HONDA Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) last week unveiled to the motoring media the latest iteration of its Accord during a special presentation held at the Opus Restaurant in Resorts World, Pasay City.
On hand to welcome the media was no less than HCPI president and general manager Tatsuya Natsume, who described the 2011 Honda Accord as “the embodiment of absolute refinement and power beyond compare.”
According to Natsume, the Honda Accord is skillfully engineered to create a balance of exceptional value and luxury. Since its introduction in 1976, over 18 million Accord owners in 160 countries have stood by the vehicle’s premium design, powerful driving dynamics and remarkable efficiency. These characteristics unique to the Honda Accord make it the ultimate premium vehicle of choice for those who truly understand power and technology.
The new Accord has been given subtle touches to differentiate it from last year’s model. The “refreshed” for 2011 model sports a new front grille and bumper designs along with a chrome garnishing on the trunk. Front corner and rear sensors have also been added to both 2.4 li and 3.5 li variants to make it even easier for drivers to park the vehicle. A new design for the 17-inch alloy wheels has also been incorporated on the 2.4 li.
As in the previous model, the 2011 Accord still has the distinction of having the largest cabin in its class, which along with classy leather seats, endow it with one of the most luxurious interiors around. A convenient-to-use jack knife key comes standard for both variants, while a hands-free telephone connectivity via Bluetooth is now installed on the list of features of the 3.5 li.
The centerpiece of the new Accord still lies underneath its hood—its engine, or more precisely, its two engine options. The 2.4 li is powered by an i-VTEC engine, which is capable of generating 180 ps of maximum power at 6,500 rpm and meets Euro-4 emission standards. The 3.5 li V6, meanwhile, has a rated maximum output of 275 ps at 6,200 rpm and features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that automatically deactivates cylinders, depending on driving conditions, to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. For instance, the engine runs on all of its six cylinders when power is needed. When cruising or idling, however, VCM reduces the number of functioning cylinders to four or three. The system is designed to work seamlessly and the only indication that the engine has been “detuned” is when the ECO light displays the numbers “4” or “3.”
Striking a perfect combination with the engines is an automatic transmission that features a shift hold system that prevents unwanted changing of gears particularly on winding roads. Variable gear ratio steering has also been included in the package to enhance the vehicle’s driving experience. HCPI says that the system provides precise steering response during high-speed driving wherein only small inputs are required. When parking or wherein large input is needed, the ratio provides quick and easy steering.
With today’s busy roads, wherein a great volume of vehicles run alongside each other every day, one can expect that Honda gives safety features a high priority in the Accord. The Accord does not disappoint in this department as it is equipped with six airbags with an Occupant Position Detection System (on the 3.5 li only), ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist). Potential owners will derive plenty of confidence from the fact that the Accord has a five-star overall vehicle safety rating from the US National Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), making it one of only six vehicles to achieve such a score and the first to achieve a five-star safety rating in each of the three rating categories, namely, frontal crash, side crash and rollover categories. A five-star rating, the highest rating possible, represents a 10-percent or less chance of serious injury.
Aside from the NHSTA safety aplomb, the Accord has received Japan’s Car of the Year award three times and has landed on the list of Car and Driver Magazine’s 10 Best Cars no less than 25 times since the model was introduced in 1976. Thus, it isn’t surprising that there 18 million Accord owners in no less than 160 countries.
According to Natsume, “With the introduction of the latest Accord, we, at Honda, remain true to our commitment in presenting the latest fun-to-drive and environment-friendly automobiles that bring joy to one’s driving experience.”
He added, “The 2011 Honda Accord would be available from May 18 and onward at an introductory price of P1.7 million for the 2.4 li with automatic transmission and P2.05 million for the 3.5 li and in colors such as Brilliant White Pearl, Crystal Black, Polished Metal (2.4 li only), Bold Beige (2.4 li only) and the new Urban Titanium (3.5 li only).”
