The gloom that was very much the talking point in the first half of the year seems to have relented and the second half is expected to be comparatively better. Although many are forecasting a decent turnaround, others are taking a cautious stand which means seeking value. This is where the Accord 2.0VTi-L variant fits-in perfectly as for the same price, more is offered. Honda recently had been very sharp in reading the pulse of the industry and the economic climate that the right products are introduced at the right time. This model fills the need in the market for an executive sedan that will not burn a big hole in the budget and neither will it have shortfalls in the area of specifications.

The launch of this variant was undertaken with the campaign ‘The Perfectionist’ which involved special photography and exhibitions in a number of major shopping centres around the country. A number of well known personalities were invited for this campaign including well known photographers. The collection of their work was complied into a commemorative handbook. This approach by Honda is clearly different from most campaigns but was done in order to reach out to the market place with a unique but original approach. In addition, this campaign managed to get attention back to the Accord brand in more ways than one. The new Accord has been making major inroads in the market place and this variant will without doubt accelerate its market share.

With the economic climate dictating the manner in which budgets and expenditure are being exercised, the thumb rule is to get the best value in any purchases. This Accord variant will suit the bill perfectly as it offers specifications which are normally available in a higher cc model. It will be ideal for any director, executive or senor manager in just about any industry.

The retail presence of Honda in the market has been continually improved as there are now 57 outlets throughout the country with 53 centres in Peninsular Malaysia and 4 centres in East Malaysia. With the continuous expansion of the dealers, fleet customers will have little problem in getting after sales support.

The front end conveys a wide presence giving this model a ‘large’ feel and coupled with the flared wheel arches, the solid yet refined, low stance is evident. A matching and attractive front grille enhances the fine exterior proportions.  With the dimensions of 4945mm length, 1845mm width and 1475mm height, it will meet or most likely surpass that of its competitors in its segment. If the front end is attractive, the rear end also stands out with the nicely designed tail lamps and reflector. Overall this Accord extrudes a mature and sleek profile that will certainly stand out in an environment.

The exterior is only a part of this impressive package as once on board, the ambience is nothing short of being just right. With the tastefully designed leather interior, the colour harmony in the cabin is by itself a statement of class especially with the generous use of quality leather. The dash is nicely laid out with the integration of the centre console that holds the climate control and the audio system. A neat display panel also sits on top of the dash to display essential information for the driver. The steering wheel comes with the highly useful tilt and telescopic feature that will accommodate the requirements of most drivers. For those tech and music savvy, the audio system supported with 6 speakers comes with 6CD changer with MP3 and WMA capability. A point which will very important to take into consideration is the rear seat legroom that can be described as ample. An essential add-on is the cruise control feature to make long distance driving so much more pleasurable. The door mirrors and also retractable to enable parking is tight spaces a little easier.

Now comes the core of this model is the powerplant which is the 2-litre 4 cylinder, 16 valve SOHC i-VTEC engine known for its dependability. This engine is rated to produce the maximum power of 156 PS at 6300rpm and the peak torque of 189Nm at 4300rpm. In our short test, we recorded reaching the cruising speed of 110km/h at a respectable 2300rpm and 120km/h at 2500rpm. This means that a speed of 160km/h can be reached at about 3400rpm. All this underlines the fact of this engine being efficient without sluggish in the power department. In terms of fuel economy, the fuel meter hardly moved after traveling more than 100km mainly in town. This engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that is proven and responsive. The front suspension is independent double wishbone with coil spring and stabiliser while the rear is independent multi-link with coil spring and stabiliser. This package is commendable to say the least.

This model comes with the usual high standard of safety features that includes G-Con bodyshell, i-SRS airbags from the driver and front passenger and VSA or Vehicle Stability Assist. In addition to this is the ABS with EDB plus the seat belts with load limiter and pretensioners. The front active headrest that helps to address neck injury is another reassuring feature.  

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 maintenance cost is 5000km RM144.05, 10,000km RM215.35, 20,000km RM369.60, 40,000km RM802.60, 60,000km RM601.50, 80,000 RM802.60 and 100,000km RM987.70

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.

The new colour choice added is Taffeta White while the others are Bold Beige Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. It costs RM RM150.378 on-the-road with insurance for private company registration in Peninsular Malaysia.

For all enquiries call toll free 1 800 88 2020.

All prices valid as on 9 October 2009.