V6 derivative for flagship range
For the first time in South Africa the new 2014 Honda Accord range now includes a V6-model equipped with a muscular 3,5-litre engine, making it the most powerful Accord ever to be released locally. The range now consists of three petrol models with three corresponding trim levels: Elegance, Executive and Exclusive.
The new Accord not only has elegant, contemporary styling, it also features an extensive list of standard equipment across the range, not only inside the spacious cabin, with a massive 2 923 litres of interior space for the occupants and 453 litres of luggage space, but also in terms of safety systems and exterior trim.
The Elegance and Executive models feature a refined, smooth-shifting five-speed automatic gearbox, while the range-topping V6 Exclusive comes with an advanced six-speed automatic gearbox.
HONDA ACCORD 2,0 ELEGANCE
While the 2,0 i-VTEC Elegance may be the most affordable in the new Honda Accord range, it’s far from entry-level in terms of standard features. It enjoys a feature-packed execution to further enhance the levels of interior space and all things considered its value proposition is peerless.
Included in the standard specification are electrically adjustable folding mirrors, electric windows front and rear, armrests front and rear, a leather multi-function steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, cruise control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a lockable glove box and a rear air-conditioning vent for the passengers’ comfort.
Leather seats with heat control for the driver and front passenger seats, 8-way electrical adjustment with a memory function and lumbar support for the driver and 4-way electrical adjustment for the front passenger, are also standard.
A Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with rear view camera is also standard in the 2.0 Elegance, as well as a six-speaker audio system with touchscreen display, Bluetooth hands-free calling convenience and USB and auxiliary connections with MP3/WMA compatibility for personal music devices.
Active safety is a prominent feature of the new Accord and it boasts a class-leading specification including ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a Tyre Deflation Warning System (DWS).
Honda’s Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system – which automatically activates the brake and hazard warning lights when an emergency stop situation is detected – is also standard, as well as auto headlights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights.
Supported by the Advanced Compatible Engineering (ACE) body and chassis design, the list of passive safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners for the front seats, height-adjustable seatbelt anchors, ISOFIX child seat anchors in the rear and active anti-whiplash head restraints for the front seats.
A factory-fitted alarm system linked to a rolling-code ECU engine immobiliser and remote central locking with selective and auto locking (when the vehicle is in motion) caters for vehicle security, while a full-size spare wheel is also provided.
To complement its dynamic styling, the Elegance has chrome finished door handles and a chrome tip for its single exhaust. Its 17-inch rims (with 225/50 R17 tyres) are adorned with neat aerodynamic alloy wheels.
HONDA ACCORD 2,4 EXECUTIVE
The Accord 2,4 Executive takes the already impressive and comprehensive feature list of the Elegance model to further heights, resulting in a premium execution at a competitive price.
Paddle shift controls (situated behind the multi-function steering wheel) for the 5-speed auto ‘box and a push button start system are added, while a subwoofer for the six speaker audio system ensures superior sound quality.
The Executive also gains LED headlights with auto-levelling, Active Cornering Light (ACL) technology and High-beam Support System (HSS), and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. A Smart Keyless Entry system, which links to the engine push-button start system, ensures even better security.
Externally the most eye-catching addition to the Executive is an electrically operated glass sunroof, and it is further distinguished from the Elegance by sporty multi-spoke 18-inch alloy rims shod with low-profile 235/45 R18 tyres.
HONDA ACCORD 3,5 V6 EXCLUSIVE
Apart from the new 3,5-litre V6 i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams technology and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) the range-topping Exclusive differs from the Elegance and Executive with the addition of Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) to its already impressive and comprehensive list of safety features.
This includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The Lanewatch Blindspot Display also contributes to the attributes of these highly advanced systems (See the Overview release for detail).
Other features exclusive to this model are E-Pretension (that works in conjunction with ADAS) for all safety belts, sunshades for the rear window and rear side windows and the invisible Active Sound Control (ASC) system suppressing engine noise.
The Exclusive, like the Executive model, rides on sporty multi-spoke 18-inch alloy rims shod with low-profile 235/45 R18 tyres.