New Honda Accord is here!
Spread across 160 countries, the Accord legacy has been in existence for the past 30 years in being the best selling Japanese car model in history. Proud of the latest installment of the luxury sedan, Honda Malaysia has recently launched the all-new 8th generation Accord.
The muscular hunk flanked by two damsels
The bigger and wider Accord, looking more muscular, is a completely new model and shares no similarities in design and technology of its predecessor.
There are three engine options – the enhanced 2.0l and 2.4l i-VTEC engines, and a local debutant, the 3.5l V6 version with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) i-VTEC engine, the most powerful sibling in the Accord range. The 3.5l version deserves the standing ovation here but more on that later.
Tight butt that’s worth squeezing
The Accord may have grown chunkier but the handling of the car is indeed child’s play. Fitted with a Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system, the driver is assisted by ‘tightening’ the steering wheel on high speeds but ‘loosens’ itself when a U-turn is done. In other words, the Accord is very easy to handle despite the 3.2% increase in its passenger volume.
A lil bit of Civic, here and there, only much bolder
Climbing the twisty roads of
But, if the driver feels bored of the uphill climb, a sequential gear shifting option is literally at hand compliments to the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Paddle it if you want to run
Performance would be meaningless without safety assurance on the Accord. The new body design incorporates Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) structure, and extension of the G-Force Control (G-Con) technology. In a nutshell, the Accord’s body cleverly disperses front, rear and side collision impacts over a larger surface using high tensile steel in its body – limiting cabin intrusion effectively hence minimizes injuries to its occupants.
The stick for all speeds
The protection of the Accord’s body is further enhanced with airbags all around the cabin. The 2.0l and 2.4l models feature dual airbags and four airbags respectively, whereas, the 3.5l version has an advanced six airbag system – two side curtain airbags, two sets of front dual stage airbags and two side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). Soaking up corners on the 2.4l and the 3.5l are reinforced with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), preventing lateral skidding and promotes stability whilst cornering.
You get bags protection all round here
Lots of luxury on the outside too
As mentioned earlier, the 3.5l engine with VCM technology needs special attention here. The Variable Cylinder Management system switches between six, four or three cylinders based on driving situations. It helps to reduce fuel consumption and maintains performance at any driving speeds, be it hill ascends or city cruising.
The 3.5L VCM inside
Luxuries and performance aside, the Accord appears to be an Earth-lover. The emission levels meet the Euro 4 standard. Chemicals and materials used in the Accord’s interior fittings are used to the minimum too.
The all-new Accord is available in five colours – Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Sparkle Gray Pearl, and Alabaster Silver Metallic.
Honda Malaysia aims to achieve a sales target of 600 units per month for the all-new Accord.
Not just a regular VTEC in the 2.4L
The 2.0l and 2.4l comes with a price tag of RM141,800 and RM171,800 respectively. The awesome 3.5l V6 option retails at RM249,800. All prices are on-the-road with insurance, and comes with 3 years warranty or 100,000km (whichever comes first), and 6 months free service for the first 10,000km.
If the ego in you hungers for more public attention, the Modulo accessories package are available to spruce up the Accord for an additional RM5,300.
Related Essentials:
Watch out, Camry. The Accord’s gonna get you!
