In a sea of plain-Jane sedans, the Honda Accord Type-S combined racy looks, space and comfort, with an engaging drive to create one of the best sporty sedans to date.
While the Honda Accord looked near identical to the USDM Acura TSX, it was designed specifically for the European market and positioned more upmarket than its predecessor was. The exterior of the Accord polarized opinion, and was reminiscent of a fighter yet – sharp lines, blunt angles and menacing detailing.
For its angular styling, it boasted an impressive Cd of 0.26 – making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars ever created. Going up against the German brigade, Honda armed the Type-S with a host of standard kit, including an aggressive bodykit, F1 style double wishbone suspension, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, sporty split-leather seats, and loads of other niceties.
It was powered by an-aluminium 2.4-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine with intelligent variable timing and lift control (i-VTEC), valve timing control (VTC), and a variable-length intake manifold. The K24A3 setup utilized an electronic throttle with ‘drive-by-wire’. Interestingly, a cable was still used, but this was solely done to provide a natural feel to the driver. Its peak output was 140kw and 220nm, with VTEC engaging at 6,000rpm, but with the redline set at 7,300rpm, it had a very narrow VTEC powerband compared to the K20A-engined Accord Euro R which never came to South Africa.
That car was essentially an Integra Type-R engined Accord that produced 162kw at 8,000rpm! The Accord Type-S was available exclusively with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox, and even with 2nd gear running to a true 103kph, severe wheel tramp resulted in 0-100kph taking a somewhat ordinary 9.34 seconds. Once it got going though, it revved cleanly and smoothly, all the way to its top speed of 218kph.
However, Honda was very conservative with the Accord’s ECU, with a quick reflash of the ECU resulting in its true potential being unlocked, with significant gains across the rev range. Braking too was impressive, with huge 300mm ventilated discs up front and 260mm at the rear. Where the 1.4 ton Type-S did come into its own, was when it was driven like every other VTEC-engined car. You simply wind up the motor, be aggressive with the shifter, and throw it into corners – there was nothing in its class that drove like it.
Honda South Africa launched the Type-S in 2003 at a price of R242 000, and was facelifted in 2006, being replaced by an all-new but bloated CU2 in 2008 that new quite matched the charisma of the CL7/CL9. The Type-S was unlike anything else in its segment. It was a sporty sedan for those that weren’t sheep, a car for a person that appreciated the immense engineering behind its badge, and a car whose emphasis was firmly on driver enjoyment.
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA.
FAQ
Q: What does the Honda Accord Type-S cost in South Africa?
You're looking at around R180,000 to R280,000 for a decent Honda Accord Type-S in South Africa, depending on mileage, condition and service history.
Q: Is the Honda Accord Type-S worth buying?
Absolutely, the Accord Type-S offers brilliant handling, Honda reliability and proper sporty sedan credentials for significantly less cash than German rivals, making it a cracking buy for enthusiasts.
Q: What engine does the Honda Accord Type-S have?
The Type-S packs a 2.4-litre i-VTEC K24A3 engine producing 140kW and 220Nm, paired exclusively with a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox.
Q: How reliable is the Honda Accord Type-S?
Honda's legendary reliability shines through in the Type-S, with the K24 engine being bulletproof when serviced properly, though watch out for clutch wear on high-mileage examples.
Q: What are common problems with the Honda Accord Type-S?
Main issues include clutch wear from enthusiastic driving, potential wheel bearing problems and the usual wear items like suspension bushes, but overall it's remarkably reliable for a performance sedan.
Should You Buy It?
The best sporty sedan under R300,000 in SA is definitely the Honda Accord Type-S. This absolute gem combines proper performance credentials with Honda's bulletproof reliability, making it a no-brainer for anyone wanting German sedan dynamics without the German repair bills. At current market prices of R180,000 to R280,000, you're getting F1-derived suspension, a sweet-revving i-VTEC engine and genuinely engaging driving dynamics that'll embarrass many supposedly superior European rivals. Sure, the 9.34-second 0-100kph time isn't earth-shattering, but once that VTEC kicks in at 6,000rpm, you'll understand why Honda enthusiasts rave about these motors. The Type-S offers everything a proper petrolhead wants: manual gearbox, rear-wheel-drive feel despite being FWD, and running costs that won't bankrupt you. If you can find a well-maintained example with full service history, grab it immediately because these are rapidly becoming modern classics that'll only appreciate in value.
