New Honda Accord

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has begun sales of the all-new Accord and Accord Tourer models in Japan on December 5, 2008, which features charismatic styling, exceptional driving performance and advanced safety features such as side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard equipment on all model types.
 Since the introduction of the first-generation Accord in 1976, Honda has continued to evolve this model in consistency with the concept of "harmony between people and the automobile" and by studying the fundamental nature of automobiles using Honda's original ideas and technologies to continue offering products that create new value for customers around the world. 

In developing this eighth-generation Accord, which was created with a focus on "advanced quality," Honda took an uncompromising approach looking at both the essence and details of each area of performance and functionality to dramatically improve the quality of the entire vehicle.

As for the Accord Tourer, it was named for its ability to support an active lifestyle, delivering the highest levels of quality and comfort for interurban, freeway wagon touring. In the Accord Tourer, the shortened roof and boldly slanted rear window offer a sporty proportion. The sculpted panels of the hatchback area support exceptional capacity and ease of loading while further emphasizing sportiness. 

Looking at the latest specification details suggest the new Accord is moving in the right direction. The styling, described as an "evolution" of the current model, is lower, wider, and significantly harder looking than before and we must admit it’s much better looking than the model sold on our shore. 

Honda has described benchmarking the current BMW 3 Series during chassis development, and sees this as the dynamic target and it should at least be good for enthusiastic drivers. Compared to the previous version which was already a good steer, the new Accord has a wider track and a lower centre of gravity. The suspension is all-new, too, featuring double wishbones at the front, a multilink set-up at the rear, and variable rate dampers.
The electric assisted steering has a new "high output, low inertia brushless motor" technology which delivers plenty of feedback, especially at higher speeds. Combined with a quicker steering rack, and a reduced bodyroll and sharper responses, the new Accord will prove an able entertainer. 

The all-new Accord sold in Japan has a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC (206 PS), engine which achieves both powerful engine performance for dynamic driving and superior environmental performance. Mated to the 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters brings out the dynamic qualities of the engine and expands the fun of driving. Noise is thoroughly suppressed to achieve superior quietness and comfort.

And this Accord is also equipped with a host of highly advanced technological features with enough acronyms. First there’s the standard-fit Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA - Honda's ESP), which now includes Trailer Stability Assist, the new Accord also has the Motion Adaptive EPS and a whole suite of safety components collectively branded ADAS (Advanced Driving Assist System). 

The Motion Adaptive EPS uses the Accord's Electric Power Steering to help you intuitively correct "instability" by buzzing the steering to prompt you to steer in the optimum direction while the ADAS adds CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) to its existing LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System) and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) elements. 

The interior design and materials of the Accord series provide an authentic quality and meticulous attention to detail for exceptional refinement and comfort. The instrument panel with a powder slush-molded surface features a high-density dimpled pattern and soft texture for a high-quality look and feel. Newly developed meters with centripetally oriented needles offer ease of reading and an advanced appearance.
Than the sculpted metallic panels boldly extending from the ends of the instrument panel to the doors help create luxurious personal space for the front seat occupants. In every detail, the interior displays a finish of the highest quality: gaps between different materials have been minimized thanks to high-precision construction, every door features door end garnishes identical in color to the interior, and the inner surfaces of the glove compartment and every storage area have a premium texture. 

This version of the all-new Accord is distinctive enough to offer a convincing alternative to the German premium and we like it very much. We don’t know why this version is not sold here just like the previously and also impressive Accord Euro version although it was sold in Singapore. 

Interestingly, this Japanese market all-new Accord is similar to the one’s sold in Europe and they are getting a much handsome looking Honda Accord there which no doubt is a convincing rival to the other German marques both to drive and in value for money. So is anybody here listening?

Source: Honda Press
This is article is available from ON THE ROAD magazine.