Buying a new car for the new year? Here's one option to consider...
The year is barely a week young, but many of us are already planning another long break for the Lunar New Year which is only a month away. Cars are essential in the CNY planning process, with many of us timing our new car purchases in a way that best parades the new car smell and factory gloss to envious relatives.
Family-friendly sedans are popular options. And the Honda Accord has been a long-time favourite in this segment. However, newer rivals have stolen the limelight from Honda's D-segment crowd puller. Has the Accord lost its thunder, then? We don't think so. Here are five reasons why.
1. Class is permanent
It may look slightly dated, but the Accord still exudes class, on the surface at least. Some may say that the current model, which is the ninth-gen Accord, is styled too safely, but we reckon it will age more gracefully than its predecessor which has been rebadged as the Proton Perdana for government use.
2. It's passenger- and driver-friendly
Once branded the BMW to Toyota's Mercedes-Benz, Honda has learned a thing or two about balancing ride comfort and driveability over the past decade. And the Accord is a fitting advocate for this newfound talent. It's neither the comfiest nor the sportiest D-segment sedan around. But it's still pretty good in both respects.
3. Man maximum, machine minimum
That's the motto Honda employs with most of its new models, which implies an increase of usable space despite the reduction of external dimensions. This Accord is 80mm shorter and 10mm lower than the old one but it still manages to squeeze an extra 35.5mm in legroom and 23 more litres in the boot.
4. It's cost-efficient
The Honda Accord offers prospective buyers an affordable entry into the D-segment category with prices starting below RM140k for the base 2.0 model. On top of that, all models come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty for added peace of mind.
5. Splurge and get more
If you opt for the range-topping 2.4 VTi-L, you get 172hp and 225Nm that give the Accord the legs to match its flashier wheels and headlights. There's even the nifty LaneWatch camera which makes zipping in and out of traffic, and exiting crowded highways, a breeze.