Hail to the Chief

The Honda Accord has been the benchmark in the up-market mid-luxury Japanese sedan segment of the Philippine automotive market since its introduction in 1994. The current Accord model has enjoyed sales advantages against its rivals, but with the introduction of the all-new Toyota Camry and the heavily revamped Nissan Cefiro last year, the conservative-looking Accord appeared to have lost some of its stately appeal.

Well, at least until noon last Monday, June 2 when Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) unveiled the 2003 Honda Accord to the local motoring press at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula in Makati. Sporting a flashier and more aggressive exterior, improved interior ergonomics and technological advances, the all-new Accord seems poised to stake its claim as the market leader in the premium sedan market.

Available in VTi and VTi-L variants, the Accord is the second model that HCPI will import from Thailand as part of the globalization of Honda products. The new body is cautiously evolutionary and features a taller profile than the previous angular car. Large cat eye-like headlamps with multi-reflector beams work with the up-turned grill opening that makes the Accord look like a purring feline when viewed from frontal quarter view, while others say that it looks like the Honda S2000 sports car when viewed head-on. The rear end is much higher than the previous car and sports larger multi-reflector tail lamps but looks more conservative than the front end.

Compared to the previous Accord, the new car’s wheelbase has been increased by 25mm to 2741mm while the overall length was longer by only 20mm at 4815mm. It is also wider by 30mm at 1815mm, a bit taller at 1450mm compared to 1445mm height of the old Accord and a little heavier by 50kg with a curb weight of 1388kg. These larger exterior dimensions translate to increased leg room (20mm for rear seat passengers) and head room (10mm at the front, 20mm at the rear) while the trunk gains an additional 31 liters of volume.

Safety has likewise been enhanced with Honda’s patented Gravitational Force Control technology (G-CON) with sliding sub-frame construction to improve crash force absorption and reduce cabin intrusion. Dual SRS airbags with output inflator, Side Airbags with OPDS sensor (available in the VTi-L only), 3-point adjustable seatbelts with pre-tensioners and anti-whiplash seats further ensure the safety of the occupants.

The front bucket seats feature power-assisted adjustments and generous cushioning while the driver faces a telescopic and tilt-adjustable 4-spoke steering wheel and large round gauges in the luminous meter cluster. Dual-zone automatic climate control, steering wheel integrated audio controls (VTi-L only), an advanced CD player/AM/FM radio/audio system with 6 speakers grace the two-tone dashboard and front console. Back seat passengers, especially the chauffer-driven set, will be pampered with a folding center armrest complete with cup holders and individual reading lamps while numerous storage areas can be found throughout the Accord’s interior. Leather seats grace the interior of the VTi-L while moquette covers the VTi interior. Improved light weight NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) insulation promotes a quite atmosphere for the occupants.

Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line 4-cylinder engine features i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) and VTC (variable timing control) technology. It produces about 152PS@6000 rpm and 19kg-m of torque at 4500rpm and qualifies the new Accord as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) with its low heat mass exhaust system and multi-cell catalytic converter. Power is routed to a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control. 16-inch 5-spoke wheels shod with 205/60-16 tires of the VTi-L or 15-inch 5-spoke wheels with 205-65/15 tires of the VTi transfer the power to the ground while front and rear independent double wish bone suspension with improved geometry promise impeccable handling and ride characteristics. Power assisted steering gives the Accord a 5.5m turning radius while 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) ensure controlled stopping power, even during emergency stops.

Prices are yet to be announced but the new Honda Accord is poised to give the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Cefiro a serious run for the money. You can catch the new Accord and other Honda products at the ongoing Honda World display at the Glorietta Activity Center.