Published on February 8th, 2019 | by Subhash Nair

Honda Accord 2.4 VTI-L Advance Review: High-Tech Where it Matters

The Accord was the first D-segment Japanese car I ever test drove. Back in 2015, it was a simple, respectable-looking thing with excellent ride and handling characteristics.

Today… well, it’s the same car but with much better safety and equipment standards.

As before, the top-spec Accord comes with an ‘Earth Dreams’ 2.4-litre petrol engine. Like it or not, this engine is probably one of the last straight forward, naturally aspirated power plants we’ll see from any Japanese car manufacturer. I for one appreciate the engine’s smooth and predictable power delivery. In normal, everyday driving, it’s pretty much perfect for a car of the Accord’s weight and size. Fuel economy is decent at highway speeds and still respectable enough in city driving, but certainly not class leading. But its simpler, more robust build will probably translate to lower maintenance cost over time versus its turbocharged rivals.

Push the Accord, and it’s still quite a delight to drive. It reminds me a little of the Mazda 6 but perhaps more general-purpose and comfort tuned. It’s nice to see that Honda still makes large cars that are fun to chuck around occasionally.

Though a little long in the tooth, the Accord’s design still looks good. Compared to the upcoming 10th generation model, I’d say the current 9th gen has a more balanced exterior design. There’s a sense of simple harmony that comes with this design. It’s evergreen, like many of Honda’s best work.

The facelift model brought LED headlights and their ‘solid wing face’ grille design and these have kept the Accord looking modern enough in 2019.

Inside, it still looks interesting and upmarket enough. The red-finished push start button is a little bit out of place and the pedal-operated parking brake really don’t do the Accord any favours. Otherwise, it’s a cabin that gives you little to complain about.

Infotainment is Honda’s strong suit. The 7” touchscreen display features slick animations and an easy to navigate user interface. It features Apply Carplay and if you get the APK on your phone, Android Auto works as well. What more could you ask for?

Really, the only reason we took this updated Accord out for a review is because of the new safety features that have been brought. This 2.4 VTI-L Advance model comes with Honda Sensing. Using a radar and camera, Honda Sensing gives you 6 driver assistance features that make the car safer.

Lane Departure Warning alerts you if you drift out of your path without engaging the turn signal, but if the car continues out of its lane, Road Departure Mitigation engages the steering and brakes lightly to try and stop that. You can also engage Lane Keeping Assist System and Honda Sensing will do the steering for you, provided your hands are on the wheel at all times and you’re on a straight path. If you take your eyes off the road and the car ahead of you brakes, Forward Collision Warning will give you an audible warning and get your attention back where it’s needed. If your reaction is insufficient, Collision Mitigation Braking System applies the brakes for you as hard as it can to avoid or lessen the impact. You can also engage Adaptive Cruise Control and Honda Sensing will automatically lower its set cruising speed to the car ahead.

What Honda have done with this updated Accord makes it very unique. On the one hand, you have the proven reliability of the Accord’s 2.4-litre and 5-speed automatic. On the other hand, you have a high tech safety suite that genuinely adds value. Technology for technology’s sake is meaningless. This approach makes the Accord a very easy car to recommend, especially at under RM170,000.

Honda Accord 2.4 VTI-L Advance Specifications

Engine: Inline 4, DOHC, Direct Injection
Capacity: 2,356 cc
Gearbox: 5-speed Conventional Automatic
Max power: 173 hp @ 6200rpm
Max torque: 225Nm @ 4000rpm
Price: RM168,998