The mighty Honda Accord. A vehicle so enduring they named it twice.
Nearing five decades on Aussie streets, the sensible folk at Honda released two variants of the popular car, with entirely different designs, different engines and different appearance - and both called the Accord. And they sold both models, head-to-head on the Australian market.
The bigger, more powerful and more luxurious version became known as the Accord V6 and the smaller, sharper and more engaging model, built in markets as far apart as Australia and the US, became known as the Accord Euro.
That arrangement lasted a couple of years spanning two generations. That coincided with a dive in Accord sales and, for a while, the famous nameplate became a bit player in the Aussie market.
The reasons were many and varied. COVID-19 didn't help.
Nor did a decision by Honda to begin making some of its vehicles, bound for Australian showrooms, in Thailand, partly because of a free trade agreement between the countries.
It wasn't one of their best moments.
A few years down the track, the Accord is back with a stylish and seriously impressive 11th generation model, after first going on sale in 1976.
Think about that - there must be millions of drivers whose first motoring experience was behind the wheel of this practical ride.
Honda was the first Japanese car maker to win the coveted Wheels Car of the Year. That was followed by Honda releasing some really clever, capable cars like the funky Jazz (with engineering that changed the small car forever). And the Odyssey, which had the same effect on the people mover market.
And for all that time the Accord has been the flagship of the famous range.
The Accord recipe has always remained much the same. Mostly in hatchback format, with plenty sedans as well. The majority of Accords have enjoyed one of Honda's always smooth, sporty and efficient engines and transmissions.
And for this latest generation that recipe remains largely unchanged.
Honda has swapped from the 1.5-litre, turbo-charged used in the previous models to something more sophisticated.
The 11th generation features a petrol-electric hybrid engine to deliver impressive performance while using minimal fuel.
It relies on a sophisticated "two motor" hybrid system which sharpens the performance with virtually no loss of fuel efficiency.
That means a two-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle combustion engine, coupled with two electric motors, mounted side by side with the crankshaft. It means the car generates more power without the revving noise typical of many hybrids.
Design wise this latest Accord is handsome - longer and more sleek with what Honda describes as "premium proportions".
The dash and general interior of the Accord takes a bit of getting used to because a big dial on the centre console does most of the heavy lifting - from turning on the air conditions to changing the audio.
The touch-screen includes all manner of apps - arranged that way because of an arrangement between Honda and Google - which means the technology is easy to use and grasp. And that's certainly the case.
A little amusing is the fact it only comes in four colours: black, white, grey and silver. Not exactly jazzing things up.
And there's just the one powerplant.
Same goes for the complete lack of options or extras.
The hybrid engine combines 152kW of power, plus more than 300Nm of torque giving it some brisk take off and accelerating performance. A smooth-running CVT (constantly variable transmission) keeps it generally in the right gear for the right situation.
That can be enhanced by choosing one of four modes - sport, eco, normal and individual, which delivers flexible dynamics.
Honda is claiming improved road noise reduction, always a strength for the brand and a welcome upgrade in the Accord.
There's a 12.3-inch widescreen, and Honda also boasts of "concert quality" Bose Audio.
Auto high beam, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot information parking sensor system, cross traffic monitor and drive attention monitor all enhance the Accord's strong safety suite.
Pricing for this classy mid-sizer is another one-price-only affair: $64,900 with no need for haggling.
That price will push the Honda as much as 10 grand above some of its class rivals, including the Toyota Camry and Mazda6. Honda's other rivals in this class - particularly the Koreans - will be trying to undercut the Accord as well.
But keep in mind that the Accord price is drive away - and it's a well specified thing as well. Plus a generous warranty and servicing deal that helps defray some of the initial cost.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of all about this all-new Accord - it feels just like this model did at its very best.
Not perfect, but pretty good. Welcome back, old friend.
HONDA ACCORD E-HEV RS
* HOW BIG: a generous medium-sized sedan that will accommodate five passengers and a decent whack of cargo
* HOW FAST? Honda's new E-CVT drive unit develops a capable 135kW and 335Nm of torque. The generator, which Honda says is tasked solely with charging the battery pack, spins at a blurry 19,000 revs per minute. Put the two systems together and it means 152 kilowatts combined, enough to provide plenty of zip
* HOW THIRSTY? official consumption is 4.3L/100km, which is almost as frugal as one of Mr Honda's motorcycles
* HOW MUCH? $64,900 drive away, with very few options.
