Accord's stability control is a non-intrusive beauty, doing its work only when really required.

The smooth five-speed auto has a sports mode and the driver can leave the lever in 'D for dozy' or else change gears using steering-wheel paddles.

There is also a new 2.4-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder Accord, which doesn't have the power and the glory of the V6, but is more than a comfortable cruiser. It competes against the Toyota Camry, Ford Mondeo and Holden Epica. With 133kW of power and 222Nm of torque, it is responsive and refined, returning an official fuel consumption of 8.8-litres/100km.

Prices start at $29,990 for the entry-level four-cylinder Accord, up to $46,990 for the V6 Luxury.