2016 New Honda Accord Launched In Malaysia – From RM144,800

Following a brief preview earlier in August, Honda Malaysia has today launched the new Honda Accord. The pictures don’t quite do it justice because the new Accord is really quite a looker when viewed in sheet metal.

Restyled to look more premium Acura-like, the new Accord’s styling updates have succeeded in ensuring that it keeps pace with its younger sibling the all-new Civic’s space-age looks.

Mechanically, the new Accord is similar to the outgoing model, and continues to retain its three-variant line-up. Engine options are still either a 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC or a 2.4-litre DOHC Earth Dreams Technology i-VTEC. Both are paired to a 5-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Crucially, safety features have been significantly improved with only minimal increase in prices, while the flagship 2.4 VTi-L model is now about RM5,000 cheaper than before.

Prices for all three variants are as follows:

• Accord 2.0 VTi: RM144,800
• Accord 2.0 VTi-L: RM153,800
• Accord 2.4 VTi-L: RM172,800

Prices quoted are on-the-road with insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia.

What’s New

The new front-end design, flanked by a pair of new headlamps (full LEDs for 2.4 VTi-L), centred on a bolder chrome grille have slashed several years off the familiar current generation Accord, which has been with us since 2013. The new bumper also features LED front fog lamps.

The 2.0-litre models also feature new 17-inch wheels, while the the 2.4-litre model gets new two-tone 18-inch wheels.

Curiously, Honda has decided to change the bonnet of the new Accord – not a common item to be changed mid-lifecycle as it can be a rather costly exercise. The new almost clamshell-like bonnet immediately transforms the familiar Accord’s front-end to give it a far more road presence.

Behind, the tail lamps feature a rather BMW-like pair of LED tail lamps, and a pair of horizontal chrome strips.

The new Obsidian Blue Pearl colour also lends a new, more youthful vibe to the otherwise corporate looking Accord. It’s still a very corporate looking car, but it’s now more Facebook Inc. and less Citigroup Inc.

Inside, the dashboard also features new wood grain print trimming, while the 2.0 VTi-L and 2.4 VTi-L models gets new gloss black metallic print inserts on the centre console, armrest for the front doors, rear centre armrest and surrounds for the rear air-conditioning vents.

There’s also a new instrument panel (improved type face, European market model shown) while the infotainment system is now upgraded to support Android Auto and Apple Car Play. What this means is that certain approved mobile applications like Google Maps can now be shown on the Accord’s 7-inch infotainment display screen. GPS navigation system has been deleted from all variants, but with Android Auto/Apple Car Play, the slow to input GPS won’t be missed.

Crucially, key active and passive safety features like six airbags, electronic stability control (VSA), ISOFIX, Hill Start Assist, ABS and EBD are now offered as standard across the Accord range.

Below is the summary of differences in specifications/features for all three variants of the Accord:

The new Accord is now available with 3 new colours, with White Orchid Pearl (RM400 extra), Lunar Silver Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl replacing the previous model’s Champagne Frost Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Taffeta White.