Honda says the ‘mojo’ is back and one look at the all-new ninth-generation ccord confirms that assertion. Good looks, a new engine, extensive technology and priced from $31,490, the all-new Honda Accord has what’s required to tackle the likes of Mazda6, Hyundai i40 and Subaru Liberty.
Honda’s recent challenges are well documented – the global financial crisis, Japan earthquake and tsunami plus the Thailand floods all took their toll on one of Japan’s acclaimed automotive powerhouses. But now the all-new Accord joins the hot-selling CR-V mid-size SUV and four other new models due within 12 months to confirm Honda is back.
Honda Australia expects the all-new Accord to deliver around 300 sales per month and drive the 2013 total to more than 45,000 sales which should represent a market share in excess of 4.0 per-cent.
Honda Accord Overview
The all-new Accord will continue to sell alongside the Accord Euro – Honda says the two models appeal to different buyers. And the new Honda Accord continues with both four-cylinder and V6 petrol engines.
Honda Accord four-cylinder starts with the VTi model at $31,490. Next-up is the VTi-S ($33,990) which amongst its extras gains Honda’s brilliant new camera-based ‘LaneWatch’ blind spot monitoring system, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED DRLs and a premium audio system.
Topping the four-cylinder range is the Honda Accord VTi-L ($41,490) with additions including 18-inch alloys, satellite navigation leather seats and a sunroof. On the options list is Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) which brings adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assistance.
Honda Accord V6 is available in one highly-specified grade (V6L) including ‘LaneWatch’, unique 18-inch wheels, eight-way electronic adjustment for the front seats and the ADAS system. Pricing is $51,990.
The four-cylinder models boast a new 2.4-litre powerplant driving through a five-speed automatic transmission while the V6 model scores a revised powerplant and drives through a six-speed automatic transmission. Both are more fuel-efficient than their predecessors.
Honda Accord Engine
Honda’s new 2.4-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine delivers 129kW at 6200rpm and peak torque of 225Nm at 4000rpm. The new four-cylinder is six per-cent lighter than its predecessor and seven per-cent more fuel efficient with the combined cycle rated at 7.9l/100kms.
The 3.5-litre V6 has been substantially revised for fuel efficiency and driveability – with two-stage cylinder de-activation and more torque at both low and high engine speeds. Maximum power is 206kW at 6200rpm and peak torque of 339Nm is delivered at 4900rpm. While the block is unchanged, Honda says the revised V6 is 3.5 per-cent lighter and fuel economy has been improved by seven per-cent to 9.2l/100kms (combined cycle).
Honda Accord The Interior
Masao Nakakno, Accord’s project leader in Honda’s R&D department visited New Zealand for the local media launches and he told Car Showroom the focus for interior development was more luxury and ‘craftsmanship’ than before. He added that extra interior space was also not negotiable.
Despite the shorter 2775mm wheelbase, the all-new Honda Accord gains a noticeable extra 33mm of rear seat legroom and 9mm more front shoulder room.
Honda is particularly proud of the new upper instrument panel which, thanks to a new manufacturing process, is one piece of soft-touch material (model-dependent cloth or leather).
There are some nice curves in the Honda Accord’s dashboard and instrument panel and all variants score a new eight-inch colour i-MID multi-information screen. Instruments are conventional three gauges with another information screen for the driver included in the middle of the speedometer.
That eight-inch i-MID screen doubles as the image for the 180-degree reversing camera (standard on all models) and, where fitted, Honda’s brilliant new ‘LaneWatch’ blind spot system. Hit the indicator to turn left and a camera mounted in the left-side exterior mirror conveys a view of the left-side lane, complete with distance markers so ensure it’s safe to change lanes – a great innovation which is the best of its type.
As always with Honda, the driving position in the all-new Accord is top-notch regardless of whether you have power assistance for the drivers’ seat. The steering wheel (rake/reach adjustment) is the right size, paddle shifters (where fitted) fall perfectly to hand and the gear-lever is handily placed and nicely shaped.
Seats are a new design and we must say Honda Accord’s new fronts are beauties – nicely supportive for lateral movement and also around your shoulders.
And if you haven’t sat in the rear of a Honda Accord for a while, you’re in for a pleasant surprise – even with tall folk comfortable up-front, those in the rear enjoy plenty of legroom (equivalent to much larger sedans in fact).
Honda Accord Exterior & Styling
At first glance the all-new Honda Accord’s styling is certainly an evolution of the previous model, but as always the clever parts are in the detail. Shorter, wider and lower than the previous model, smart Honda design sees the all-new Accord deliver more interior space (despite 25mm less in the wheelbase) and more cargo space (461-litres).
And the lower waistline means more glass for better all-round visibility.
Aerodynamics scored a lot of work – underbody panels which are not visible but also the ‘teardrop’ body shape and flush A-pillars.
The front sees Honda’s hallmark wide grille nicely accented with chrome and blending into the new design headlights (LED on everything except the VTi) while the side view sees more curves than before – especially around the rear three-quarters and the lower door sections.
The rear features nice, modern ‘wraparound’ LED lights and a higher bootline with a nice aero ‘kick-up’.
Honda Accord On The Road
The all-new Honda Accord actually arrived in New Zealand a few weeks ahead of Australia so, keen to get a fast start, Honda sent us to Auckland to try the all-new ninth-generation models over the excellent roads north of the city.
CarShowroom drove both six-cylinder and four-cylinder models during a full day and as we scored the V6 first we couldn’t wait the try the camera-based ‘LaneWatch’ side-view camera system. Without doubt Honda’s is the best of these systems – displaying the image on the 8.1-inch monitor with crystal-clear vision and colour-graded distance markings. Incorrect lane-changing is a major cause of road accidents and Honda’s system is a brilliant solution.
Honda has some former F1 Grand Prix drivers in its development team and they worked on calibrating the Accord’s new MacPherson strut front/independent rear suspension systems. Combined with a stiffer platform and enhanced sound deadening, the result is a new Accord which is both much sharper in its driving dynamics and more refined over all road surfaces.
Steering wheel paddle shifters for manual changes brought handy response from the V6 and we liked the crisper turn-in for both high and low-speed corners.
However our preferred Honda Accord was actually the four-cylinder version. The new 2.4-litre powerplant is nicely responsive and we felt it was better balanced as a total package.
And we actually preferred the steering response and feel of the four-cylinder Accord.
Honda Accord Challenges
No diesel choice for the Honda Accord and there’s no wagon model.
Honda Accord Verdict
It’s a compliment to say the all-new ninth-generation Honda Accord is just like its predecessors. That means a cleverly executed mid-size sedan which has all the artillery to match the best in this class.
Accord is a global car for Honda and smart engineering of the all-new model has more than addressed customer demands – primarily more interior space and better driving dynamics.
Where Honda has really stepped it up is that ADAS system (adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and collision mitigation braking) plus the ‘LaneWatch’ camera system. That combination places the Accord right at the front of the pack in mid-size sedan technology.
Take on-board that technology, the extra space, shaper driving dynamics and handy pricing and the conclusion is the all-new Honda Accord ranks amongst the best mid-size sedans.
Honda Accord The Competition
Honda Accord takes-on some very impressive mid-size sedans – none more so than the Mazda6. Although a little pricier (starting price $33,460), the Mazda6 commands attention for its looks, space, driving dynamics and 2.5-litre petrol engine. Mazda6 also offers a diesel and wagon models.
Subaru Liberty is also a hot-seller and priced from $32,990 delivers Subaru’s hallmark all-wheel-drive driving dynamics, quality and 2.5-litre or 3.6-litre boxer engines.
Hyundai’s European-designed i40 is a value star starting from $29,990. Powered by a 2.0-litre engine, the i40 offers eye-catching looks and is nicely refined.
Ford’s German Mondeo is a Car Showroom favourite mid-sizer and starts at $31,490. An all-new Mondeo model range is imminent but we hear it could be delayed until late this year due to hot sales in Europe stretching production capacity.
Thumbs-up: Obvious quality; spacious interior; much sharper to drive; brilliant blind-spot camera safety
Thumbs-down: Styling still on the conservative side; no wagon model; no diesel
