AFTER 17 years of growing towards an obviously American-focussed product, the fifth-generation Accord took a decidedly European turn with more elegant styling inside and out, improved dynamics (an upshot of its improved double wishbone suspension), and greater efficiency from its carryover 103kW 2.2-litre SOHC four-cylinder engine. That's because it also only weighed around 1290kg when its Camry Vienta rival tipped the scales at 1440kg. But the base EXi model wasn't especially well equipped, sporting a driver's side airbag, power steering, cruise control and power windows but no ABS. The November '95 upgrade significantly improved boot space, refinement and value for money. Overall, then, this is one of the better Accords, eclipsing the overtly bloated '97-'03 series that came from America and Thailand rather than Japan.