All-New 2013 Honda Accord – First Drive Impressions
Phuket, 29 August 2013 – Come next week, the All-New 9th Generation Honda Accord will be launched in Malaysia. There will be the usual questions – as to whether it is bigger, better, will it cost more, what are the new features, etc, etc. Well, the good news is that a few of us motoring media were flown over to Thailand, Phuket, to be exact, to be given a sampling of the new car ahead of the launch.
For those who don’t have the time to read all of this, here is a summary of the new Accord: IT IS A GREAT CAR, quieter than the outgoing model, and drives a whole lot better. For those with the time, do read on….
We are told the car is about 40mm shorter, but visually, it still looks a huge car, and although the wheelbase (the centre to centre distance between the front and rear wheels) is shorter, you wouldn’t know the difference, because it still looks just as long. With a new front mask, the Accord takes the cue from the CRV that was recently launched, resulting in a straighter, not so backward-slanted grille, and taller-looking bonnet, which actually makes the car more masculine than before.
At the back, there has been more re-modelling work, and the overall effect is a more ‘continental’ look; if you removed the Honda badges, you might be forgiven if you thought that this car came from the European continent, although the hardcore Honda lovers might still be able to spot some of the Honda DNA. Certainly the front does carry Honda DNA, albeit the new signature grille that started with the CRV, but from the back, it is very European.
Despite the reduced dimensions, (Length 4,870mm, Height 1,485mm, Wheelbase 2775mm), the new Accord boasts of roomier interior space; rear legroom is increased by 35.5mm while the boot space is increased by 23 litres.
The new Honda Accord will come with two engine options, the 2.0 litre SOHC engine carried forward from the current Accord, and a newly-developed 2.4 litre DOHC i-VTEC ‘Earth Dreams’ Technology engine. The 2.0 litre engine has been enhanced from the current Accord for better fuel efficiency, while the 2.4 litre Earth Dreams engine generates 175 horses at 6,200 RPM and maximum torque of 225 Nm at 4,000 RPM. According to Honda, the Earth Dreams Technology represents Honda’s next generation set of technological innovations to pursue a high level of driving performance and fuel efficiency.
The 2.4 litre model comes with more bells and whistles, including a reverse camera, and a Lane Watch Camera mounted on the passenger side rear view mirror that activates when you signal a left turn, and provides a view of the passenger side of the road up to two lanes wide on the video screen on the dash console. The 2.0 litre model will be sold as the base model, but you can also opt for a 2.0 with the trim of the 2.4 – which makes it a total of three variants.
All variants are fitted with an ECON mode that modifies the engine and transmission response for better fuel economy. All variants also come with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
On the road, the new Honda Accord handles very well – independent suspension with stabilizer bars have been tuned to provide what I would term a very good balance between ride comfort and cornering ability – I had an opportunity to take the 2.4 litre Accord through a winding stretch of trunk road up in the hilly areas to the north of Phuket, and I found that it corners quite flat, if you know how to maximise weight transfer techniques. Even for a driver who has not been through any training, the Accord is ‘forgiving’ enough, and of course VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) with Traction Control (TC) will kick in to keep you on course.
Power-wise, the 2.0 litre variant feels good to drive, and I believe there are some mods to the final drive or lower gears (to be confirmed when we meet the engineers next week) to provide better acceleration. I would venture to say that for up to 85 or 90 percent of the people likely to buy the new Accord, the power of the 2.0 litre would be more than adequate. Those who want the additional bells and whistles can opt for the higher spec 2.0 model.
The 2.4 litre model, naturally, is more fun to drive on account of its better acceleration and higher torque, a feeling that is also contributed to by the additional paddles shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
Both cars are extremely agile, and despite the bulk and size, it still can be thrown into any corner in the hands of a good driver.
All in all, the new Accord will not fail to please – whichever engine variant you buy will depend on the size of your pocket-book, and your preference – prices will be announced next week at the launch.
