1.5 Turbo is the 2020 Honda Accord’s only flavour
Besides beefing up the C-Segment with the long-awaited Sensing-equipped Civic, Honda Malaysia gave the local D-segment a much-needed boost by finally launching the 10th-generation Honda Accord earlier today too - just over two weeks after opening up the order books for it.
With the new car comes a new 1.5-litre powertrain that replaces the 2.0 and 2.4 engines of past models altogether.
The downsized VTEC Turbo four-banger is similar to the one powering the Honda Civic and CR-V, but the Accord’s 198bhp and 260Nm of torque mark the engine’s highest state of tune for the Malaysian market to date. Power delivery is naturally managed by a CVT box like other force-inducted Hondas today.
New from the ground up, the 2020 Accord is 12mm wider and 34mm longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that has grown by 55mm as well. This extension gives rear occupants 48mm more legroom to complement a boot that has gained 120 litres or overall volume (570 litres in total). Despite the dimensional improvements, new chassis materials contribute to an overall weight reduction of 71kg against the 9th-gen model.
That said, the Accord is still a considerably heavier car than the Civic, hence its tamer performance figures - 0-100kph in 9.0 seconds and 190kph v-max. However, a fuel economy average of 6.3l/100km should make this Honda’s most frugal D-segment entry to date.
There are two variants in the new Accord’s catalogue starting with the 1.5TC. It sets a posh baseline with features such as Honda LaneWatch, paddle shifts, powered front seats (eight-way for driver, four for passenger) and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity all part of the standard package.
The pricier 1.5TC P adds on the Honda Sensing suite of electronic driver aids, a 360-degree parking camera, an auto parking function and 18-inch wheels that feature built-in “resonance holes” for noise reduction. Good luck finding that at your local rim shop.
When we say it’s pricey, we’re not kidding. The 2020 Honda Accord starts from RM185,900 for the 1.5TC despite being locally assembled (CKD) in Melaka. The Accord 1.5TC-P tops out at RM195,900, putting it right alongside the fully-imported Toyota Camry 2.5V in terms of prices.
Whose side are you on? More detailed images are available in the gallery below.
