Visitors to this years Melbourne International Motor Show, will be among the first Australians to see the 8th generation Honda Accord range. The new Thai-built Accord V6, will be launched on the 29th of February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and according to Honda, holds the promise of “three engines under one bonnet” and will change our perception that powerful V6 engines are fuel guzzlers.

The new 3.5-litre, V6 Accord engine is quite a tricky unit and features Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). VCM effectively allows the Accord to run on six, four or three cylinders depending on road speed and load conditions. The VCM engine runs with the full six cylinders during acceleration or under high load, then switches to four or three cylinders for cruising or low-speed running and is said to do so in a seamless and unnoticeable manner.

Obviously, the major benefit of VCM is improved fuel economy and lower emissions, in fact Honda say some of their U.S. based Accord customers are reporting four-cylinder-like fuel consumption. The 8th generation Accord is being praised in the U.S. for its impressive interior space, comfort and of course the impeccable build quality that is synonymous with a Honda.

The new Accord is firmly established as one of the top-selling family sedans in the U.S. already winning praise in the USA for its impressive room and comfort - with rear seat room in the same class as large six-cylinder Australian family cars - and the high level of fit and finish expected of a Honda.