Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of press dockets. I used to collect and keep them for the sake of information until I realised that I was rapidly running out of space at home. So in the bin they went after a lot of soul-searching but it didn’t take very long for my storage space to start filling up again.

OK, I’m not trying to boast about my press docket collection. Rather, I’m trying to emphasise that I’ve seen a lot of them. So I was quite intrigued to see the docket and brochure of the 2007 Honda Accord at the launch recently. All brochures generally open with a front shot of the car, but not so in the Accord brochure. Both docket and brochure lead with rear shots.

When the car was unveiled, everything became clear. The ‘new’Accord is not really a completely new car — it has undergone what is commonly termed a ‘freshening’, which is usually done to make a slightly ageing car look a little different.

Not only does it serve as a means of continuing to attract customers, a ‘freshening’ also gives the company a reason to bump up the price. But what Honda has done with the Accord is to freshen the rear end so one cannot call it a facelift — tail-lift is more like it. Which answers the question why, in a departure from the norm, the press dockets from Honda leads with the Accord’s rear end.

Now that we have sorted that out, let’s have a look at what the new Accord has going for it. The 2.4 version still features an I-VTEC engine. It has a dual zone air-conditioning system that allows the driver and passenger to individually select a temperature each is comfortable with. The tilt- adjustable, telescopic steering wheel now comes in a wood and leather combination. Also, there is a new Optitron instrument console in the instrument binnacle.

Externally speaking, the turn indicators have been incorporated within the door mirrors and there is a new front chrome grille in addition to the smoky-look headlamps. As I mentioned earlier, it’s the rear end that the 2007 Accord is all about.

The first thing one notices is the LED taillight. The high-mount stoplight has been incorporated into a ducktail spoiler at the edge of the boot lid. Other goodies include parking sensors so that one does not bump into a wall while reversing into a parking slot.

In addition to all that the V6 version has extras like 16-inch alloy wheels as well as vehicle stability assist that works in conjunction with the traction control system and ABS brakes to ensure the car remains on the road while entering corners at speed.

Although the Accord has a lot going for it, it could have been made into a much better package. Take, for instance, something as basic as the body colour — the new Accord is available in two new colours, Carbon Bronze Pearl and Alabaster Silver in addition to Nighthawk Black Pearl and Taffeta White.

But Moroccan Red Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl and Sapphire Blue Pearl would have enhanced the appeal no end — these shades being amongst those available in the US-Spec Accord. The Accord comes with 140bhp and 220BHP (3.0 V6) engines here in India but elsewhere; these engines churn out 166BHP and 244BHP respectively. But you have to concede one point — as far as the styling and looks go, the new Accord has brought India up to par with the international range.