On 5th October 2016 Honda Motor Co. Africa and Middle East Office announced the launch of the ‘2017 New Accord’ at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach. With the facelift, the Accord gets sportier styling, restyled alloys on the 4 cylinders models and Honda SensingTM Technology on V6 models. And an additional grade lower end DX has been introduced.
The new American-built Accord has a sharper front end thanks restructured bumper fascia and a new chrome grill design. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), integrated LED Light Bar Tail Lights are standard in all grades, and V6 grades have redesigned full LED headlights like those seen on the new Civic providing a better look and visibility. LED Front Fog Lights in 2.4EX and upwards are available to help you navigate through highways on foggy mornings and LX models are equipped with new-fashion 17-inch alloy wheels; 18-inch alloy wheels in 3.5EX Sport grade. Other standard features include side turn signal on door mirror, body colored power door mirror, twin finisher tail pipe in 2.4EX upwards and sunroof is standard in all grades except DX grade.
The 5-seater cabin has an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, and in 2.4 EX grade and upwards, you also have memory seats. All grades come equipped with rear air conditioning, manual A/C in DX grade, Dual A/C in 2.4LX and EX grades and i-Dual A/C in 2.4EXL, 3.5EX and 3.5EX Sport grades.
As before, the steering wheel has integrated switch gear for hands free calling, audio system track and volume control; with paddle shifters reserved for the 3.5EX Sport Grade.
Convenience features in 2.4EX grade onwards include Remote Engine Starter which allows you to cool down the cabin before you climb in, Smart Entry, push button start, Auto Day and Night Rear View Mirror, Cruise Control and Electronic Power Steering are in addition.
The Honda LANEWATCHTM feature new in 2.4EX and 2.4EXL grades in addition to the 3.5V6 grades, uses a camera located below passenger side view mirror to display an expanded rear view of the passenger side road way on the high resolution intelligent Multi-information Display (i-Mid). The Wide Rearview Camera also gives a look of three different viewing angles which can also be seen on same screen.
LX and above are equipped with premium quality audio system with 7-inch Touchscreen Display Audio. Although IT must be told that we aren’t so fond of Honda’s infotainment system – this we are hoping is different…better.
As before, the 2017 YM Accord comes withe either a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 2.4-Litre engine or a 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC 3.5-Liter V6 engine. The 2.4-litre engine in base DX and LX grades generates 185 HP / 138 kW @ 6400rpm, EX and EXL grades generate a 189 HP / 141 kW @ 6400rpm and the V6 model 3.5-litre engine delivers a 278 HP / 207 kW @ 6200 rpm. The fuel consumption of the New Accord is 16.5 km/l (6.06 l/100km) for the 2.4L grades which is the best in its class. The 3.5L V6 grades has a fuel consumption of 13 km/l (7.69l/100km).
The 3.5 V6 grades is also equipped with ‘Honda Sensing – a new suite of driver-assistive and safety technologies such as, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBSTM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and an advanced version of it called Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System concerned with the edge of driveway.
The other standard features include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control Systems (TCS), Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake Distributor (EBD) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Rear Parking Sensors, a new feature in the Accord, are standard in all grades.
The New Accord received 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance for Highway Safety (IIHS) (when equipped with CMBSTM) in USA. It has also received highest available crash safety ratings and a 5 –Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA.
Also available for 2017 is a San Marino Red. Sporty Much!
