Kuala Lumpur, 22 April, 2008 – Honda Malaysia unveiled the all new Honda Accord at a media launch held at the KL Convention Centre today. This latest version of the Honda Accord is the eighth generation Accord, since the first model which was launche... [+ click to enlarge] New Honda Accord is handsome looking Very continental in looks More spacious and more comfortable Choice of 2.0 litre, 2.4 litre or 3.5 litre engines

Kuala Lumpur, 22 April, 2008 – Honda Malaysia unveiled the all new Honda Accord at a media launch held at the KL Convention Centre today. This latest version of the Honda Accord is the eighth generation Accord, since the first model which was launched in more than 30 years ago. Currently sold in 160 countries in the world, the Accord has a cumulative sales figure of 16 million units in the period from 1976 to 2007.

At the launch ceremony, Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer emphasized that the 8th generation Accord is not a facelift or a further enhancement of the [previous generation, but a revolutionary vehicle with an upscale shift to a significantly more refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction.

“The All New Accord evokes an all new emotion that makes a refined and sophisticated statement with pure luxury and performance for the Accord owner like never before!” he said. He added that the new Accord will appeal to those who aspire to succeed in life, appreciate finer things, carry a discerned image and enjoy a high performance drive.

The all new Accord comes in three variants, with varying specifications, but the main differentiation would be in the engine capacity, i.e. 2.0 litre, 2.4 litre, and the top of the range 3.5 litre V6 models. The 2.0 litre is a SOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 156 PS at 6,300 RPM; the 2.4 litre features a DOHC i-VTEC delivers 180 PS at 6,500 RPM, while the 3.5 litre V6 packs a punch of 275 PS at 6,200 RPM. The V6 also features an improved version of Honda’s VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) that now allows the disabling (all done automatically according to the load on the engine and driving condition), two or three of the cylinders. Overall fuel consumption improves by 6 percent for the V6.

Also present at the launch was Mr. Kenzo Suzuki, Executive Chief Engineer from Honda R & D Japan. He said, “Through our study, we learnt that luxury sedans like the Accord cater for both personal and business usages. We also learnt that our customers expect luxury sedans to be both fun to drive and proud to own.” As such, Honda’s intention for the development of the new vehicle was “to add more luxury and comfort’ and “to enhance Honda’s renowned ‘Quality Driving characteristics.

Key highlights of the new Accord include an all new styling, dynamic features and advancements in performance. Notable is the Accord having the most spacious ever cabin in the Accord line-up. Cabin dimensions have been expanded to provide a 3.2 percent increase in passenger volume; distance between the driver and front passenger has been expanded by 40mm; rear knee space is increased.

All models have a 5-speed automatic gearbox, which also has a feature called Shift Hold Control that prevents unnecessary down-shifts when going through winding roads.

The new Accord has double wishbone suspension at the front, and a multi-link arrangement for the rear.

Prices for the new Accord are as follows:-

Honda Accord 2.0 litre : RM141, 800.00
Honda Accord 2.4 litre : RM171, 800.00
Honda Accord 3.5 litre : RM249, 800.00

All prices are on-the-road with insurance.
The new Accord can be viewed at all authorized Honda showrooms throughout the country from today.