The new 9th generation Honda Accord launched

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To all Japanese car lovers (in particular Honda fans), great news! The all new 9th generation Honda Accord has been launched and it is quite a winner! Sporting an entirely new design and brimming with new technologies (something we don’t see much in a Japanese D segment nowadays), the new Accord is set to conquer new heights for Honda in Malaysia. Heck, if we had an 8th Gen, we would gladly trade it in for the 9th without much thought. And the reason for this is numerous but we’ll get to that.

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What may not be commonly known about the Accord is that it has been 37 years since we saw the first model roll out and it has achieved a worldwide sale of 19 million vehicles since then in the previous 8 incarnations. Back home in Malaysia, over 51,500 units has been sold. It has a long list of trophies and it looks like the 9th is going to continue this tradition. While Japanese car makers aren’t particularly well known for technological innovations and styling, the new Accord breaks all these perception that would appeal to both middle and upper class, male or female.

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Design

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Everything goes back to the drawing board with the 9th Gen and the result is refreshing different yet undoubtedly an Accord. Measuring 4,870mm in length, 1,850mm in width and 1,465mm in height, it is 75mm shorter, 5mm wider and 10mm shorter compared to its predecessor. What is even more notable is that in most new model, the wheelbase increases. Not so with the Accord as it has actually shrunk from 2,800mm to 2,775mm. The key reason for this is because after doing numerous consumer studies, they found that a large number of buyers felt the 8th gen was a little too bulky when driving around town. Reducing its dimensions is the most logical thing to do to increase its appeal.

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The new Accord is the first Honda model sold here in Malaysia to incorporate LED Daytime Running Lights and the first Japanese D segment contender to feature LED Headlamps found in the 2.4 VTi-L. Also found only in the 2.4litre is the Active Cornering Lights (ACL) where additional lighting is automatically activated when the driver activates the indicators or turn the steering wheel more than 90 degrees (Not exactly a new thing in the market since we often see in some Korean and continental makes but a useful safety feature that’s a first in a Japanese car maker)

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There seems to be a growing trend with minimalistic tail lights as we see the Accord has a single strip signature on each side of the rump. The brake light occupies the remaining2 red bars and it’s very effective in warding off tailgaters at night. Speaking of brakes, the Accord now has Emergency Stop Signal where the hazard lights come on automatically when you do an emergency stop (again, not entirely a new thing but good addition)

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Found only in the VTi-L models is the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera jutting out below the rear Honda badge.

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Only seen on the passenger side mirror is a camera. This is part of the Honda’s LaneWatch where the vehicle’s blind spot (left side only, mind you) is displayed on the 8-inch full LED backlit VGA display. This system is automatically turned on when the driver activates the left signal stalk or can be manually turned on/off via the touch of a button

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As always, the differentiating element between variants are often found in the rims. The top 10-spoke 17″ rim belongs to the 2.0litre range and is wrapped in 225/50 rubber. The 2.4litre however gets the diamond shaped 18″ with 235/45 tires.

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Performance

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Two engine variants are offered with the new Accord: An updated 2.0litre 4 cylinder SOHC i-VTEC from the 8th for the 2.0 VTi and 2.0 VTi-L while the 2.4 VTi-L gets the new Earth Dreams 2.4litre 4 cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine. The 2.0litre engine produces 155PS @ 6,500rpm with 190Nm @4,300rpm while the 2.4litre kicks out 175PS @ 6,200rpm with 225Nm @ 4,000rpm. Both engines are paired to a 5-speed automatic gearbox with Shift Hold Control (carried forward from the 8th). In the US, the 9th has a CVT gearbox option but we won’t be seeing that here as market research indicates we prefer a more spirited kind of engine response which a regular torque converter can fulfill. Nevertheless, Honda is open to the suggestion that if there is sufficient market demands, the CVT could be a viable option.

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All variants will get the kill-joy ECON mode button which dampens throttle response, air conditioning throughput and changes the transmission’s shift patterns in order to achieve better fuel economy.

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Ride and Handling

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There has been quite a number of changes made to further improve the ride and handling of the Accord, most notable of all is ditching the double wishbones in front for a lighter MacPherson strut set-up. The rear multi-link is retained but has a new sub-frame mounting that promises less vibrations for passengers in the cabin. Other areas include reducing wind drag which should see better fuel economy and less wind noise and for this, Honda even brought in an ex-F1 engineer.

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Cabin noise is claimed to be the most quiet in its class thanks to improved sound dampening materials and the use of Active Noise Control which uses microphones in the car to detect unwanted sound and emits a counter frequency via the car’s speaker system to dramatically reduce low frequency noise. The Active Sound Control also controls engine sound to ensure minimal intrusion to occupants.

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A test drive is in order to ascertain all these changes, hopefully soon.

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Cabin Convenience

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The new cabin layout has a premium, luxurious feel that is never seen before in previous Accord models. Fit and finish is excellent and even though the wheelbase has shrunk compared to the 8th Gen, the interior remains comfortably spacious.

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As the 2.0 VTi does not have Cruise Control nor Bluetooth, you will note that its steering wheel only has audio control buttons on the left.

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The center has a very clean and uncluttered look about it thanks to Honda separating the air conditioning controls from the audio controls. For the 2.o VTi as seen above, the dashboard is simplified with the 8″ intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) sitting above the Touch Screen Audio System which is above the hazard light switch. Below it are the air con buttons.

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The i-MID display is a full LED backlit VGA and for the VTi-L range, it does the job of presenting to you GPS information and DVD playback (LaneWatch side camera display as well for the 2.4litre).

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The 2.0 VTi’s beige fabric seats is quite similar to those found in the 7th and 8th Gen whereas the all round black leather seats in the VTi-L range adds a greater touch of class and luxury

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One of the biggest concern most buyers may have is the shortened wheelbase which usually means a more cramped cabin. Conjuring spaces is Honda’s hallmark and not only is the cabin not smaller, rear legroom has actually increased by 35.5mm. I could fit a melon between my knees and the front seats! The thigh support is sufficient for my height and inclination of the backrest is comfortable enough for long journeys to be enjoyable for rear passengers.

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Boot size is up by 23litres from the 8th’s 450litres.

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For spares, you get a space saver tire.

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Safety

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The new Accord is now equipped with a few gadgets to further enhance its ability to avoid or, in the worse case scenario mitigate an accident:- . 2.0 VTi

• 2 Corner front sensors
• 4 Corner reverse sensors
• Dual front i-SRS airbags
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (MA-EPS)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• ABS
• EBD
• Emergency Stop Signal
• LED High Mount Stop Light
• Security Alarm System with Immobiliser
• Front Door Water Dispersing Glass
• Rear Seatbelt 3-point ELR x 3
• Rear seat ISOFIX

Ownership and Maintenance

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The new Accord comes in 3 forms; the base 2.0VTi sells for RM139,800, the 2.0 VTi-L sets you back for RM149,800 whereas the top-of-the-line 2.4 VTi-L has a price tag of RM172,800. Compared to the 8th Generation, the 2.0VTi is now cheaper by RM3,000 whereas price is maintained for the other 2 variant; something much appreciated considering you’re getting a new engine (for the 2.4litre) and new technologies that comes with the VTi-L range. Also to the delight of many, the service interval has now been increased from every 5,000km to 10,000km and the Accord comes with a 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.

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Fuel consumption is claimed to be at 7.7litres/100km for the 2.0litre engine (improved from 8.4litres) while the 2.4litre returns 8.2litres/100km (improved from 8.7lites). Makes me wonder how does a C segment smaller 1.6litre cc engine sucks a whopping 9.1litres when a much larger engine pulling a bigger, heavier car as seen here can do so with far less fuel. Ergo, it is rather amusing to hear some quarters wondering if the recently fuel hike of 20cents per litre of RON95 will affect the sales of the new Accord. Best we see how the increase affects that other C segment model before talking about the Accord.

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If we look at the spec sheet as a whole, there is quite a significant change in what Honda is giving you in the Accord. Compared to other entry-level D segments, here’s how it stands:-

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Note: Special thanks to reader Jeffrey Wong for pointing out the error in the Mazda 6 2.0 spec.

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Those highlighted in RED are differences compared to the 8th Gen Accord. If you have a bit more moolah and the type that likes all options to be ticked, here’s how the 2.4 VTi-L stands against all other top ends:-

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Naturally, keyboard warriors have started comparing the Accord with others in the segment (some even different segments for the same price) and the most common rival that’s pitted against it is surprisingly the Mazda 6, followed by its long-time nemesis, the Toyota Camry. Nissan’s Teana is no where to be seen.

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Let’s talk about the entry level first. Not many may first realize but the 2.o VTi is being offered as the cheapest D segment, underscoring even the Koreans (but then Koreans have been steadily increasing their prices to match their Japanese counterparts). Of course, one cannot expect much in terms of kit for paying the least but it is still a Honda and an Accord to boot. It might give those considering top-end C segments like the Focus and Jetta a headache since it puts the monthly installment difference to be marginal for such a price. Sure, the 2.0 VTi won’t out sprint, out maneuver or even outspec some of those cars but the prestige accorded to an Accord owner is higher (personal opinion, of course). Buyers with young children or senior citizen drivers won’t be looking at trashing the car or tailgating at high speeds so it has its appeal.

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As for the top end, being pitted with the Mazda 6 2.5litre is quite natural since the Camry’s spec sheet looks like a fresh recruit in the war for territory in D segment. The Accord also has to deal with the continental and Korean insurgents that has made significant headway into the market. Despite that, with the newly updated specifications in line with its ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ philosophy and providing technology that emphasizes more on the individual rather than the company (and RV heroes won’t have much to complain since it’s a Honda), I would say the new Accord is now an option that is worthy of being one of, if not the leading D segment choice of Malaysians.

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