2020 Honda Accord 1.5 TC-P CKD Review.

Let me start with getting 1 thing straight. The D-segment or midsize category is a dying breed. As much as it saddens and pain me to say it, the numbers do not lie. Other manufactures in Malaysia like Nissan has drop the Teana from their line-up. Ford has stop producing the Mondeo and Hyundai also stop selling the Sonata. Kia has dropped their more expensive Optima GT in favour of the cheaper Optima EX. So, the ones that left behind like the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat are all that is left. But wait! Honda has decided to show up fashionably late. The question? Is it worth the wait? Let’s find out.

The all new Honda Accord is a completely different machine than the one that it replaces. Gone is the old boring traditional sedan and hello sporty fastback. Either you love it or hate it, one thing is clear. The Accord will not be ignored. On the Outside the new Accord borrow heavily design cues from its smaller Civic sibling like the chrome strip that runs the top window part of the car. The “C” shape tail lamp here is more subtle compare to the one on the Civic. Up front, again the design is more mature with LED headlamp and LED fog lights now standard equipment. The only thing to visually differentiate upper Accord variant with lower variant are the wheels with 18 inches fitted on the more expensive one and 17 inches on lower variants. The rear also features twin chrome exhaust finisher integrated into the bumper.

Speaking of variants there is only 2 to choose from which are the 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P. With both variants 1 engine and 1 type of transmission is your only option. The up tuned 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine paired to a CVT making 201 Ps and 260 Nm of torque with power sent to the front wheels. In fact, all the equipment and feature list on both the variants are pretty much identical with the 1.5 TC-P only getting some extra safety features and the bigger previously mention 18-inch wheels.

From behind the wheel the Accord has 3 driving modes that changes how it behaves on the road. Sport mode sharpen throttle respond, and the transmission holds the engine in the lower gear for maximum peak engine power band. Normal mode behaves in such a way where maximum power and quick downshift can be had once the throttle is mesh deeper. ECO mode downshift is still relatively quick although the throttle input and peak power is dull out to save fuel. Unfortunately, the 3 modes do not change ride quality or steering inputs. This is a midsize family sedan after all. Handling and ride quality though are a nice balance of dynamic and comfort. Honestly, it felt like driving a bigger Honda Civic. The steering still has some feel to it and has a tight turning radius of 6.1 metre for such a long car.

Inside this where the Accord differentiate itself from the Civic. Its is roomy. The design and layout of the dashboard and neat and traditional in a good way in which you know where everything is located. The updated new infotainment system is now much better than the old and confusing dual screen set up. The material use is good, but it is not as luxurious as some of its competitors. The front seats are both electrically power and offer better shoulder support compare to the Civic. In the back, leg room is just plain big. Honestly, I could even cross my legs and the angle of the seat back just makes the rear space of the Accord a comfortable place to seat. The only issues I have is the slopping rear fastback roof design does eat into head space a bit but on the bright side there are aircon vents and dual USB charging port located behind the center console. The foldable centre arm rest feature 2 cup holders with a rather plastic cover. The rear trunk space is also massive now at 570 liters.

Standard equipment list across all Accord includes leather upholstery , 10 way power driver seat with 2 memory function, 4 way power front passenger seat, reverse camera, an 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, dual zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, rear side window shades, remote engine start, folding rear seat, 10 speakers with sub-woofer, a 7 inch TFT meter cluster, front parking sensors and paddle shifter. Standard safety feature includes 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mount, Honda lane watch camera system, auto brake hold, hill start assists, vehicle stability assists and brake assist. The Accord gets the full 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

Moving up to the 1.5 TC-P variant gets you Honda Sensing system which bundles up extra safety system like lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, driver attention assist, forward collision assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, automatic smart parking system assist, a 360 degree camera and 18 inch wheels.

The Honda Accord CKD (Completely Knock Down) has starting price for the 1.5TC at RM179,288.64 while the range topping 1.5 TC-P sells at RM188,476.37. These prices are for east Malaysia until the end of December of 2020. All Accord feature 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage. 4 colour option are available on the Accord which are Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

Picture and written by Afiq Bazli Bin Busairi.