The executive sedan segment is  keenly contested by a number of marques vying for a slice not only to gain market domination but also to reinforce the brand’s presence. In the local scene, the players include the Accord, Camry, Sonata, Tiana , Mazda6 and a few more. The 7th generation Accord managed to corner a large slice of the market but since the launch of the Camry, the Accord faced a struggle. So, it was only a matter of time this 8th generation Accord was introduced.

The launch for this new Accord included as usual a visit to the market by the a number of personnel from Honda Motor Co.,Ltd. including Kenzo Suzuki, Executive Chief Engineer, Representative of Automotive Development and Satoru Azumi, Assistant – Large Project Leader. In their presentation, they highlighted that much research had been conducted in the Asean region on the needs and expectations of 7th generation Accord customers. In conclusion, customers wanted more luxury, space and the fun to drive feature. With more than 16 million Accords already on the road since 1972, it was indeed a challenge for the engineers as luxury and performance laid in two opposites. While it may seem a difficult task to achieve both these attributes at the same time, the engineers managed to find an optimum mix of these attributes and the result is the new Accord.

This all-new Accord is a totally redesigned car with a new chassis and bodyshell. Its appeal is unmistakable in the executive sedan segment and to support this even further, the floating rear sub frame is infused to reduce noise in the cabin. The cabin space in ample to seat 5 occupants on larger than normal seats. As a fleet car, this Accord will ably suit businessmen, executives as an ideal corporate vehicle. It carries with it the style & finish that will meet and easily surpass the requirements of most fleet managers. 

On the back of a good year for Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd in 2007, the continuous efforts to upgrade the dealership network has been an ongoing exercise with currently 50 3S centres in around the country and 3 Sales dealers.

This new design has a forward thrusting nose with the wheel arches and tyres pushed out to offer a totally new look.  In comparison with the earlier Accord, the stance of this Accord has been given a muscular make-over with clean shoulder lines that will make an impression at one glance. A stand out will be the rear combination lamps designs that will make heads turn in admiration. The rear also takes a totally new direction in design to add that much more class with a sleek side profile.

Open the door and the dash with its matt finish coupled with a combination of brush aluminum highlights and cleverly matched colour scheme is commendable. The leather 4-spoke steering wheel has the tilt and telescopic feature provides a good feel plus it has VGR for better responsiveness. The centre facia holds the dual zone climate control and also the audio system with 6-CD changer. A clear observation is the space between the front seats that has been increased by 40mm to offer a roomier cabin. In addition to this, the floor height has been lowered by 15mm for a better centre of gravity and the armrest widened by 70mm. The central display on top of the dash is carefully placed to be at the same eye level of the instrument cluster to avoid unnecessary eye movement for the driver and this is meant for easier operation. Overall this Accord has the biggest cabin space with a 3.5% increase in passenger volume and size compared to all the previous Accords.

Well so much for the exterior and the cabin but what about the guts? Ok, the powertrain is the 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine that is Euro 4 standard in emission. It is capable of the maximum power of 180 PS at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 222 Nm at 4300 rpm. Our test included a short stint to Kuantan plus a weekend drive in town and a journey to the nearby beaches. We recorded reaching the normal speed limit of 110 km/h at 2100 rpm, 120km/h at 2300 rpm, 140 km/h at 2700 rpm, 160 km/h at 3100 rpm and 180 km/h at 3500 rpm. The Shift Hold Control feature coupled with the paddle shift which comes online when the hand shifter is pushed to ‘S’ gives a superior driving experience. The transmission is 5-speed with a short ratio that adds to the quick response at the touch of the paddle. Added attention is paid to the suspension for the extra comfort with the independent double wishbone & coil spring plus stabilizer for the front and independent multi-link/ coil spring with stabilizer for the rear. It results in a quieter ride as the VNH or noise, vibration and harshness is significantly reduced. 

The package will not be complete without the essential safety features which are in place with the G-Con with ACE or Advanced Compatibility Engineering bodyshell plus the i-SRS airbags for the front occupants, dual side airbags with OPDS and dual side curtain airbags. For the seats, the headrest comes with active headrests while the other elements like the ABS with EBD and BA are available in addition to the VSA or vehicle stability assist that aids when skidding or cornering. For the stopping faculty, the front brakes are ventilated disc and the rear solid disc.

The standard warranty offered is 100,000km or 3 years whichever comes first and 2 year warranty for the battery or 40,000 km whichever comes first. The estimated maintenance cost is RM153.70 at 5,000 km, RM225 at 10,000 km, RM415.85 at 20,000km, RM873.25 at 40,000km, RM661.80 at 60,000km, RM873.25 at 80,000km and RM1196 at 100,000km.

The Honda Insurance Package panel of insurance companies is Tokio Marine, Mitsui Sumitomo and Uni Asia). The package offers free towing & roadside repair services, car rental assistance, arrangement for hotel accommodation, emergency message transmission; speedy approval process for repairs under RM10,000, medical referral and arrangement of medical appointments, dispatch of medication not available locally; medical evacuation/repatriation, medically supervised repatriation, visa/passport and inoculation requirements, arrangement of flights, return of children traveling with the member, location of lost items, legal referral, referral to interpreter/translator, service centre referral - 24hrs call centre with full auto assist program – 1 800 18 1177 or 03 7660 2215.
 
For colours, the choice is Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Sparkle Gray Pearl and Alabaster Metallic. The price on-the-road with insurance for company registration is RM181,792.40 in Peninsular Malaysia.

For all enquiries call toll free 1 800 88 2020.

All prices valid as per 23 June 2008.