Often criticized for being too conservative with its designs, Honda took a dramatic, sporty turn with the new-for-2008 Accord coupe.

Featuring a bold front fascia, stretched projector-beam headlamps, sharp lines and a swept-back roof line, it barely resembles its predecessor.

Top models are dressed up further with 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires, a rear spoiler and dual chrome exhaust.

The Accord is one of the bigger coupes available on the market. Passenger space is 92.1 cubic feet while trunk space is 11.9.

Like its sedan counterpart, the coupe is available with several trims and engines to suit different tastes and budgets.

The base motor is a 2.4-liter 190-horsepower four-cylinder with 16 valves and Honda's i-VTEC variable-valve technology. This is more than enough power to move around the car's 3,221 curb weight.

A 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V6 is also offered. Variable Cylinder Management, which shuts off three of the cylinders under light-load conditions, is standard on the EX-L automatic but not available on the EX-L with six-speed manual shifter. At around 3,500 pounds, the V6 car is heavier than the four-cylinder but the added power more than makes up for it.

The V6 models are definitely for enthusiasts. In addition to the bigger engine, they include the 18-inch wheels as standard, quicker steering, a larger front stabilizer bar, fog lights, dual exhaust, plus leather seats and steering wheel.

A double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provide not only a smooth ride but also crisp handling when the road gets twisty. Corner transitions are soaked up relatively easily with the chassis retaining its composure in all but the most demanding conditions.