Honda's all-new Accord, launched in Malta on Wednesday, will provide a strong challenge to the traditional premium manufacturers in the D-sector, with sporty styling, greater refinement and excellent driving dynamics.
The new Accord's styling is an evolution of the current model, although it is significantly wider and slightly lower than its predecessor, and adopts a 'sharp-edged' design with muscular wheel arches to emphasise the car's wider track.
Making its debut in Accord is Honda's second-generation diesel engine - the i-DTEC - which builds on the qualities of the award-winning i-CTDi unit. Not only is the new diesel more powerful - offering 150 PS at 4,000 rpm - it also offers cleaner emissions and is smoother to drive.
Like its predecessor, the new i-DTEC engine is compact, lightweight, refined and quiet in operation. It employs the latest piezoelectric multi-stage fuel injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for significantly reduced emissions. Peak torque is now 350 Nm (258 lb.ft) at 2,000 rpm.
The Accord development team used the highly-rated BMW 3 Series as a benchmark, and enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the new car's greater agility. A lowered centre of gravity, a wider track and the all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity mean that the Accord more readily reacts to driver input.
Handling is more responsive and confidence-inspiring and body roll has been reduced. Inside the Accord, the car's dynamic characteristics are reflected in the driver-focused cabin, with a dashboard that extends from the centre console to sweep around the front seats, creating a cockpit-like design. Stylish, supportive front seats have larger bolsters while a new internal structure is designed to reduce any transmission of vibration.
As well as a host of passive safety features, the new Accord boasts an outstanding array of dynamic systems delivering even greater security.
Vehicle stability assist (VSA) is standard across the range and is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required.
The Accord's passive safety features include front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, dual stage front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, full-length curtain airbags and ISOFIX fittings and tether anchor points for secure childseat fixture on all models.
Prices start from €32,400 (Lm13,900). For more information contact local Honda agents Associated Motors Co Ltd of Mrieħel on tel. 2278 1000 or visit www.honda.com.mt.
The new Accord's styling is an evolution of the current model, although it is significantly wider and slightly lower than its predecessor, and adopts a 'sharp-edged' design with muscular wheel arches to emphasise the car's wider track.
Making its debut in Accord is Honda's second-generation diesel engine - the i-DTEC - which builds on the qualities of the award-winning i-CTDi unit. Not only is the new diesel more powerful - offering 150 PS at 4,000 rpm - it also offers cleaner emissions and is smoother to drive.
Like its predecessor, the new i-DTEC engine is compact, lightweight, refined and quiet in operation. It employs the latest piezoelectric multi-stage fuel injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for significantly reduced emissions. Peak torque is now 350 Nm (258 lb.ft) at 2,000 rpm.
The Accord development team used the highly-rated BMW 3 Series as a benchmark, and enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the new car's greater agility. A lowered centre of gravity, a wider track and the all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity mean that the Accord more readily reacts to driver input.
Handling is more responsive and confidence-inspiring and body roll has been reduced. Inside the Accord, the car's dynamic characteristics are reflected in the driver-focused cabin, with a dashboard that extends from the centre console to sweep around the front seats, creating a cockpit-like design. Stylish, supportive front seats have larger bolsters while a new internal structure is designed to reduce any transmission of vibration.
As well as a host of passive safety features, the new Accord boasts an outstanding array of dynamic systems delivering even greater security.
Vehicle stability assist (VSA) is standard across the range and is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required.
The Accord's passive safety features include front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, dual stage front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, full-length curtain airbags and ISOFIX fittings and tether anchor points for secure childseat fixture on all models.
Prices start from €32,400 (Lm13,900). For more information contact local Honda agents Associated Motors Co Ltd of Mrieħel on tel. 2278 1000 or visit www.honda.com.mt.