Thoughts, life and driving a Honda Accord
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. launched its 9th-generation Honda Accord at Blue Leaf Filipinas in Pasay City, recently. Introduced in a luxurious fashion, the Honda Accord, offered in 2.4 S and 3.5 SV variants, is bound to set the new standard in its segment.
The 9th-generation Accord prides itself on the improved “Honda DNA†of durability, quality and reliability. While maintaining its winning combination of smart packaging and sophisticated styling, the engineers who worked on this Accord improved on the vehicle’s already impressive fuel economy, fun to drive performance, comfortable ride and cabin quietness with advanced safety features making it the true value for money vehicle in its class.
“I could not think of anything but to start the year right by introducing Honda’s flagship model. With the launch of the All New Accord, we aim to present nothing but a sedan that excels in all areas that customers expect from this segment from exterior to interior,†said Tatsuya Natsume, HCPI’s president and general manager.
Just as luck would have it, I got the chance to test drive this truly wonderful beauty. I was won over from start of the engine — as there was nothing I did not like about the Accord.
It was the 3.5 SV Accord that I got to drive — and I must add here that if I could live in this sedan — I would. There are not enough words to describe just how relaxing, enjoyable and comfortable driving this sedan is. But, read on as I try.
For starters there is what Honda calls its “dynamic intelligent sedan†exterior concept. This means that the Accord’s body panel and perfectly contoured body not only improve the all-new Accord’s aerodynamic efficiency but also sport a more elegant and luxurious appearance. Seamlessly complementing the upscale stature of the Accord is the addition of LED daytime running lights, LED brake lights, fog lights, power folding side mirrors with signal lights and, a-first-in-class-feature, LED dual projector type headlights that hint on what luxury awaits inside.
I could only describe the looks of this baby by saying that it is sleek and modern — yet there is nothing flimsy about the way it drives. There are sedans that have a manly look about them. And then there are others that look more like a woman’s car.
The Accord is what I like to call androgynous because it is one of those sedans that would fit perfectly into a mom’s lifestyle, from bringing the kids to school to shopping, to having a night out with the girls. But it would also be perfect as a man’s car to be used to bring the kids to school or for an early morning round of golf, or even lunch with some business executives and then dinner out with the family. It just fits the lifestyle of those who have arrived in life and are looking for a sedan that perfectly complements that lifestyle.
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE
As you look into the Accord, the first thing you will notice are plush leather seats fitted with only the finest interior materials that provide comforting luxury for this executive sedan. Both front seats are power adjustable — designed for a more convenient ride and drive. The 3.5 SV variant is equipped with an additional two-position memory function for the driver seat. I really enjoyed this because it allowed me to adjust the seat in a comfy fashion. It had none of those cumbersome readjustments.
There is the innovative onboard infotainment system featuring two-colored screens that enhance overall convenience. But, there is one button that has been added to the advanced dashboard design – the push start button. The Smart Key with Push Start System intelligently locks and unlocks the doors without even touching the smart key and a push button to start or turn off the engine. Push it once and a bright, full-color eight-inch screen will activate. This is the intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID), which shows information such as fuel consumption, trip computer, and pretty much all the necessary vehicle information. The smaller of the two screens (located at the bottom) is for the audio system; with an intuitive touch screen, allowing users to effortlessly control the audio setting and music playback. These screens work hand in hand to operate the hands-free telephone function and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity, available for the top of the line variant, promoting safety and convenience. The i-MID and audio screen can also be controlled easily via the controls mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
LET’S DRIVE
I took the Accord on a trip to Subic. I drove there and back by my lonesome because there are driving experiences, that I like to savor on my own. I might add that there was a lot on my mind and driving on my own helped me clear away the distractions.
As I drove I noticed that the Accord’s noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) levels were nil. Many times I had to step on the gas a bit to make sure that the engine was still running.
I was told that Honda has significantly improved noise cancellation through the strengthening of the body frame and the optimization of the application of sound proofing insulation. Helping to achieve this goal further is the efficient application of the Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). These functions detect cabin noise from a microphone that triggers optimal noise canceling waves to be emitted from the speakers to remove noise creating a more linear engine sound resulting in a remarkably quiet ride.
It was a silence that helped me re-think many things in my often confused and confusing life.
I got to Subic in a little over three hours, had a quick lunch and then got back into the car and headed back to Manila. For a driver like me, the joy is really in the drive — the destination is just a bonus.
AN ENGINE THAT ROARS
The Accord is the first model available in the Philippines that is equipped with Honda’s revolutionary “Earth Dreams Technology,†a next generation set of technological advancements that enhances the engine to greatly improve both fuel efficiency and driving performance. Capable of producing 281 ps at 6,200 rpm, the 3.5-liter Accord is the most powerful Accord ever. In addition to the efficient i-VTEC engineering, the 3.5-liter V6 engine is still accompanied by Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and comes with the six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for enhanced fuel economy.
If there is one thing that Honda assures us of in its Accord is that it cares for the environment.
A drive outside Metro Manila makes one aware of just how important fresh air is — that commodity that is so hard to come by in the metro.
All variants of the all-new Accord are now equipped with the Eco Assist system, which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission, and air conditioning performance to improve fuel consumption; and the Eco coaching ambient light that promotes a more fuel efficient driving habit by glowing green when throttle input is light and glowing white when throttle input is heavy.
I made it home in time for a late dinner. My mind had cleared — even if for the day; and my spirits were lifted. There is nothing that a good drive and time alone cannot cure — and, the Honda Accord is definitely a good companion for such an introspective journey.
