Accord 2.4 VTi-L

The D segment of the market is fiercely contested by all car marques as it makes a statement for the manufacturer and their capability. This segment also has a large pool of brands like the Sonata, Camry, Teana, Mazda6, Peugeot 407 and more. So, to stay relevant in this market, the model has to make a substantial offer to ensure and hold-on to its market share. The 8th generation Accord due to its pedigree and brand loyalty has always been a main player in this segment.  It is packaged to meet the high expectation of customers who are actually spoilt for choices.

As a top-of-the range model for Honda, this Accord is designed to offer sporty luxury as its chassis and bodyshell is totally redesigned. This model can be enjoyed while being chauffer driven during the week and self driven on weekends. The body is lightweight and rigid due to the use of high tensile steel to enhance ride and handling. By being sporty, it does not compromise in the interior and the cabin offers ample space to seat 5 passengers comfortable. Today’s fleet managers have plenty of choices but this Accord 2.4 will definitely be on top of their list as it puts the fun back into driving. It is an ideal corporate vehicle for businessmen, directors and executives who wish to travel is elegant luxury without breaking the bank!

One of the top priorities for Honda has always been market presence and due to this single minded pursuit, today there are 61 3S and 4S centres throughout Malaysia. This has been accomplished within a short span of time and in the near future, the target is 100 centres. For fleet operators, this must be music to their ears as the after-sale back-up services will always be within easy access.

In order for the Accord to stand out, much has been done to the exterior as the front with the bold bumper and strong shoulder lines make it striking in an environment. One stand-out is the sizable chrome front grille. The forward thrusting front end with pronounced wheel arches gives it a solid presence on the road and coupled with the sleek side profile, this Accord looks impressive. In the rear end, the new combination tails lights and wraparound bumper add to the overall appeal. 

Well, so much for the exterior but as most owners know, the most of the time spent with a car is in the interior and this area is well addressed. The dash has a matt finish and this combines well with the overall black interior with black leather seats. There is a feel of quality and luxury in the choice of material plus more importantly, the finish. The leather wrapped 4-spoke steering wheel felt responsive and eager to respond. It also contains the paddle shifts together with essential buttons including the cruise control switch. Overall, the cabin size can match or even surpass many of the makes in its class. The central display on the dash ensures all information like radio channel, aircon temperature and other information are clearly displayed so the driver can concentrate on the driving. With the centre facia neatly holding the audio system that comes with 6 speakers, 6-CD changer and the dual zone climate control, interior operations are a breeze. There is a sizeable console box with the USB port and the clove box plus many other pockets for storage space. One essential feature is the 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and the 4-way adjustable front passenger seat to make the ride that much more comfortable. The comfort of the rear passengers are also addressed with rear aircon vent and the armrest. For a car in this category, leg room is an important area of concern and this Accord offers ample.

The real vrooooom is delivered by 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 180PS at 6500rpm and maximum torque of 222Nm at 4300rpm. We tested this Accord on our way to Ipoh using both the highway and the old road just to be that much more thorough in our evaluation. The cruising speed of 110km/h was reached at 2200rpm and we manage to reach 160km/h at 3200rpm. The leather wrapper gear knob felt comfortable and while it is in “S” mode, the paddle shifts can be operated. Using the paddle shifts was great as it made instantaneous reaction to the road situation that much faster. The transmission is 5-speed with short gear ration that is very responsive at the touch of the pedal. Our take on the ride, comfort and NVH is above par. This by no means is just a passing remark as this overall package has gone through much refinement to meet the ever increasing expectations of the customers. We clocked more than 500km using only about three- quarter tank of fuel.

As a Honda, the aspect of safety is a crucial factor and much attention is paid to this area. There is 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. The front seats come 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. In the case of an impact with a pedestrian, the front hood and fender brackets are designed to deform in order to cause minimum damage. The HID headlights have the auto leveling feature and the door mirrors is easily adjusted via a button on the driver’s door. The ultrasonic sensor when activated makes this Accord a pleasure to drive.

The warranty offered is 3 years or 100,000km whichever comes first and 6 months free service or 10,000km whichever comes first. The Honda Insurance Package includes the panel of insurance companies consisting of Tokio Marine, Uni Asia, Berjaya Sampo, MISG and Etika Takaful. The package offers free towing & roadside repair assistance and many other essential services.

For fleet customers, there are special deals in the form of support/cash rebate on the OTR price and the quantum of total purchase. This is over and above other promotions undertaken throughout the year. The registration must be under the company/director (name must appear on form 24 or 49) and is only applicable to berhad or sendirian berhad.

The colour choices are Celestial Blue, Polished Metal Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Taffeta White. The price on-the-road with insurance for company registration in Peninsular Malaysia is RM174,435.50.

For further enquiries, call 1800 88 2020.

All prices valid as per 3 October 2012.