Honda Accord: Taking the new version for a spin around town<\/p>\n
Primastuti Handayani and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
The opportunity to take a brand new car for a rip is always
\nenticing. So when we got the offer to try the New Honda Accord,
\nthere was little chance we would say no.<\/p>\n
We were excited about cruising around in this car, which we
\nbelieved was reserved for those who want elegance and class above
\nall else -- like the bunch of executives we saw eyeing it.<\/p>\n
At first, we were shocked by how small it looked, but we soon
\nfound out that it it is actually bigger than previous Accords.<\/p>\n
Compared to the classic and elegant appearance of its
\npredecessors, the New Accord is very sporty. This is especially
\ntrue from the front where flashy triangular multireflector
\nheadlights center a modern appearance.<\/p>\n
With the rear end higher than its previous version and 16 inch
\nalloy rims, the new model has an even sportier look.<\/p>\n
We had hoped to be able to test out the speed of this car on
\nJakarta's inner city toll road but were unable to due to
\ncongestion. We only got the car up to 100 kilometers per hour,
\nfar from its top speed of 240 km\/h, but already 20 km\/h over the
\nspeed limit of the toll road.<\/p>\n
Since we could not go as fast as we hoped, we tried to enjoy
\nthe pleasure of driving at a slower speed.<\/p>\n
But the car did perform well at high speed, allowing us to
\nmaneuver past and around trucks on the toll road. The four-wheel
\ndouble wishbone with five-link rear suspension provided good
\nhandling as we sped along the road.<\/p>\n
To our surprise, the New Accord was less responsive at lower
\nspeeds. When we were driving the standard transmission model, the
\ncar stalled and sputtered when changing gears on several
\noccasions.<\/p>\n
Like other new luxury cars, the New Accord also has cruise
\ncontrol which enables the driver to set and maintain a constant
\nspeed.<\/p>\n
The central control module instruments are placed with
\nconvenience in mind, and make it easy for the driver to adjust
\neverything from the air conditioner to the stereo system.<\/p>\n
The New Accord has eight different adjustments for the
\ndriver's seat, and the steering column is equipped with a tilt
\nfeature and telescopic adjustment with a 40 millimeter range of
\nthat allows for optimum comfort.<\/p>\n
A sudden stop at the Automall in Sudirman Central Business
\nDistrict turned the heads of bystanders. Even some fellow
\njournalists could not hide their amazement at the sleek
\nappearance of the car.<\/p>\n
But the most worrisome stares came from the police officers
\npatrolling the Semanggi clove leaf bridge. We were concerned we
\nwould get fined because the car, which had a test drive license
\nplate, should have not been carrying a passenger. Luckily we
\nweren't speeding.<\/p>\n
The car's 4-cylinder, 2,400 cc I-VTEC engine puts out 160
\nhorsepower (hp) at 5,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and its
\nmaximum torque is 217 Newton meters at 4,500 rpm.<\/p>\n
I had hoped to make up for my failure to get the car up to
\nspeed on the toll road when I returned the car to the office of
\nHonda Prospect Motor in Sunter, North Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, I was disappointed again. This time traffic was
\neven worse and I didn't get above 40 kilometers per hour.<\/p>\n
The heavy traffic meant that we did not have the chance to
\ntest the New Accord's anti-lock braking system (ABS) and
\nelectronic brake distribution (EBD).<\/p>\n
Passive safety features include dual SRS airbags and Honda's
\nG-Con round design which is built to minimize injuries if the car
\nhits a pedestrian.<\/p>\n
The car comes in two model types, the VTI and the VTI-L an.
\nEach variation is available with five-speed automatic and
\nstandard transmissions.<\/p>\n
Those on a \"tight\" budget can choose the standard VTI model
\nwhich costs Rp 299 million (US35,000) while the automatic model
\nsells for Rp 318 million.<\/p>\n
The VTI-L comes with more features, such as stereo adjustments
\nand cruise control on the steering wheel, dual zone automatic
\nclimate control, side airbags and lumbar support in the driver's
\nseat.<\/p>\n
Of course, such comforts come with a price, the standard VTI-L
\nmodel costs about Rp 335 million while the automatic model sells
\nfor Rp 345 million.<\/p>\n
Even it was short we enjoyed our time with the New Accord.
\nThis was one case in which the \"The Luxury Sport Sedan Redefined\"
\nlived up to its PR hype.<\/p>\n
We recommend the New Accord for executives sporting dark suits
\nand leather shoes that need a sharp ride and a waiting driver to
\nwhisk them from one meeting to the next.<\/p>",
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