Honda strikes Accord with new U.S.-built car<\/p>\n
By Alastair Doak<\/p>\n
HONDA importer, PT Imora Motors, is turning its back on Japan
\nand will instead import the American version of the sixth
\ngeneration Accord.<\/p>\n
The American model, which is wider and bigger-looking than the
\nJapanese car, is seen as a more suitable car for the Indonesian
\nmarket, where the Accord sells as a luxury model.<\/p>\n
Like the present Accord, the car will be shipped to Indonesia
\nin completely knocked down packs for local assembly.<\/p>\n
The packs will be shipped from Honda's American Accord plant
\nin Marysville, Ohio.<\/p>\n
The first shipments are due here in January with the car
\nexpected to go on sale about March or April.<\/p>\n
Plans to sell the American Accord, which will also be shipped
\nto other Asian countries and Australia, were confirmed last week
\nby Honda America executives in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
It is expected that only the four-cylinder 2.3-liter version
\nof the car will be sold here. In the U.S. a 3.0-liter V6 model is
\nalso offered.<\/p>\n
Honda claims the fifth redesign of its midsize Accord is the
\nmost comprehensive yet, with the car getting new engines,
\nplatform and suspension to name just a few of the changes.<\/p>\n
This conservatively styled model, which primarily has to
\nappeal to the buyers in middle America was considered more
\nappropriate for our market as it has a wider body than both the
\nJapanese and European \"skinny\" body models.<\/p>\n
However, in true world car style, all versions of the sixth
\ngeneration Accord share major components such as engines and
\nsuspensions and all are built off the same basic modular
\nplatform.<\/p>\n
The car is marginally longer and wider than the old model,
\nalthough it is a fair bit taller, which makes getting in and out
\nof the car easier than before.<\/p>\n
The taller body also helps improve legroom in the back because
\npassengers sit taller with their legs down rather than sticking
\nout.<\/p>\n
It may look larger, but the car is identical to the old model
\nin every other exterior dimension, and it rides on the same
\nwheelbase.<\/p>\n
Better interior packaging, however, has also brought
\nimprovements in front headroom and front and rear shoulder and
\nhip room.<\/p>\n
While the front overhang has been reduced, a larger rear
\noverhang helps increase trunk space.<\/p>\n
Inside, the impression of more space is accentuated by the low
\ndashboard and large windscreen.<\/p>\n
In the back, the additional legroom is immediately obvious,
\nalthough the seats (both front and rear), are a little flat and
\nunsupportive.<\/p>\n
A sunglasses holder joins the now familiar cup holders and the
\ninterior, like the rest of the Honda range is familiar to look at
\nand use, with all the major controls placed where they need to
\nbe.<\/p>\n
Honda has worked very hard on reducing levels of noise
\nvibration and harshness, and their efforts appear to have paid
\noff.<\/p>\n
Engine and road noise as well as vibrations at idle are all
\nsaid to have been reduced, and initial impressions of the car on
\nthe roads in and north of Los Angeles would support those claims.<\/p>\n
At high speed, wind and road noise are well subdued.<\/p>\n
The stiffer body helps here as does the new double wishbone
\nfront and rear suspension systems, which are mounted on vibration
\nabsorbing subframes.<\/p>\n
The new suspension has helped to minimize understeer, while
\nthe ride feels more supple and controlled than that found on the
\nold model.<\/p>\n
The 147kW 3.0-liter single camshaft V6 is smooth, responsive
\nand gives the new Accord a substantial power boost.<\/p>\n
Peak torque of 247Nm is at a high 4700rpm but the company's
\nVTEC variable valve timing system ensures there is a decent
\nspread of bottom-end grunt.<\/p>\n
It mates to a new four-speed automatic that provides clean
\ncrisp changes and it resists hunting between gears.<\/p>\n
Four-cylinder Accords are powered by an extensively modified
\nand enlarged version of the previous 2.2-liter models.<\/p>\n
The new 2.3-liter power plant has been designed to run more
\nsmoothly and efficiently. It also gets VTEC.<\/p>\n
Power increases from 107kW to 110kW, while torque is the
\nbigger winner jumping from 198Nm at 4500rpm to 206Nm at 4800rpm.<\/p>\n
Honda claims the four-cylinder models return better fuel
\neconomy, and exhaust emissions meet the tough California Low
\nEmission Vehicle regulations.<\/p>\n
Overall impressions are of a car that not only looks and feels
\nbigger, but a car that offers the refinement of a bigger, more
\nupmarket model.<\/p>\n
Standard equipment is expected to include dual air bags, an
\nengine immobilizer, power steering, mirrors and windows and air
\nconditioning.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/honda-strikes-accord-with-new-us-built-car-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}