2014 Honda Accord More Sophisticated Flagship
More spacious, more sophisticated flagship
- All-new 9th generation Accord features elegant, contemporary styling
- Longer, wider and taller with enhanced interior space
- New engines, including a sophisticated, muscular V6
- Premium interior execution combines comfort and quality
- New lighter front suspension enhances ride and handling
- Extensive array of advanced safety features
The all-new Accord, the 9th generation of Honda’s best-selling model, is now more luxurious, more sophisticated, better performing and better equipped than any of its predecessors in the model’s 38-year history.
This latest incarnation of the seventh best-selling car model of all time elevate the sense of luxury and craftsmanship, vehicle dynamics and range of standard equipment to class-leading levels.
Previewed at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) in October last year, the longer, wider and more spacious new Accord model has elegant and contemporary styling, but retains its athletic and sporty appearance – a hallmark of the generations that preceded it.
However, despite the complete generational changes, the new Accord is still tightly focused on providing the same long-established blend of unbeatable Honda safety and security, value for money, fun-to-drive performance and handling, and passenger comfort and convenience.
“The introduction of this all-new model sees the dawn of a new era for Accord in South Africa,” says Graham Eagle, Director of Sales and Marketing at Honda Motor Southern Africa.
“The Accord is a truly global car with an international design language. While the nameplate has always occupied a pivotal position within our line-up the more spacious and more sophisticated new Accord will now be the undisputed flagship of our range.
“To strengthen this positioning, and after thorough investigation and consideration, Honda Motor Southern Africa decided to move to the Accord primarily designed for the North American market for local introduction,” says Eagle.
Interior space has been improved in every dimension, creating an overriding sense of space and sophistication. Rear occupants, in particular, benefit from the extra space, while boot space has also been improved.
Three models are available with Elegance, Executive and Exclusive trim levels and a choice of 2,0-litre and 2,4-litre four-cylinder engines, and – for the first time in South Africa – a muscular 3,5-litre V6 engine.
The 2,0-litre and 2,4-litre models feature a refined, smooth-shifting five-speed automatic gearbox, while an advanced six-speed auto ‘box is reserved for the range-topping V6.
According to Eagle the new Accord range has all the hallmarks of greatness. “It elevates the Accord nameplate into even loftier territory than before, while providing its occupants with a premium-grade motoring experience.
“The addition of the V6-model means Accord can now compete at the top end of the mid-size executive segment, something not possible before. We expect that discerning South Africans will recognise the excellence of this truly sophisticated, elegant sedan.”
Completely new design
From the tip of the front bumpers to the end of the exhaust finishers, literally nothing was left untouched in the redesign of the latest Accord.
Under the watchful eye of lead project manager Shoji Matsui, who served as an engineer on the Accord platform from 1985 to 1996, all major elements such as the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, sheet metal, glass and aerodynamics, interior features and electronic systems, engines and transmissions, chassis components and the many safety systems were re-examined, redesigned and refined.
The result is a spacious all-new Accord that boasts a sportier appearance, more responsive handling, improved driving dynamics, enhanced visibility, greater fuel efficiency and even better safety systems.
At 4 885 mm the new model, while decreased in length and with a shorter wheelbase than its North American predecessor, is 160 mm longer than the previous Euro-model, with a 10 mm wider stance, while it stands 25 mm taller. Its wheelbase, at 2775 mm, is also longer by 70 mm.
The new Accord’s design and engineering are the most sophisticated in its 38-year history. More high-strength steel is used than in any other Accord in history – giving it high structural strength for improved ride quality and more precise cornering.
Bending rigidity is up by 34 percent and torsional rigidity by 42 percent compared to the previous-generation Accord. In dynamic tests, front lateral rigidity was better by 16 percent, while rear vertical rigidity was up by 39 percent.*
The body design is bold and decisive, but also sleek and fluid. The crisp lines are aerodynamically efficient and the body-sides expressive, with a character line flowing upward and rearward across the door surfaces, and a deep contour strategically positioned at the lower doors, offering substance and a sense of motion.
Bright window surround trim add a luxury feel, while at the back the upper sides of the rear fenders curve inward toward the C-pillars like flexed muscles. Chrome door handles and additional trim on the rear panel contribute added elegance.
Extensive use of aerodynamic detailing, including use of covers under the bodywork, improves the Accord’s aerodynamic efficiency, directly benefitting fuel efficiency.
Luxurious, spacious interior
To give the Accord every advantage in the highly competitive mid-size segment, a completely new interior was designed, bringing with it a level of luxury and craftsmanship never before seen in the Accord range.
It combines welcoming comfort with an impressive range of standard technologies. Particular attention has been paid to the interior finishes, which reflects in the high levels of tactile quality, creating an unmistakably premium ambience.
The completely new dashboard features multiple displays as high-tech interfaces for the car’s infotainment and communication systems. The controls and instrumentation have been simplified to help the driver feel in command, while redesigned seats and features like dual-zone climate control enhance passenger comfort inside the spacious cabin with 2 923 litres of space for the occupants.
Legroom is an ample 108 cm in front and 98 cm in the rear, front shoulder room is 150 cm and 144 cm in the rear and headroom is 96 cm and 94 cm respectively. The capacious boot features a near-flat floor and offers 453 litres of luggage space.
Interior quietness, seating and ergonomics aside a bright, full-colour “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) serves as the control centre for the Accord’s electronic functions while also housing the display for the rear view camera available in all three models.
A new audio system with touchscreen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling convenience, as well as a USB and auxiliary connection, is standard. In the 2,0-litre Elegance this is connected to six speakers, while in the 2,4-litre Executive and V6 Exclusive models six speakers and a subwoofer ensure superior sound quality.
Other standard features across the range include electric windows, heated leather seats for driver and passengers, as well as 8-way electrical adjustment for the driver’s seat with memory function. Also standard is a multi-function leather steering wheel, outside temperature display, front and rear armrests, and a rear air-conditioning vent for the passengers’ comfort.
Advanced and frugal engines
The new Honda Accord is offered with a choice of two in-line four-cylinder petrol-engines, and a V6. The entry-level 2,0-litre SOHC i-VTEC, carried over from the previous model, produces 114 kW of power, together with 190 Nm of torque.
This propels the 2,0-litre Accord from standstill to 100km/h in 11.7 seconds, attaining a top speed of 200km/h. Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 7.5 litres/100km, while its CO2 emission level is 178 g/km.**
The 2,4-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine uses Honda’s Earth Dreams technology, dedicated to enhancing fuel efficiency and minimizing the company’s environmental footprint.
With programmed fuel injection (PGM-Fi) its maximum output, rated at 132 kW, combined with a 225 Nm torque peak, propels the Executive from 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds. Fuel consumption for this model is 8.1 litres/100 km in the combined cycle with a CO2 emissions level of 192 g/km.**
The 3,5-litre V6 i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams technology and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) produces a muscular 207 kW with peak torque of 339 Nm, making the new V6 Exclusive the most powerful Accord ever available locally.
The V6 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, but still uses only 9.2 litres/100 km in the combined consumption cycle, with a CO2 emissions level of 217 g/km.**
Class-leading dynamics
An all-new MacPherson strut front suspension replaces the previous-generation Accord’s double-wishbone system. This highly evolved new front suspension is significantly lighter than the previous system with higher dynamic performance, giving the new Accord an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, stable and responsive handling and flatter cornering for class-leading dynamics.
It also uses a new aluminium and steel front sub-frame that reduces weight and, in conjunction with new rear compliance bushings and an independent multi-link rear suspension, also measurably reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
A new electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS) replaces the conventional hydraulically assisted power-steering system used on the previous-generation Accord, with reduced steering effort, improved precision, feel and stability, and less power consumption as the result.
Additionally, the steering column diameter on the new Accord has increased by 27 percent over the previous-generation Accord, resulting in greater vibration damping and increased vertical stiffness.
The V6-engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) uses a more powerful new-generation 28-volt Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system to minimize the effects of engine vibration as the VCM system switches cylinders on and off.
Sensors alert the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to direct the ACM actuators positioned at the front and rear of the engine to move to cancel engine vibration. This more powerful ACM is a key factor in the VCM’s broader range of operation in the new V6 Exclusive.
The flagship model also employs an Active Sound Control (ASC) system, using microphones and a signal processor relating to the function of the enhanced VCM system to further suppress engine noise.
All the new Accord models also uses an Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC) utilising microphones and a signal processor and the Accord’s audio speakers to further counteract unwanted exterior sounds such as wind, road and tyre noise .
The Accord’s drive-by-wire throttle system, carried over from the previous generation, uses smart electronics instead of a conventional cable system to connect the throttle pedal to the throttle butterfly in the intake tract.
The system offers better drivability and optimizes engine response to suit driving conditions by monitoring throttle pedal position, throttle butterfly position, road speed, engine speed and engine vacuum to define the throttle control sensitivity.
Five-star safety
Advanced active and passive safety systems, including ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assistance (EBA), vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist, trailer stability assist (TSA), daytime running lights, multiple airbags and active head restraints are standard in all Accord models.
The 2,4-litre Executive and 3,5-litre V6 Exclusive models also have LED headlights with auto-levelling, a High-beam Support System (HSS) and Active Cornering Lights (ACL) as standard.
Honda’s latest Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) – an award-winning safety system embracing individual elements such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System and a Collision Mitigation Braking System – features in the range-topping Accord 3,5 V6 Exclusive.
The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) uses radar to constantly monitor the distance and speed difference between the Accord and vehicles ahead of it. Should the distance become unsafe the system will alert the driver via audible and visual warnings on the Multi-Information Display (i-MID).
Should an accident become more likely not only will the system continue with audible and visual warnings, it will also tug and release the driver’s seat belt, while at the same time applying light braking.
When a collision seems unavoidable, the audible and visible warnings will continue while both the driver and front passenger’s seatbelts will be retracted and hard braking applied in preparation for impact. Should the accident be avoided the system will disengage allowing the driver to again take full control.
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) alerts the driver with audio and visual alerts when he or she begins to move out of a detected lane, while the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) regulates its speed to maintain a pre-set following distance.
The Lanewatch Blindspot Display uses a camera below the passenger-side exterior mirror to display a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the Multi-information Display.
The image appears when the turn indicator is activated, or when a button on the end of the indicator stalk is pressed. While the typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, the Lanewatch field-of-view is about four times greater, approximately 80 degrees.
The system helps the driver to see traffic, as well as pedestrians or objects in the vehicle’s blind spot, and the display has three reference lines to assist judging distance easier. It can also be customised to suit driver’s preferences.
Extended warranty and competitive pricing
The new Accord range, available in seven modern colours, namely White Orchid, Alabaster Silver, Twilight Blue, Modern Steel, Carnelian Red, Crystal Black and Golden Brown, comes standard with Honda’s three-year/100 000 km warranty.
Adding further value and peace of mind the Accord 2.0 Elegance and 2.4 Executive comes standard with a five-year/90 000 km service plan while in the case of the 3.5 V6 Exclusive a five-year/100 000 km service plan is included. The recommended retail prices also includes one year of roadside assistance.
Recommended Prices (including VAT and CO2 tax)
Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance R389 000
Honda Accord 2.4 Executive R449 000
Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive R549 000
Service intervals for the 2.0 Elegance and 2.4 Executive are 15 000 km, while for the 3.5 V6 Exclusive it is 10 000 km.
