Who doesn’t love being spoilt for choice, we do for sure, but I’m sure it can be a tad overwhelming to a point that you don’t know which would suit your budget and needs. However, while the Honda Accord finds itself in competition with some talented rivals, if you are already a part of the Honda cult, you will probably continue to purchase the same brand despite what we might have to say about the car…
With over 75,000 units sold since it was introduced back in 2001, it’s safe to say that the Honda Accord has a legion of fans here in Malaysia. And despite the highly competitive D-segment list that stretches wide and long, the Accord has been on top of the game for the past few years trailing behind other Japanese rivals like the Mazda 6, the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Teana.
In September last year, Honda Malaysia introduced the facelifted Accord that comes with interior and exterior updates as well as a host of new technology to add more value for your money.
So what’s the difference between the facelifted Accord and the model it replaces? Let’s have a look…
First of all, Honda Malaysia continue to offer buyers of the new Accord with three variants which consist of the entry level 2.0TVi (RM144,800); the mid-spec 2.0 VTi-L (RM153,800); and the flagship 2.4 VTi-L (RM172,800).
1. Styling wise, the facelifted Honda Accord now boasts an updated front face, with the 2.4VTi-L variant featuring a pair of LED headlights with LED DRLs plus LED front foglights. The 2.0VTi and the 2.0VTi-L variant on the other hand, continue to feature halogen projector units up front. Apart from that, the facelifted Accord also receives the company’s new front grille design, similar to the one found on the 2016 Honda Civic. Called the Solid Wing Face, this chrome grille now extends into the headlight, giving the grille a much larger appearance. Other minor improvements include a new front hood that bulges out slightly more than its predecessors.
Moving towards the rear, the facelifted Accord now gets a pair of new LED tail lights with three integrated guide lights. The facelifted Accord also carries over the chrome strip on the lower half of the bumper, though the lower half of the rear bumper has been subtly revised. Also new on the Accord is the rear fog light. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels with two tone black and silver rims complete the Accord 2.0’s overall exterior, while the 2.4VTi-L variant receives a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels with similar dual-tone rims.
2. Powertrain remains unchanged between the facelifted Accord and the outgoing model. It is offered either in a 2.0-litre or a 2.4-litre engine, both of which are four-cylinder units with i-VTEC and naturally-aspirated. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. The 2.0-litre pumps out 153 hp and 190Nm of maximum torque, while the larger 2.4-litre unit churns 172hp and 225Nm of torque.
3. As far as I could remember, the Accord facelift drives pretty much the same as the model it replaces.
I thoroughly enjoyed driving this sedan during our media drive trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan; It’s comfortable and fun to drive, which easily makes it one of my favourite picks in the mid-size sedan segment. Wind, road and engine noise are kept to a bare minimum and I like how incredibly smooth this sedan is when cruising down the highway, especially behind the wheels of the 2.4-litre model. The base 2.0-litre unit should be good enough for daily commuting to and from work or taking your kids to school and other various activities, but if you feel the need of an extra speed, opting for the 2.4-litre engine will give you quicker acceleration.
The Honda Accord is also rewarding as a back seat passenger. Its cushioned suspension will keep you comfortable in most journeys and aside from that, the Accord has a spacious rear seat with plenty of legroom to comfortably accommodate “model-legged” passengers.
But that’s not all. The Honda Accord is also very agile and nimble in tight corners. It balances out fairly evenly when tackling sharp bends at high speed, giving you more confidence from behind the wheel for an occasional spirited driving.
4. Aside from changes to the exterior styling, the biggest differences between the facelifted Accord and its predecessors relate to tech and gadgets. For instance, all facelift Accord models now come equipped with Advanced Display Audio, which is now Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. Apart from that, the infotainment system also features MirrorLink for screen mirroring with compatible devices plus hotspot link for sharing a WiFi network with your mobile device for internet browsing via the built-in browser. Due to time constraint, I didn’t have the chance to fiddle around with this new system, but a while ago, our writer has sampled the same Android Auto feature found on the 2016 Honda Civic. You can read all about it here.
5. Honda is also pushing boundaries by leveling-up premium offering found in its higher grade variant in the entry-level variant. Specifically, the entry-level 2.0VTi variant now comes with features that are normally found in the higher 2.0VTi-L variant such as smart entry, push start button and cruise control.
The Accord 2.0 VTi-L and 2.4 VTi-L variant on the other hand, have been upgraded with a new wood grain paint, with new gloss black metallic finishing. Furthermore, the meter cluster on the Accord has been updated with the ability to display infotainment details.
6. In terms of safety, Honda continue to equip the Accord with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), front and rear parking sensors and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) as a standard feature across the range. All variants also now gets 6 airbags where previously was only available on the 2.4 VTi-L trim. Additionally, Honda LaneWatch that was only available in the 2.4 VTi-L variant, is now found on the 2.0 VTi-L variant.
Buyer’s Guide
With added tech and equipment and a fresh new look, now there’s more reason for you to purchase the Honda Accord. However, do keep in mind that this refreshed model isn’t a full redesign of the previous model, but rather a mid-cycle refresh to continue keeping the model appealing and competitive in the D-segment sedan. It does alter anything mechanically, so performance wise, the facelifted Accord isn’t any quicker or more exciting drive than the outgoing Accord. It’s not a bad thing per se, even so, there’s plenty compelling rivals in the market for keen drivers that’s worth exploring as well.
List of new features in the 2016 Honda Accord
