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. The November '95 upgrade significantly improved boot space, refinement and value for money. Over the base EXi's standard driver's airbag, power steering and power windows, the VTi-S adds a passenger-side airbag, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, alloy wheels, sunroof and leather trim. But the best thing about the VTi-S is its engine, a 107kW variable-valve timing unit that improved performance over the base model. This was the last Accord to be manufactured in Japan until the 2003 Euro model arrived. Its successor, the '97 Mk6, initially came from America until exchange rates prompted Honda to source it from Thailand.