MANILA, Philippines - Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, successfully launched the 9th generation Honda Accord at Blue Leaf Filipinas in Pasay City, recently. Introducing in a luxurious fashion, the Honda Accord, offered in 2.4 S and 3.5 SV variants is bound to set the new standard in its segment.
The 9th generation Accord prides itself on the improved “Honda DNA†of durability, quality and reliability. While maintaining its winning combination of smart packaging and sophisticated styling, the engineers who worked on this Accord improved on the vehicle’s already impressive fuel economy, fun to drive performance, comfortable ride and cabin quietness with advanced safety features, making it the true value for money vehicle in its class.
“I could not think of anything but to start the year right by introducing Honda’s flagship model. With the launch of the all-new Accord, we aim to present nothing but a sedan that excels in all areas that customers expect from this segment, from exterior to interior,†said Tatsuya Natsume, HCPI’s president and general manager.
Based on the “dynamic intelligent sedan†exterior concept, the solidly built body panel and perfectly contoured body not only improve the all-new Accord’s aerodynamic efficiency but also sport a more elegant and luxurious appearance. Seamlessly complementing the upscale stature of the Accord is the addition of LED daytime running lights, LED brake lights, fog lights, power folding side mirrors with signal lights and, a-first-in-class-feature, LED dual projector type headlights that hint of what luxury awaits inside.
As you look into the Accord, the first thing you will notice are plush leather seats fitted with only the finest interior materials that provide comforting luxury for this executive sedan. Both front seats are power adjustable — designed for a more convenient ride and drive. The 3.5 SV variant gets an additional two-position memory function for the driver seat enabling you to say good bye to cumbersome readjustments.
There is an the innovative onboard infotainment system featuring two-colored screens that enhances overall convenience. But there is one button that has been added to the advanced dashboard design – the push start button. The Smart Key with Push Start System intelligently locks and unlocks the doors without even touching the smart key and a push button to start or turn off the engine. Push it once and a bright, full-color eight-inch screen will activate. This is the intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) which shows information such as fuel consumption, trip computer, and pretty much all necessary vehicle information. The smaller of the two screens (located at the bottom) is for the audio system; with an intuitive touch screen, allowing users to effortlessly control the audio setting and music playback. These screens work hand in hand to operate the hands-free telephone function and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity, available for the top of the line variant, promoting safety and convenience. The i-MID and audio screen can also be controlled easily via the controls mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The all new Accord’s noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) levels are significantly improved through strengthening of the body frame and optimizing the application of sound proofing insulation. Helping to achieve this goal further is the efficient application of the Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). These functions detect cabin noise from a microphone that triggers optimal noise cancelling waves to be emitted from the speakers to remove noise creating a more linear engine sound resulting to a remarkably quiet ride.
The all new Accord is the first model available in the Philippines that is equipped with Honda’s revolutionary “Earth Dreams Technology,†a next generation set of technological advancements that enhances the engine to greatly improve both fuel efficiency and driving performance. Capable of producing 281 ps at 6,200 rpm, the 3.5-liter Accord is the most powerful Accord ever. In addition to the efficient i-VTEC engineering, the 3.5-liter V6 engine is still accompanied by Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and comes with the six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for enhanced fuel economy. The 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder model on the other hand, offers 175 ps at 6,200 rpm and comes with a five-speed automatic transmission also with paddle shifters.
All variants of the all-new Accord are now equipped with the Eco Assist system, which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission, and air conditioning performance to improve fuel consumption; and the Eco coaching ambient light that promotes a more fuel efficient driving habit by glowing green when throttle input is light and glowing white when throttle input is heavy.