The stage is now set for new war in the luxury passenger car segment following the unveiling of the 2013 Honda Accord in Nigeria which originally debuted 37 years ago. The coming of the model marks the beginning of the production of the ninth generation Accord.
Remarkably loaded with distinctive features such as blue tooth, parking sensors, retractable side mirrors, the new Accord replaces the eighth generation model which bestrode the global automobile marketplace from 2008 to 2012.
Honda improved the 2013 model not only to outperform competitions but to reintegrate the sporty driving dynamics of much earlier Accords. Deepak Daryanani, head, Sales and Marketing, The Honda Place validated these claims at a media presentation of the new Accord in Lagos, during which period he described the new entrant as an epitome of fuel economy and ‘King of the Jungle.’
He said the 2013 Accord is exceptionally crafted as a masterpiece with dynamic and prestigious agile demeanor in line with Honda’s design philosophy. Daryanani also said the Accord has been detailed with premium accessory such as LED head lamps, earth dream technology and paddle shift gear to give the car a deserving character.
The company official is however optimistic that the remodeled Accord would address “critics’ claims that the predecessor model was too large and too soft.” Currently one of the most aggressive models in the Honda line-up, the Accord was for the first time, during the seventh generation (2004-2006), significantly reviewed with freshened exterior styling, more power and stability control, as did minor modifications to trim level organisation.
The ninth generation Accord is indeed a significant improvement over its predecessor especially when viewed against the backdrop of innovations like class leading cabin space, excellent fuel economy and almost a cubic foot more cargo volume.
Coupled with these is incomparable cockpit-like interior and improved three-eye instrument panel with large dial plate, other innovations are the car’s new electric power steering with non-contact torque sensor for linear steering feel and world’s first steel and aluminum bonded front surface.
Honda’s resourcefulness and desire to always be the first dates back to more than five decades ago, when the automaker successfully transferred its motorcycle business to automobiles, power and marine equipment.
Ever since, Honda has structured a unique development and manufacturing process that enhanced the production of a variety of consumer products built around compact and high-performance engines.
The 2013 Accord is undoubtedly archetypal of Honda’s slogan ‘Power of Dreams’ which though designed as a family sedan, also offers the versatility of a premium car. Only the standard LX and EXL 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine with 173 bhp, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission (A/T) would be available in the local market, Mr. Daryanani affirmed.
International expert reviews have praised it for its roomy and stylish interior; tight build quality, smooth ride and good crash test scores. According to local dealership sources, Honda, from all indication wants to make a statement with the ninth generation Accord if the upgrades and reintroduction of second generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE II) body structure to reinforce its safety leadership are anything to by.
This commitment to safety is rooted in the longstanding Honda goal to be a company that prioritise safety of drivers and other road users as well as advancing alternatives to gasoline, Daryanani reaffirmed.
MIKE OCHONMA
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