New Honda Accord arrives, priced from RM145K to RM173K

PETALING JAYA: The facelifted Honda Accord is launched today in Malaysia and is available in three variants.

On-the-road prices with insurance are RM144,800 (2.0 VTi); RM153,800 (2.0 VTi-L) and RM172,800 (2.4 VTi-L). The 2.4L pricing is a RM5,000 reduction from the pre-facelift variant. The top end version retains the same “Earth Dreams Technology” engine for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

The Accord which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is the flagship model of Honda. With over 75,000 units on Malaysian roads, the locally assembled Accord has been consistently a favourite executive sedan since its introduction in 2001, thanks to its DNA of quality, refinement and premium.

The ninth-generation Accord has been redesigned to offer a sophisticated yet masculine exterior with new front bumper design, LED headlights for both front and rear, plus two-tone black and silver rims to complete the dynamic outlook.

It comes fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay compatible and Android Auto ready. Hands-free telephone control with voice recognition and MirrorLink features complete the ease of communication and entertainment on the go.

The level up premium offering of the Accord is further enhanced with a class above features for customers. Specifically, the 2.0VTi variant now comes with features that are normally found in the higher 2.0L variant such as Smart Entry, Push Start Button and Cruise Control.

At the same time, the 2.0VTi-L variant which is the current best-selling variant has been made even more attractive with a host of value added features such as Honda LaneWatch, Auto Dim Rearview Mirror, Auto Wiper, Front Passenger Power Seats, Side Airbags and Side Curtain Airbags. The features of the 2.4VTi-L variant have been further enhanced to give even higher value to customers.

All three variants now come with six airbags, in addition to Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and ISO Fix.

Honda Malaysia has set a sales target of 500 units per month, and this is expected to contribute to the company’s overall target of selling 90,000 cars for this year.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Katsuto Hayashi said, “According to our internal data, the Total Industry Volume (TIV) from January to August this year fell about 15% compared to the same period last year. With our total sales from January to August 2016 at 55,751 units, we managed to maintain our position of No.1 in the non-national segment. For this same period, our market share was around 15% and this allowed Honda to maintain the No.2 position in the overall TIV.”

“During this challenging period, customers would be more conscious in their spending and will look for a vehicle that gives not only value for money but best overall package in terms of sales and after sales. We find that Malaysian customers still favour “sedan” vehicles over other vehicle types. Therefore, it is crucial for us to be able to offer a complete sedan series to our customers. The Accord offers a new level of expectation in the executive sedan and further completes our sedan series line-up of City, Civic and Accord in Malaysia,” said Hayashi.

The Accord is also the first Honda model to be offered in the new colour Obsidian Blue Pearl. Other colours available are White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

The Accord is backed by a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals.