Times are changing. There has been a paradigm shift in consumer preferences, particularly tipping towards the luxury segment. Backtracking on that thought, there are many factors that could have attributed to the shift.
The local motoring climate, for instance, hasn't been the most favourable of times. Rising COE prices have made continental cars more 'worthy' buys than the Japanese ones, with their badges playing a big role to it. But that didn't stop Honda from giving us one of its best endeavour - the latest Accord.
The new flagship sedan is already in its ninth edition in its 37-year history. Thinking back, it was one of those cars which were inherently present in some part of our lives.
And having looked upon as an almost statuesque figure when our family or close relatives drove it back in its heydays, there is a sense of keen awaitedness for the new car. Exterior
From first look, it is pretty obvious that the latest Honda shares the same parentage as its predecessor - there is no need for a paternity test at all. Besides proportions, the broad and stout cues has hardly changed at all.
While it seems that Honda has decided to stay conservative with the design, what they merely did was to let form flow with function. For instance, the full LED headlamps look sophisticated, while providing better on-road illumination at the same time.
The local motoring climate, for instance, hasn't been the most favourable of times. Rising COE prices have made continental cars more 'worthy' buys than the Japanese ones, with their badges playing a big role to it. But that didn't stop Honda from giving us one of its best endeavour - the latest Accord.
The new flagship sedan is already in its ninth edition in its 37-year history. Thinking back, it was one of those cars which were inherently present in some part of our lives.
And having looked upon as an almost statuesque figure when our family or close relatives drove it back in its heydays, there is a sense of keen awaitedness for the new car. Exterior
From first look, it is pretty obvious that the latest Honda shares the same parentage as its predecessor - there is no need for a paternity test at all. Besides proportions, the broad and stout cues has hardly changed at all.
While it seems that Honda has decided to stay conservative with the design, what they merely did was to let form flow with function. For instance, the full LED headlamps look sophisticated, while providing better on-road illumination at the same time.
The rear, too, fully embraces LED technology, albeit with a very predictable layout that looks very much like those before. And the keen-eyed will be able to spot a vacant second exhaust aperture underneath the bumper, which can look a tad distasteful.
While other automakers are busy adding inches to their offerings, Honda did the opposite. The new Accord has a shorter wheelbase and overall length compared to the previous generation. This is not a bad thing at all, considering space and comfort weren't sacrificed.
On that point, the reductions are barely noticeable. The new car continues to charm with its sense of opulence - a stance that flagships should never do without.
While other automakers are busy adding inches to their offerings, Honda did the opposite. The new Accord has a shorter wheelbase and overall length compared to the previous generation. This is not a bad thing at all, considering space and comfort weren't sacrificed.
On that point, the reductions are barely noticeable. The new car continues to charm with its sense of opulence - a stance that flagships should never do without.
Interior
The interior of the Accord is where Honda unlocks its ingenuity. While the wheelbase of the new car has shrunk, the interior remains largely spacious.
Honda claims that vital dimensions, such as leg and shoulder room, has been increased. There is little doubt about that as the quarters are genuinely commodious, especially at the rear where there is a surplus of space.
While the cabin remains largely monotonous (in its choice of materials and colours), it doesn't fail to exude a classy, welcoming ambience that is worthy of a flagship. The wooden trims are expected, which are almost like the Japanese's way of saying 'luxury'. But if we have it our way, we'd do with more vibrant materials such as aluminium.
The interior of the Accord is where Honda unlocks its ingenuity. While the wheelbase of the new car has shrunk, the interior remains largely spacious.
Honda claims that vital dimensions, such as leg and shoulder room, has been increased. There is little doubt about that as the quarters are genuinely commodious, especially at the rear where there is a surplus of space.
While the cabin remains largely monotonous (in its choice of materials and colours), it doesn't fail to exude a classy, welcoming ambience that is worthy of a flagship. The wooden trims are expected, which are almost like the Japanese's way of saying 'luxury'. But if we have it our way, we'd do with more vibrant materials such as aluminium.
As a whole, while the cabin isn't awe-inspiring, the quality does not fall short of expectations. And we reckon its target audience will be suitably satisfied with such plush setting.
Decked on the centre console are two screens - one for multimedia displays, such as navigation and blind view monitor, and the other a touch screen for audio controls.
Initially we were a little sceptical if the dual-screen served any real purpose (or confusion). But the more we spent time with it, the more we were impressed with how easy it was to work with, as well as the cohesion between the systems.
Decked on the centre console are two screens - one for multimedia displays, such as navigation and blind view monitor, and the other a touch screen for audio controls.
Initially we were a little sceptical if the dual-screen served any real purpose (or confusion). But the more we spent time with it, the more we were impressed with how easy it was to work with, as well as the cohesion between the systems.
The Drive
The new Accord will be available in one trim for now - a 2.4-litre variant which has 175 horses and 225Nm of torque. The figures aren't exactly something to be boastful about, but the linearity in which the power is delivered makes for a soothing and relaxing drive.
Of course, it doesn't pack the kind of sumptuous power or hardcore attitude which makes you want to pull it to the redline with each gear. The engine will also sound a little strained when pushed too hard, causing a slight startle within the serene cabin (did we forget to mention the interior is very well-insulated?).
Likewise, the five-speed automatic may seem a tad dated on paper, especially when competitors have moved on with six or more ratios - but you will be in for a hard time trying to fault it.
The new Accord will be available in one trim for now - a 2.4-litre variant which has 175 horses and 225Nm of torque. The figures aren't exactly something to be boastful about, but the linearity in which the power is delivered makes for a soothing and relaxing drive.
Of course, it doesn't pack the kind of sumptuous power or hardcore attitude which makes you want to pull it to the redline with each gear. The engine will also sound a little strained when pushed too hard, causing a slight startle within the serene cabin (did we forget to mention the interior is very well-insulated?).
Likewise, the five-speed automatic may seem a tad dated on paper, especially when competitors have moved on with six or more ratios - but you will be in for a hard time trying to fault it.
What's notable on the new Accord is that despite being a full-sized family sedan, it feels nimble and squat on our urban landscape. This, with credits to the cut on its overall length and wheelbase, makes the car easily manoeuvrable, and also more enjoyable to drive.
The Accord also scores a first in the hall of features - a blindspot camera, tugged neatly underneath the left wing mirror, transfers real time footages to the LCD infotainment screen. This unveils the left blind spot - a good safety feature and a cool one to keep your passengers entertained.
Conclusion
The Accord has always been considered a mainstay in the full-sized Japanese family sedan segment. The latest iteration retains its masculine proportions and sporty image - attributes which have made Honda cars highly desirable and have wooed countless fans.
While the recent climate may have caused Japanese makes to take a break (no pun intended) from the nation's favourites chart, the Accord remains to be an enjoyable car.
And we reckon it is still a competent and worthy compatriot for the family man.
The Accord also scores a first in the hall of features - a blindspot camera, tugged neatly underneath the left wing mirror, transfers real time footages to the LCD infotainment screen. This unveils the left blind spot - a good safety feature and a cool one to keep your passengers entertained.
Conclusion
The Accord has always been considered a mainstay in the full-sized Japanese family sedan segment. The latest iteration retains its masculine proportions and sporty image - attributes which have made Honda cars highly desirable and have wooed countless fans.
While the recent climate may have caused Japanese makes to take a break (no pun intended) from the nation's favourites chart, the Accord remains to be an enjoyable car.
And we reckon it is still a competent and worthy compatriot for the family man.
