September 2007
Accord Tourer Concept shown
It gave an indication of the design direction for the 2008 Accord, on sale in the UK from mid-2008. Wider, lower, more sporty look. Innovative chassis technology to deliver involving driving experience without compromising ride comfort. Smarter, sleeker proportions, yet greater width, more spacious cabin and an increase in the track to help give better handling. Entirely Euro 5-compliant engine line-up. 4,276mm (15' 6") long x 1,840mm (6' 0") wide. Breakover Angle: better than 12.5 degrees helps prevent grounding on ramps. Wheelbase: 2705mm; ground clearance: 135mm; breakover angle: 11.40 degrees
Two petrol engines of 2.0 and 2.4-litre and a 2.2-litre diesel engine with increased power outputs and emissions and fuel economy significantly improved. Production versions of the new Accord debut in Saloon and Tourer forms at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
New 150PS i-DTEC 2.2 EU V diesel with 340Nm torque is Honda's next generation clean diesel. "World-first" technology to reduce emissions to a level equal to that of a petrol engine. Using a combination of the latest injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter, the 2.2-litre engine well exceeds the Euro 5 requirements, power and torque have been increased and fuel economy has been improved compared to the 140 PS 2.2i CDTI. 150PS at 2,000rpm; 350Nm torque at 2,000rpm.
2.0-litre petrol i-VTEC now has 156 PS at 6,300 rpm, and improved fuel economy. Key technological changes include increased diameter intake valves, further optimised valve lift and timing and increased inlet and exhaust air flow volumes.
2.4-litre i-VTEC engine is also more powerful, delivering 200PS at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 233 Nm (187 lb.ft) at 4,500 rpm. Behind the figures are a compression ratio increased from 10.5 to 11.0:1, larger valves, revised valve timing, and reduced exhaust system pressures.
All three engines are matched to a 6-speed manual transmission, while both petrol engines have the option of a 5-speed automatic. Automatic gearbox for the i-DTEC engine from early 2009. Manual models feature a Shift Indicator Light which appears in the centre of the rev counter. 'UP' or 'DOWN' graphics are displayed to advise the driver of the optimum point (in terms of best fuel economy) at which to change gear; Honda tests have demonstrated fuel savings of as much as five per cent by following these commands.
Lowered centre of gravity, a wider track and the all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity mean that the Accord more readily reacts to driver input. Handling is more responsive and confidence-inspiring and body roll has been reduced. Speed sensitive electric power steering is standard on all models and the new axial system features a high output, low inertia brushless motor that provides excellent steering feel at higher speeds for a sense of stability and confidence. A quicker steering ratio has also been adopted in keeping with the Accord's more agile chassis characteristics.
Dashboard that extends from centre console to sweep around the front seats, creating a cockpit-like design. The width of the car has allowed this without intruding on driver or passenger space, thus maximising comfort levels. Dash itself features 'floating' backlit instruments, with an LCD multi-information display contained within the centre of the speedometer face. Controls positioned on the steering wheel allow the driver to cycle the display through multiple screens of information.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard across the range and is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required. Also features a system that utilises both VSA and the car's Electric Power Steering. Called Motion Adaptive EPS, it detects instability in slippery conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed to prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction. Another important feature of Honda's VSA is Trailer Stability Assist which ensures, by using a combination of reduced engine torque and selective braking, that the vehicle is slowed to a safe and stable speed if snaking should occur while towing.
Updated ADAS (Advanced Driving Assist System) as an option - and for the first time this will feature CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System). CMBS monitors the distance and closing rate between the Accord and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver of a likely collision with alarms and seatbelt 'tugs'. If the system detects that a collision is unavoidable, it automatically applies braking to reduce the effects of an impact. ADAS also includes Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) which uses a camera to detect the car deviating from a traffic lane and provides steering torque when necessary, thereby reducing the burden of motorway driving while at the same time enhancing safety. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a millimetre-wave radar to maintain a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front, which can help reduce driver fatigue.
June 2008
Honda Accord went on sale in the UK
Accord saloon pricing:
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN £19,250
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES AUTO £20,550
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN £20,100
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT AUTO £21,400
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT NAVI MAN £21,200
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT NAVI AUTO £22,500
- 2.0 i-VTEC EX MAN £22,250
- 2.0 i-VTEC EX AUTO £23,550
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN £23,250
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX AUTO £24,550
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN TECH PACK £25,250
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX AUTO TECH PACK £26,550
- 2.2 i-DTEC ES MAN £21,050
- 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT MAN £21,900
- 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT MAN NAVI £23,000
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX MAN £24,050
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX MAN TECH PACK £26,050
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT £24,900
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT MAN TECH PACK £26,650
Honda will launched first automatic transmission for a diesel engine in 2009, with the new gearbox debuting in the latest Accord. The eagerly-awaited auto ‘box for Honda’s i-DTEC engine means the Accord will appeal to a new segment of customers, particularly in the corporate market, where high mileage user choosers often will only consider an automatic transmission. Since creating its first diesel engine in 2004, Honda’s intention was to produce a high quality automatic gearbox in-house, rather than compromise the performance of its i-DTEC engine by mating it with an externally supplied transmission.
The result is a responsive ‘box that’s smooth and sporty with practically zero lag between kick-down and gear shift – especially when using the steering-wheel mounted paddles. In the saloon, top speed is 129mph with 150PS at 4000rpm and torque of 350Nm at 2000rpm. By comparison, the Tourer manages a top speed of 126mph.
The new 5-speed unit uses the same straight gate layout and paddle shift system as seen on the Accord petrol automatic earlier this year. CO2 emissions are 170g/km (saloon) and 173-174g/km (Tourer) depending on model grade, while fuel economy is 44.1mpg (combined) for the saloon and 42.8mpg (combined) for the Tourer.
The Accord i-DTEC automatic is available on all Accord model grades from January 2009. All engines in the Accord line up are designed to meet Euro 5 legislation.
March 2009
Accord Type S unveiled. This more powerful variant of Honda’s D-sector model uses the current 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, like the standard Accord, but thanks to a revised turbo-charger, cylinder head and larger intercooler, produces 180PS at 4000rpm, a 30PS increase on the standard model with the peak power coming at the same rpm. Torque has also increased 30Nm to 380Nm at 2000rpm.
As well as a significant increase in power, the Type S sits on a new design of 18-inch alloy wheels and gains clear indicator covers, a Type S badge plus two new paint colours – Premium White Pearl and Basque Red. The Type S will be available in either saloon or Tourer bodyshapes with manual transmission.