Perfect 10: Honda Accord
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI), recently launched the all-new 10th generation Honda Accord.
“The Philippine Automotive Industry is now on its road to recovering from the impact of the Excise tax implementation back in 2018. However, due to the various economic factors, 2019 has continued to be a very challenging year,” said Noriyuki Takakura, president and general manager, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. “Today, as we launch its 10th generation, we are elevating the Honda Accord to new heights. Packaged in captivating design, pioneering technologies, and advanced features, the Honda Accord is meant to be a class above the rest.”
It was a captivated audience that listened and eagerly-anticipated the unveiling of the all-new Accord.
I was told that the all-new Accord is one of Honda’s second longest selling vehicles and is a contender in the midsize sedan category.
“The key objective for events like this is to introduce to the market new and exciting products,” said lawyers Louie Soriano, spokesperson, HCPI. “For today’s event however, we have chosen a different setting wherein the location complements the characteristics and image of the All-New Accord.”
I was impressed with the all-new Accord’s outstanding features like the more powerful 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine and the advanced Honda Sensing safety technology.
Since the Accord was introduced in 1976, it has been Honda’s second longest running nameplate in its global lineup. And, it is one of Honda’s best selling models with 22.8 million units sold (as of July 2019) since 1976.
The 10th generation Accord was developed under the grand concept “Absolute Confidence,” as it aims to be the sedan for the next generation. The all-new Accord presents itself as the embodiment of what Honda stands for in innovation; safety and advanced technology, elevating further the image of what a midsize sedan should be.
It’s got the look
The all-new Accord boasts a streamlined yet elegant overall exterior profile with its wider stance, lower roofline and a dramatically longer and lower hood. Honda’s signature chrome wing grille and streamlined wing-shaped headlights full-LED headlights with auto leveling and high beam features highlight the bold and upright front fascia. Combined with chiseled hood and LED fog lights the All-New Accord gets a very distinctive and aggressive presence on the road.
The lower roofline and sharp upswept bodylines create a stylish yet dynamic appeal. Completing the sleek and dynamic profile is an aggressive, cleverly designed and engineered 18-inch Noise-Reducing Alloy Wheels complete the commanding look.
Also, Honda adopted a laser brazing welding process for joining the roof and the side panels, which gives it an enhanced sophisticated look by creating a cleaner exterior appearance with no need for a garnish over the rain channels.
There’s more
As I took a look inside I liked that the all-new Accord boasts a larger, more premium and tech-savvy interior that complements its elegant new body design and more refined and athletic driving character. It is fitted with premium, high quality, and soft touch materials throughout the cabin with tasteful application of leather, wood and metal accents throughout.
The wider body and longer wheelbase also contribute to its improved cabin space. In addition, there is the improved cargo capacity as it now boasts a 573-liter trunk space, 123 liters more than its predecessor thanks to its increased dimensions.
I noted that the Accord implements an array of advanced technologies comparable to those found in vehicles from a class higher.
It is equipped with a seven-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display that can present a wide range of information and a speedometer on the right side of the instrument package. The TFT display presents various vehicle information with an upscale yet easy-to-read layout.
It also boasts a new 8-inch Display Audio system, which is one of the most advanced systems offered by Honda to date. The 8-inch touchscreen lets you control the vehicle’s audio system, display settings, Honda Sensing functions and other advanced features through swipe, tap and pinch gestures. The intuitive and easy-to-use system has a simplified menu structure and customizable shortcuts for commonly used features and applications.
Honda loves safety
Safety is always first for Honda and the Accord is an epitome of this. The Honda Sensing uses cutting-edge sensing technologies that aid the driver to prevent or effectively respond to dangerous driving situations. Honda’s suite of driver assistive features provides an array of advanced safety features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Auto High Beam.
With Honda Sensing, Honda aims to provide a collision-free mobility and safety for everyone sharing the road.
Together with Honda Sensing, safety features such as six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Stop Signal, Front & Rear parking sensors, Multiview Reverse Camera w/ Guidelines, LaneWatch Camera and Straight Driving Assist come is standard with the new Accord.
There was so much to see and fall in love with in the all-new Accord. But many of these features are better experienced than just looked at or read about.
I was also informed that the Accord will be available in three colors namely; Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black, and Modern Steel Metallic.
“Our objective for special events such as this is to convey a special message to our target market,” said Soriano. “If we are able to accomplish that effectively, and if our target market fully realizes that body of message of the model’s strengths and its benefits to the market, then target sales will be achievable.”
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For information, visit any of the authorized Honda Car dealerships today or visit www.hondaphil.com.