After the order books opened over a week ago, the 2020 Honda Accord has officially launched in Malaysia. Honda Malaysia also took the wraps off the refreshed 10th generation 2020 Honda Civic.
Pricing and options
For the first time ever for a Japanese automaker in the D-segment, the 2020 Accord sports a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged mill. Honda is offering two variants, both locally assembled, with the base 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P retailing for MYR185,900 and MYR195,900 respectively (OTR without insurance).
Exterior colour options include Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Platinum White. All units come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and five times free labour service (within 100,000km or five years).
New design
The all-new Accord continues to don a dynamic fastback profile. However, it now comes with sharper LED headlamps that give it a more menacing front. The rear features wraparound taillights and twin tailpipes. Overall, the car has a more aggressive demeanour with a longer sweeping roofline as well as a lower hood. To complete the look, the sedan wears a set of 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
New VTEC power
Moving on, where it gets interesting lies under the hood. Malaysia only gets the 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged powerplant, a first for the flagship model. But this isn’t quite the same 1.5-litre that’s found on the refreshed Civic, nor the same mill that powers the Thailand and Indonesia versions of the Accord. This, folks, is an “enhanced” version, with power topping 198bhp (201PS) at 5,500rpm and 260Nm of torque, available from 1,600-5,000rpm. Yes, this will effectively outperform a 2.4-litre engine in both stakes.
Power is driven to the front wheels via the seven-speed Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combo will take the Accord from 0-100km/h in 9 seconds (the 1.5TC-P in 9.1 seconds). Finally, top speed is claimed to be 190km/h.
Safety first
Like its predecessor, the new Accord comes with a full suite of Honda Sensing safety technology including Driver Cruising Aid: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Auto High-Beam (AHB); Frontal Collision Deterrence: Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS); and Side Collision Deterrence: Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Additionally, the vehicle packs Smart Parking Assist System with Brake Assist (Rear), Multi View Camera System (360-degree camera) and Honda LaneWatch for drivers’ convenience and safety. All variants will come with standard safety features such as six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), front and rear parking sensors together with a multi-angle rearview camera.
Cabin comforts
Inside, the Accord features an eight-inch Advanced Display Audio head unit complemented with a set of 10 speakers and a subwoofer, which also support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As you would expect from a D-segment sedan, you’ll find other creature comforts such as leather upholstery and powered front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and more.
Spicing things up
If “lock, stock and barrel” is boring for you, you can spice things up with a Modulo Package that will set you back MYR5,414. This includes a front and rear under spoiler, side skirts and a trunk spoiler. There are other goodies to accessorise your car with including 3M and Ecotint window films, front digital video recorder, and various other packages.
For more information, head over to any of Honda’s 100 dealerships natiowide, call Honda Toll Free 1-800-88-2020, or visit www.honda.com.my.
