2017 Honda Accord: Better value for the ringgit

By THOMAS HUONG | 25 April 2017


Among the popular Japanese executive D-segment flagship sedans in the country, the Honda Accord is well-known for its driving refinement, premium features, nice handling, as well as smooth and strong powertrain.

The Accord is among the reasons for the rapid growth of Honda Malaysia sales in recent years, resulting in the marque retaining the crown of the top selling non-national marque in the past two years.

Honda Malaysia likes to point out that the Accord is a favourite among Malaysians, with over 75,000 units on the road since its introduction in 2001 in the country.

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To recap, the facelifted ninth-generation Accord was launched last September and is available in three variants.

On-the-road prices with insurance are RM144,800 (2.0 VTi); RM153,800 (2.0 VTi-L) and RM172,800 (2.4 VTi-L).

New Accord buyers would be delighted that the price of the 2.4-litre Accord is RM5,000 lower than the pre-facelift unit.

The facelifted Accord received a new front bumper design, stylish LED headlights for both front and rear, plus two-tone black and silver rims.

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There is also an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display unit (located between the central air-conditioning vents).

This system is Apple CarPlay compatible and Android Auto ready, and comes with hands-free telephone control with voice recognition and MirrorLink.

Above this touchscreen display is a Multi Information Display that shows data such as driving range, fuel consumption and audio track playing.

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The facelifted Accord offers better value with more features; the entry-grade Accord 2.0 VTi variant gets smart entry, push-start ignition and cruise control while the best-selling mid-grade 2.0VTi-L variant is fitted with auto dim rearview mirror, auto wiper, and front power seats.

Regarding safety kit, all facelifted Accord variants get six airbags, rear seat ISOFIX points, vehicle stability assist (VSA) and hill start assist (HSA).

The top two Accord variants get a multi-angle rearview camera and Honda LaneWatch camera to reduce blind spots.

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Equipment that is exclusive to the top-grade 2.4 VTi-L variant include LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, auto levelling headlights, paddle shifters, powered rear sunshade, premium audio system with subwoofer, active cornering lights and hydrophilic door mirrors for better vision while driving in rain.

Drive to Kuantan and Gambang

In order to showcase the best qualities of the facelifted Accord, Honda Malaysia recently organised a drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan and Gambang, Pahang for the motoring media.

We were paired with two other writers in a 2.4-litre Accord, and the 400km drive route to Pantai Chendor took us on a mix of small town roads and smooth highways including the Kuala Lumpur - Karak Expressway and East Coast Expressway.

The interior has a premium ambience with nice faux wood panels, black plastic surfaces and comfortable leather upholstery.

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There are lots of storage spaces and sockets for electronic stuff, including four door bins, a centre storage bin with an arm rest for front occupants, and two cup holders with a rear centre arm rest.

You will also find ports for 1.0A USB, HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) and a 12V accessory power outlet in the centre storage bin.

Another 1.5A USB port is found on the centre console.

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For those who need a nicotine fix, the Accord still comes with a traditional cigarette lighter socket and removable ash containers in the rear door bins.

Our test drive unit also came with Modulo accessories such as a removable boot tray which would be useful for wet clothing or market produce, a boot drawer (rated for 3kg maximum) and side step illumination.

Rear air-conditioning vents help to cool occupants, and 1.7-metre adults will find rear headroom to be adequate.

There’s plenty of rear leg room, befitting a premium executive D-segment sedan.

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When driving on roads clogged with heavy vehicles, the 2.4-litre Accord provides plenty of punch and strong overtaking performance.

The 2.0-litre Accord was no slouch either in the power department during high-speed highway runs.

Handling is excellent, and the Accord felt very planted when we took it on a curvy and winding route on Jalan Tras near the durian orchards around Kampung Baru Sang Lee, Bentong.

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It also helped that our 2.4-litre Accord was running on grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres sized 235/45 R18.

The Accord’s cabin is also a quiet place with low levels of road, wind and engine noise intrusion, even at the redline when we floored the throttle.

In summary, the facelifted Accord has more lavish equipment than ever.

This makes a great choice for those who enjoy large D-segment executive sedans with high refinement, nice handling, and slick powertrains.

Honda Accord 2.0 VTi (price RM144,800)

- 155ps/190Nm engine
- Front and rear disc brakes
- 225/50 R17 tyres
- Halogen headlights
- Automatic headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED front fog lights and tail lights
- Smart entry with Push-start button
- Cruise Control
- Multi-information display with colour
- Dual-zone air-conditioning
- Rear air-con vents
- Black fabric upholstery
- 7-inch touchscreen with MP3/IPod, USB, HDMI features
- 6 speakers
- Six airbags
- Rear ISOFIX points
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brake distribution (EBD)
- Hill start assist (HSA)
- Front and rear parking sensors

Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L (price RM153,800)

- Automatic wipers
- Auto dim rear view mirror
- Black leather upholstery
- 8-way powered driver seat with lumbar support
- 4-way passenger power seat
- Rear side door sunshade
- Multi-angle rear view camera
- Honda Lanewatch camera

Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L (price RM172,800)

- 175ps/225Nm engine
- 235/45 R18 tyres
- LED headlights
- Auto levelling headlights
- Paddle shifters
- Powered rear sunshade
- Premium audio system with subwoofer
- Active cornering lights
- Hydrophilic door mirrors

Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L (gallery)

Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L (gallery)

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