Honda Accord VTi-L road test
by Stephen Walker
4th September, 2014
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Since it first arrived in Australia in 1977 you may have noticed that the
Honda Accord has grown and grown. This conservatively styled sedan is the ninth generation of Accord variants (including
Accord Euro), but this time the Accord sedan is fractionally smaller than the previous version.
The Accord was renewed last year with today's car still offering an abundance of space in a respectable presentation.
The Honda Accord has grown on me over the years - and for very good reasons.
Test Car particulars
Our drive car is the top-of-the-line amongst the 4-cylinder versions of Honda Accord, the VTi-L, fitted the optional
driver assistance package known as ADAS.
Prices* and variants
Honda Accord is priced from a very reasonable $31,490* for the VTi model, then from $33,990* for the VTi-S and the
VTi-L is priced* from $41,490*. With Honda's brilliant ADAS system the Accord VTi-L is priced from $44,990*.
A six-cylinder version, the V6L is priced* from $51,990*.
What is ADAS?
Honda's Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) includes Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Collision Mitigation Braking
System (CMBS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This system is available on the four cylinder VTi-L as an option and is
standard on the V6L.
Living with Honda Accord VTi-L
Whilst out on the road I was enjoying the driving experience and I couldn't help but think that the Honda Accord has
to be an excellent choice for several categories of car buyers. There are those moving up from a smaller or, dare I say
it, a more mundane car who will enjoy the silky smoothness of the ride and the quiet cabin of the Accord VTi-L. Then
there are those who may be moving down from a larger car who should similarly feel that the VTi-L offers a quality that
deserves admiration in this price segment. Of course, those who are downsizing their financial outlay are likely to be
highly impressed with the Accord because it offers much of what is admired in more expensive cars.
The four-cylinder motor gets the Accord VTi-L going along quite well in my opinion and the transmission gets it along
quite smoothly. The quiet cabin is a real treat and the seating is comfortable, too. The ride is pleasant and the
driving dynamics are quite suitable for this type of car.
A neat feature of the test car was Honda's unique LaneWatch Blind Spot Monitoring which shows an image of the blind
spot on the screen whilst the driver is indicating a left turn or change of lanes to the left. Quite nifty, quite safe
and quite good!
Specifications
The Accord 4-cylinder models have a 2.4-litre four-cylinder DOHC petrol-fuelled engine upfront which drives the front
wheels. Power is 129kW at 6,200rpm and maximum torque is 225Nm at 4,000rpm.
The automatic transmission is a five-speed unit, featuring Honda's grade logic control.
Braking is by disc brakes at each wheel. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and
Brake Assist (BA) is included in the standard spec for each Accord.
The suspension is MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. Stabiliser bars are fitted at both the
front and rear.
Five 18" alloy wheels come standard on the Accord VTi-L.
Electric power steering is standard.
Safety
The current Honda Accord comes well equipped with six airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
System (TCS) amongst a host of safety related design features.
ANCAP rate the Honda Accord with four stars for crash worthiness with a score of 29.21 (out of 37). The result was
effected by the protection of the driver's lower legs being below standard in a frontal offset test. Chest protection was
rated acceptable which effected the score too. Yet head/neck and upper leg for the driver were rated at maximum points.
In side impact testing, the Accord received a maximum score.
Importantly, a reversing camera is fitted to assist in reversing manoeuvres. I often find myself in a tight spot, so I
always appreciate a reversing camera.
Fuel and emissions
The factory indicate the fuel consumption rating is 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.
During our 452 comfortable kms we managed an average 8.9 litres per 100 kms as per the onboard trip meter.
The Honda Accord 4-cylinder models 'run' on 91RON unleaded petrol.
The fuel tank capacity is 65 litres.
Connectivity/Infotainment
Standard: Touch-screen audio display, AM/FM radio with single disc CD player, Auxiliary jack,
Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming (for compatible devices), USB connectivity with i-Pod
integration, 360-watt premium audio system.
Satellite navigation is standard - and I like that because I get around.
Dimensions
Length: 4,885 mm
Width: 1,850 mm
Height: 1,465 mm
Wheelbase: 2,775 mm
Boot capacity: 457 litres
Kerb weight: 1,572 kg (approx).
Towing
A braked trailer (and load) weighing up 1,600 kg is OK for the Accord with appropriate towing equipment.
After Sales
All new Honda vehicles are covered by a 3 year/100,000 kilometre warranty (conditions apply). The warranty can be
transferred to subsequent owners. An optional five year/140,000 kilometre warranty is available which includes roadside
assistance for the five year period (conditions apply).
Capped price servicing is a Honda feature (again, conditions apply).
Conclusion
The Honda Accord is a mighty fine car, it is a very nice car to drive.
Let me be frank, despite falling a little short of a 5-star crash rating, I like the Accord and I like it a
lot!
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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