The new Honda Accord

Many motorists may be familiar with the Honda’s Accord, but just how many people have taken the time to know the Accord? The Honda Accord has been overlooked over the years in the D segment, as many have preferred the likes of the dominating German Trio, but why would Honda continue to bring in this model to South Africa? Well, as proven, Honda has been manufacturing well engineered and reliable vehicles for years and Honda are not afraid of the competition. Against all odds, Honda has managed to stay ahead of their competition in a lot more ways that one would imagine.

The previous generation Honda Accord was a great car in terms of looks and overall specification and had considerable amounts of power, which were competitive to other leading brands. It also offered premium luxury, which was built to take on the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi, as it was built to European specification standards.

This new Accord is now built in Honda’s United States plant under tight Japanese supervision, ensuring that Honda’s quality standards are still being adhered to. The new Accord is now also built to the American standard in terms of vehicle specification, so what exactly does that mean? Every one knows that the Americans love luxury and comfort, but just how much luxury has been added to an already luxurious car?

For starters, the Honda Accord is aesthetically pleasing, as it appears militant yet conservative, which have always been the Accords image. The car has a new grill and LED lights that make the car futuristic. A combination of sleek lines, smooth edges and aerodynamic design, give the car and authoritative yet composed look, making the car look approachable yet aggressive at the same time. Skilled engineering and Honda know how, have made the new Accord proportionate and appealing in every way, putting form and function well into play.

Once on the cabin of the Accord, one gets a sense of tranquility, with an interior finish that is neutral and high tech, with easy and sensible convenience. All controls are ergonomically centred around the driver, with technology that is intuitive and easy to use. The fascia of vehicle creates a feeling of quality and comfort, which are constant and rewarding. Extra features include Multi information Display, Audio with touch screen display, smart entry and start/stop buttons (options vary according to model variants). The Accord has a leather interior and piano black finishes.

For the engine line up, Honda have three petrol engine motors. A 2.0L with 114KW and 190Nm of torque, a 2.4L Earth Dreams motor pushing out 132kW and 225Nm of torque and finally a 3.5L V6 with VCM technology; with outputs of 207kW and 339Nm torque. The 2.0L and 2.4L are equipped with a 5 speed Automatic gearbox and the 3.5L has a 6-speed auto.

Honda is also packed with loads of active and passive safety. To mention a few; adaptive cruise control (ACC) lane keeping assist (LKAS) which alerts the driver when drifting off course; collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) which will automatically apply braking force to reduce driver speed when approaching a hazard such as a stationary vehicle, the system helps minimize hitting or avoiding the vehicle ahead; vehicle stability assist (VSA) and trailer stability assist (TSA), These are just a few innovative active safety systems.

Passive safety systems include dual and front passenger airbags, seatbelt pretensioning, ISOFIX anchors and seatbelt warning systems.

Vehicle specifications vary according to model ranges, Elegance, Executive and Exclusive. Honda also offers a range of extra accessories to custom you Accord. There are seven colors to choose from when ordering you accord. Honda offers a 5-year 90,000Km service plan on the 2.0L and 2.4L models and a 5-year 100,000km on the 3.5L model. All cars come with a 3-year 100,000Km warranty.

And that’s motoring according to Honda.

Technical specs provided by Honda Eastrand.