Crisply styled and aerodynamically efficient, this 9th generation Honda Accord now comes with the SENSING system included for added safety…….the trouble is……most of you might not know much or at all about SENSING. Let us explain. Honda Sensing is a collection of safety features which are available for the first time on this Accord. These features use cameras positioned around the vehicle and a radar system to help give the driver a complete view of the road. On top of that Honda Sensing will try to alert the driver when they are at risk of a collision, and correct steering and braking in dangerous driving conditions.
Honda Sensing is composed of five key systems:
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS):
- reduces the likelihood and severity of a frontal impact
- will lightly brake if the vehicle does not start to slow down when at risk of a collision
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS):
- gently corrects steering if the vehicle begins to leave the lane without signalling
LaneWatch Blind Spot Display:
- uses a camera which is mounted to the passenger-side mirror
- provides a live feed of the right-hand side of the road
- increases visibility
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC):
- uses a radar system which is hidden in the grille, and a camera in the rearview mirror
- helps to maintain a set speed and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you
Lane Departure Warning (LDW):
- uses the camera mounted to the passenger-side mirror
- will alert the driver if the vehicle starts to leave the lane without signalling
This Accord features a sportier, more sophisticated and expressive styling cues, including restyled front and rear bumpers fascia, a new grille and new taillight designs, as well as new wheels. There is a more sharply creased and contoured aluminum hood replaces the steel hood on earlier versions and meets up with a brighter, more pronounced front grille. The new more expressive face of Accord is complimented by a more sharply sculpted rear bumper fascia and new LED taillight design. This Accord 2.4L rides on 235/45/18 tires.
It’s hard to imagine anyone could ever feel short of leg, knee and elbow room in this Accord and shoulder and head room are both generous too. This relates to possibly the best passenger comfort in this segment.
The steering is nicely weighted with enough road feel to give the driver some great feel and feedback. The spring and damper set-up on this Accord is pretty much spot on; its relatively firm through corners, providing good levels of body control and very limited roll which had us pinching ourselves to check if we were driving a German sedan or a Japanese sedan. Ride quality is also excellent, smoothing bumps with authority.
As for handling and road manners, there are no issues. The 18-inch wheels grip eagerly on wet or dry surfaces This Accord offers first-rate front-end grip with predictable understeer during really hard cornering. As you’d expect, this Accord’s suspension is stiffer than the Nissan Teana and the Toyota Camry and this is because Honda tries to deliver a firmer sportier ride in this segment. Generally, it absorbs the bumps and potholes pretty well, although undulating and uneven road surfaces, driven over at high speed, will get this Accord responding back with some stiffness due more to its origin where such roads are almost never a question.
The automatic transmission is a dream to use and there is hardly a hint of shift and kick down effect even when confronting a quick immediate pickup or emergency slowdown. This is a comfortable sedan and after 4 days with it behind the wheel and also in the rear of the cabin, it was clear winner in its ability to offer great comfort and exciting behind the wheel experience.
Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L SENSING Specifications
Engine: Earth Dreams Technology, 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Capacity: 2356cc
Transmission: Electronically Controlled 5-Speed Automatic
Max Power: 175PS @ 6200rpm
Max Torque: 225Nm @ 4000rpm
Selling Price: RM169,800
