Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. yesterday announced the arrival of the newly updated Accord for 2011. Highlighted by value-added features and enhanced styling, the latest Accord is a refined version of the 8th generation model. “Accord has an illustrious history that spans across 35 years, during which it has grown into a truly global car with a legacy of awards and innovations. As one of Honda’s bestselling vehicle lines, Accord is sold in more than 160 countries with a cumulative sale of more than 18 million units from 1976 to 2010,” said Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.
He further added: “In Malaysia, 7,322 units of Accord was sold last year representing 16.5% of Honda Malaysia’s total sales; this made Malaysia the No. 1 Accord market amongst ASEAN countries and one of the biggest markets for Accord in the Asia & Oceania region, contributing to 22% of the region’s total sales last year.”
Some of the reasons cited by Malaysian customers for their preference of the Accord included its performance, marked by excellent drivability, fuel economy and Honda’s renowned i-VTEC technology; sporty exterior styling; luxurious and comfortable interior with the largest space in its class; and a youthful image coupled with Honda’s strong branding.
Taking cues from what customers like about it, the new Accord has been further enhanced in exterior styling and features to bring its sophistication to a new level with the same high performance expected of Accord. This is achieved with a set of new sporty chrome front grille and bumper, elegant rear chrome trunk lid, and smart-looking new 17” alloy wheel design for selected model. In terms of value-added features, it now offers front corner sensors, an enhanced interior cabin, and a new jack-knife key for a safer and more luxurious drive.
Overall, the style-enhanced Accord expresses an even more upscale and powerful presence. While the car front continues to feature a powerful forward-thrusting nose, long, sharply cut headlights, it is now complemented with new chrome front grille and bumper for a sharply defined sporty and yet elegant appearance. The rear of the car is also refined with a new chrome trunk lid that gives it a premium and luxurious touch. The 2.4-liter model now comes with a newly designed 17” alloy wheel that adds to its total sporting class.
Along with the refined exterior, drivers can expect the new Accord to continue to deliver a delightful driving experience with its existing Variable Gear Ratio or VGR Steering – a mechanism that provides precise handling and stability during high speed driving, and ease to manoeuvre at tight corner; Shift Hold Control, which reduces gear shift during cornering and supplies acceleration after a turn; and 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, which offers an incredibly smooth drive and better fuel economy.
With one of the largest cabin rooms amongst cars of its class, including those of continental make, the Accord is already offering a comfortable and luxurious feel and ride for both driver and passengers. The refined interior of the new Accord features a thicker floor mat to reduce the effect of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), thereby providing an even quieter and luxurious ride; and both 2.0-liter VTi-L and VTi variants now come with new leather steering wheel, with an added leather gear knob for the latter.
In terms of safety, the new Accord will continue to utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); and new front corner sensors for safer parking for all variants. The 2.4-liter variant has additional safety equipment including the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and front seat side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS). With all the refinements in its exterior styling, new value-added features, coupled with Accord’s existing advanced technologies, the new Accord promises a sporty luxurious, safe and performing drive. In consideration of providing the best value for customers, Honda Malaysia announced the good news that it will maintain the price for all new Accord variants with the enhanced exterior styling and value-added features (in the aforementioned).
The three new Accord variants and their on-the road with insurance retail prices are: the 2.0-liter VTi model retailing at RM142,800; the 2.0-liter VTi-L model with additional features and more luxurious touches, retailing at RM149,800; and the 2.4-liter VTi-L model retailing at RM172,800. It is available in five colours: the all-new Celestial Blue Metallic; and other existing hues in Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.
The new Accord will appeal to those who aspire to succeed in life, appreciate the finer things, and enjoy a luxurious and high performance drive. In line with the target customers’ aspirations, Honda Malaysia is embarking on a nationwide photography exhibition tour entitled The Journey of Ambition, to showcase the legacy of Accord driven by Honda’s engineering spirit and boundless ambitions. Honda customers and visitors can view the exhibition at Queensbay Mall in Penang from 13 to 17 April; One Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya from 20 to 24 April; Empire Gallery in Subang from 25 to 29 May; and Terbrau City in Johor Bahru from 21 to 26 June.
Starting immediately, customers can visit all authorised Honda showrooms nearby to view and test-drive the new Accord. For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to Honda Malaysia’s website at http://www.honda.com.my
