HONDA ACCORD 2.0
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
Luxurious Base
Honda's entry-level Accord now comes with more equipment _ at higher prices, of course.
What's new?
The current generation Honda Accord is now three years old so it's time for a mid-life facelift.
All versions including the 2.0, 2.4 and 3.5 have been updated with subtle cosmetic tweaks and upgraded specification (which naturally meant higher prices, too). No mechanical changes have been rendered to any of them.
But it's the 2.0 that has received the most alteration. Exterior changes include a new front bumper and grille, chromed rear lights and 17-inch wheels borrowed from the bigger 2.4.
There are now three trim levels for the 2.0, with the one tested here coming with sat-nav and premium sound system. It costs B1.42m, compared with the basic and cheapest one at B1.265m.
Accord 2.0 has so-so performance.
What's cool?
It is not easy to spot the changes, but if you look it smack in the face you would be able to note the difference. It doesn't look as rigid as before and, in fact, feels classier. The same could be said for the rear, although the effect is not as pronounced as on the front.
For those who have never really cared about performance in the Accord but wanted the gimmicks found in the 2.4, the 2.0 now has them in this so-called EL Navi trim. The sound system and navigation work just as expected.
The other good points are the inherent factors of the car itself since it was launched in 2008. They include a refined engine (2.4 is more vocal), stable chassis and precise steering. And there's that roomy cabin which is unrivalled against the Nissan Teana and Toyota Camry.
Roomy cabin remains a selling point.
What's not?
There's nothing wrong with the update because the higher spec _ particularly those pertaining to audio and GPS _ simply makes the baseline Accord more appealing in the showroom.
But coming with it is the inevitable increase in price. So while the Accord can boast a digital advantage over the Camry and Teana, it is the dearest in this specification of the three. Because of that, you need to weigh your options carefully if your budget is tight.
Since this is a 2.0 we're talking about in a mid-size family saloon, performance is on the sluggish side. And even though the five-speed automatic is sufficiently smooth, it lacks the utter smoothness and responsiveness of the Teana's CVT transmission.
Navigation system is now available in 2.0.
Buy or bye?
It is quite evident that Honda wants to attract more people to the 2.0 because the bigger 2.4 faces stiffer competition (see sidebar).
For those who love big cabins with sumptuous spec, the 2.0 is a new choice especially when you compare it with the competition. Just make sure you're okay with the price.
Actually, the 2.0 is for people who aren't really interested in the driving experience and merely looking for a likeable interior in a car. For this particular set of buyers, this car is worth looking at.
Front end doesn’t look as rigid as before.
Chromed panel a cheap way to update looks.
Bigger wheels don’t upset ride quality.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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