11th-Generation Honda Accord (CY2)

The Honda Accord is a major contender in the executive midsize sedan class. Still, with the competition officially extinct, the all-new Honda Accord CY2 is the only executive midsize sedan you can buy now.

2024 Honda Accord

Priced at 5,449,400 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than the Lexus ES, the all-new Honda Accord CY2 is the only front-wheel-drive executive midsize sedan you can buy now and because it's available only in e:HEV hybrid powertrain, it's either this or nothing. Sorry, but this is the new normal.

2024 Honda Accord

One look at the all-new Accord and you can easily mistake it for a Ford Taurus on the front and a Lincoln Continental at the back, giving the impression of a New Yorker ready for work. It's no wonder why the Honda Accord is one of America's best-selling vehicles in ages and this all-new look delivered such an impression.

2024 Honda Accord interior

Typical "new normal" Honda interior is implemented in the all-new Accord CY2 judging by the long vents splitting the dashboard into half, the Google-powered 12.3-inch Honda CONNECT display, and the unique Experience Selection Dial that adjusts the temperature, volume, clock, and lighting with a single knob. It's unorthodox but for speedo boys behind the wheel, this gimmick is proof that car designers have lost it. Apart from that, it even comes with an 11.5-inch HUD, USB-C ports, heated seats, a rear door sunshade, a wireless charging port, and a BOSE Premium Sound System. Asked about the trunk space, it's good for up to four golf bags and the rear seats can be folded down for more.

2024 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord CY2's e:HEV hybrid powertrain consists of a 147PS 2.0L petrol engine mated to two electric motors with 184PS power output, resulting in a combined system output of 207PS, and with the CVT, it has 23.8km/L of fuel economy based on the WLTC Mode standards. This is a minor improvement compared to the previous model.

In terms of dynamics, the Accord CY2 features front MacPherson struts for agile handling and a rear Multi-Link that minimizes road vibration. It even comes with a Motion Management System that automatically adjusts deceleration using steering input and helps maintain the grip of the front wheels, a Deceleration Selector in the form of paddle shifters, three driving modes from ECON to SPORT, the "e" switch that engages the EV mode, and adaptive damper system that senses driving conditions and controls the optimal damping force in 1/500 second increments.

The Honda Accord CY2 features the Honda SENSING suite of safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Following, Traffic Jam Assist, Collision Mitigation System, Road Departure Mitigation, Low-Speed Brake Control, Auto High Beam, and Cross Traffic Monitor, among others.

The all-new eleventh-generation Honda Accord is now officially unrivaled with its competition officially extinct, except for the expensive Lexus ES300h as its only sparring partner. It's hard to accept such reality but still, this is the new normal and this fully-imported front-wheel-drive hybrid midsize executive sedan is prepared to take an all-or-nothing gamble by all means.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and Canyon River Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Tenth Generation Honda Accord

The tenth-generation Honda Accord is now landed in Japanese roads with a starting price of 4,650,000 Japanese Yen (around US$46,500), and although the pricing is more expensive than its main rival, the Toyota Camry, the new Accord promises to be the most advanced Accord ever made thanks to its new e:HEV dual-motor hybrid powertrain, evocative styling, luxurious interior, and cutting edge technology that sets them apart. So, let's take the Why Card out in the bag and get to know more about the new Accord.

2020 Honda Accord

For its tenth-generation of Honda's D-segment luxury midsize sedan that is targeted at the hard-working salarymen whose wives have their hands full on their part-time businesses, the new Accord is all about getting the job done from Day 1 until the time comes when the driver becomes fully satisfied with this hybrid saloon and then switch off to another one.

2020 Honda Accord

The new model's design is more of an enlarged version of the current Honda Civic, meaning it incorporates some coupe-like sidelines to give it a more athletic vibe to this four-door saloon. Size-wise, the new Accord is 34mm shorter, 12mm wider, and 55mm more wheelbase than the previous model, meaning this coupe-like four-door saloon really shows its big impression on its potential customers.

2020 Honda Accord interior

Thanks to its increased wheelbase, the new Accord's interior is surprisingly more spacious than its predecessor, meaning there's more space in the back for those who Uber-red you after work and enough boot space to carry a golf cart for a trip to the country club. On the driver's side, the new dashboard layout is anything but basic to toy around with. This new interior really spells work day for the new Accord every day.

2020 Honda Accord

The new Accord is the first Honda saloon to be powered by the company's brand new e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system that first debuted on the fourth-generation Honda Fit. The 145PS 2.0L LFB 4-cylinder DOHC 16v PGM-FI i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine is mated to a 135kW H4 electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and e-CVT. When used efficiently, it delivers 22.8kmpl of fuel economy by WLTP standards, which some say it's more efficient than the Toyota Camry, which is a plus but don't get too excited because on highway roads, it feels a tad sluggish. 

The only redeemable shot of love for the Accord is the way it handles courtesy of its rack and pinion steering, front MacPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brake, and its new body that is stiffer and lighter than the previous model by about 50kg. With its good dynamics fit for a hybrid saloon, the Accord is no doubt something to live with as well as its wide array of safety tech courtesy of its Honda Sensing suite of driver aids.

So, has the new model improved from the previous model seven years ago? Slightly yes, of course, because the new model really means business, and if you called yourself a middleman, consider this executive sedan fit for the job. Not the most exciting saloon you wished for but it's one of the most promising saloons of the new decade and whether you're using it for personal use, for delivery use, or for TNVS purposes, the Accord is all about getting the job done without all the drama.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Luna Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Passion Red Pearl, and Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Accord Hybrid (2017MY Minor Change, CR7)

It's been three years ago when Honda made the Accord, the last of the Honda sedans, into a full-fledged hybrid saloon to compete against Toyota's hybrid-only Camry, and this saloon introduced Honda's new 2-motor hybrid system labeled under the Sport Hybrid banner: i-MMD or Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive. It should have been a good midsize saloon that delivers a good blend of performance or efficiency but...don't know how but Honda finally responded with the 2016 minor change of the Honda Accord Hybrid with an upgraded powertrain.

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

For the 2017MY minor change, the Accord Hybrid now features a much simmered front view and a mildly revised rear view looks broadly similar to its pre-facelifted model. With the design becoming more mild-mannered compared to the old one, Honda claims that their newest update will be more fuel efficient and technologically advanced than the old one.

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid interior

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid interior

Nothing's changed on the interior design but the hardware's gone revamp courtesy of the application of the available Apple Carplay, a first for Honda. Of course, you don't need to explain what's what about the Apple CarPlay feature but if customers opt in for the top spec EX model, you can get sports combination seats, driving position system, engine start button with Honda Smart Key System, and so on.

Now, let's talk about the upgraded powertrain of the 2017 Accord because there is now a brand new H4 electric motor which replaces the old model's MF8 electric motor. Working alongside the 2.0L Atkinson Cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine, it now produces a combined power output of up to 215PS of power output when set to Hybrid Drive Mode as well as fuel consumption of up to 31.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. Believe it or not, the new 2017 Accord Hybrid now features a Sport button on the electronic gear selector. Push that button and not only it will become sharper through handling but it allows you to change simulated gears via paddle shifters. Sounds good but it's not worth the cut to be a decent sports saloon.

Apart from its newly updated drivetrain, the Accord Hybrid now comes with Honda Sensing, meaning this saloon now comes with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot warning.

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2017MY Honda Accord Hybrid is priced at 3,850,000 up to 4,100,000 Japanese Yen, which is still more costly than the Toyota Camry, but with all that improvements implemented on it, the new Accord Hybrid is slowly becoming a nice car to drive on Japanese roads. With the new Sport mode, added power, and some tech, this hybrid sports saloon is just one step further to seize the competition.

Available colors: Deep Aurora Metallic, Luna Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Premium Sparkle Black Pearl, and Premium Deep Rosso Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda received over 3600 orders for new Accord Hybrid

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

Earlier this month, Honda launched the all new 9th generation Accord in the Japanese market under the new name "ACCORD HYBRID" and true to its name, it's the first to apply the newly developed SPORT HYBRID i-MMD and it's the most fuel efficient Honda hybrid model at this moment in time thanks to its 30km/L fuel economy, eclipsing its cheaper little brother, the Insight.

It is reported that since June 23, Honda received 3600 orders for the new model, making it over three times more than the 1000 unit monthly target.

Story: http://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/market/187469/

Mugen Power does 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

Having the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid (CR6) launched in the market and go on sale in Japan tomorrow, Mugen Power, Honda's tuning division, unveiled some customization parts available for the ninth-generation, hybrid-only, Honda Accord.

Starting in the aerodynamics division, the Front Under Spoiler costs 59,850 Japanese Yen, Side Skirts costs 68,250 Japanese Yen, Rear Under Spoiler costs 60,900 Yen, carbon air spoiler costs 84,000 yen, and a carbon grille garnish costs 68,250 yen. The styling set costs 189,000 yen and comes with the front spoiler, side skirt, and rear under spoiler while the Aero and Wheel set (available September 2013) comes with the styling set plus the Aluminum Wheel MDA and Wheel Nut and Lock Set, which makes this package costs 347,760 Yen.

The Mugen-tuned Sports Suspension will be available at the end of the year.

Site: http://www.mugen-power.com/automobile/products/accord-hybrid/index.html

Honda Accord Hybrid (CR6)

As I said in the past, Honda created some of the finest sedans than any other Japanese carmaker through the years. The 130, the 145, the Civic, the Accord, the Integra, the Legend, the Fit Aria, the Inspire, etc., etc. So, what are they up to now?

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

This is where Honda's greatness had led and if I mean "Greatness", what I meant was their weakness. Our loss was their gain right now so with Honda stop making normal 4-door saloons for all, their biggest focus was to hybridize the entire lineup, probably because of the rubbish "eco-car genzei" system that plagued the JDM industry right now and there's no stopping it. What this is, you might think, was just a Honda sedan except of course this isn't because this so-called sedan bears the name of the one I know as the "last of the Honda sedans".

Welcome everybody to the all new, ninth generation Honda Accord, and if by ninth-generation, this is the new name for the ninth-generation model, which now bears the chassis code of CR6, ACCORD Hybrid.

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

So, why the conversion into a full-fledged hybrid sedan anyway? Well, you don't need to tell me why but seems Jalopnik's list of 10 most boring carmakers were right. Seems that today's Hondas are about as boring as playing a game of Candy Crush for hours or as annoyed when you're receiving too much invites for Best Casino. Anyway, on the all new, hybrid-only, ninth-generation model, the main target was the Toyota Camry, which is also a hybrid-only executive midsize sport saloon, and the main goal for this new model is to become Honda's most fuel-efficient car ever sold.

Beginning with Honda's new 2-motor hybrid system labeled under the Sport Hybrid banner: i-MMD or Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive...

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid speedometer

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

To recall; Sport Hybrid is a new name for Honda's advanced new hybrid systems, which belong to the Earth Dreams Technology series of high-performance, environmentally responsible powertrain technologies. Beginning now and in the future, there are three types of systems fell under the Sport Hybrid category; the first one having a 7-speed double clutch gearbox which we will expect on the future Honda Fit while the second one is the system that the 2014 Honda Accord's gonna have but we will explain later, which is the i-MMD. The last one and we will expect on the future NSX supercar or the future Honda Legend replacement is Sport Hybrid SH-AWD with three electric motors bolted to the car's backbone and its engine.

Anyway, the 2014 Accord Hybrid has the i-MMD system, which is part of the Sport Hybrid series, and how does Sport Hybrid i-MMD work? I'm gonna sound like James May for a moment so please bear with me. (ahem)

Sport Hybrid i-MMD uses three different engine modes to power the 2014 Accord such as EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Engine Drive Mode.

First, let's talk about EV Drive Mode and in this mode, it uses the lithium-ion battery, a first for its class, to provide power to its MF8 electric motor, which churns out 124kW of power, to run the vehicle. Ideal in off-the-line starts and low- to mid-speed cruising. Now, the Engine Drive Mode and as an opposite, only the 2.0L Atkinson Cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine kicks in and this engine produces about 143PS of power, less than the electric motor it produces, which is ideal for cruising. On the Hybrid Drive Mode, the LFA-MF8 engine-motor hybrid is in hindsight and combined output of 199PS of power is provided in the midst of acceleration purposes. When three different modes are swapped automatically, Sport Hybrid i-MMD helps the new Accord Hybrid reached its JC08 mode-measured fuel economy of 30kmpl, 6.6kmpl more than the Toyota Camry and more importantly, 2.8kmpl more than its cheaper little brother, the Honda Insight. This, in their records, as Honda's most fuel efficient model in the market as of now. Hmmm...

So, while this was officially Honda's most fuel efficient and some say it's a lot nicer to drive than the Honda Insight, what about safety?

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid

Of course, the new Accord still cares about the driver and passenger mode than the car itself and for that, Honda borrowed one of Volvo's books to create Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), which is new for this model. CMBS is a radar-based auto-braking system in which when the system senses that the car is likely to hit one of these obstacles, a three stage process is initiated. First stage is the driver is alerted by visual and audible warnings, which was engaged 3 seconds before collision. Second stage is when the system senses that a collision is still likely (typically some 2 seconds before impact), three sharp tugs are given on the seat belt and the car automatically starts to apply some braking. Final stage is when a collision is unavoidable, CMBS tightens the front seat occupants’ seatbelts (using reversible tensioners different from the pyrotechnic devices used during the collision itself) and applies a high level of braking force. The result? It prevents rear-end collisions with vehicles which are stationary or travelling in the same direction but be warned because CMBS is not yet on while you're starting driving one. CMBS can be turned on or off by means of a dashboard mounted button. It will remain active as long as if its in the "on" button.

Having satisfied about CMBS, let's head out what is like to be a driver's car...

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid interior

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid interior

For the all new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid, this maybe not as nice to drive or as fast as its predecessors but it is safe and has everything what a "Ser Chief" would want. Wait a minute...Why did I said "sir chief"? Oh wait! Probably because the main demographic for this new model would be...wait for it...wait for it...a certain ser chief of all kinds, probably someone middle-aged. Anyway, for some Ser Chief to drive one, it has good gadgets, more space in the back thanks to its longer wheelbase, wooden trim, and enough headroom to accommodate anyone up to five foot tall. A certain Ser Chief in Japan asked me that a good sport saloon's interior needs to have the right equipment despite the pricing and this does actually quite well because it has Honda's InterNavi, decent audio system, automatic air conditioner, controls on the steering wheel, digital dashboard...pretty good.

The 2014 Accord Hybrid feels like its predecessors but it doesn't, probably because of its CVT gearbox that feels like it's been made by some clever Japanese who probably doesn't know the word fun. I know, I might be ended up whining and shouting with this gearbox but the CVT gearbox is quite smooth actually but as a concept, it's a bit Candy Crush-ish.

It's worth bearing in mind though that the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid starts at 3.65 million yen, that's 610,000 yen more than its Toyota Camry rival, which is annoyingly has more combined power output than the Accord. Pity but if you didn't mind the price difference and you owned one and ignore the gearbox, it's really not to bad. It's also rides nicely...(thud!) most of the time and...at this point, I'm running out of things to say about the new Accord Hybrid.

Available colors: Champagne Platinum Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Premium Sparkle Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Modern Steel Metallic.

PRICE LIST:

LX - 3,650,000 Yen
EX - 3,900,000 Yen

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Welcome Back: 2010 Acura TSX V6

It does look like the Honda Accord to us...

This is a Honda Accord but except for one small thing; IT ISN'T. Sure it was made in Sayama, Japan but I don't how did this Honda Accord comes with a...V6 engine that powers the Honda Inspire, only this time without the Variable Cylinder Management. This is somewhat an un-Japanese Japanese Accord because of that V6 engine.

It does feel like a Honda Accord but it has
the V6 engine of the Honda Inspire!

This you see is the 2010 Acura TSX V6, a top of the line TSX model that comes with the 3.5L 280 hp V6 engine found in the Acura TL. It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and 18-inch alloy wheels, and is available in either Premium or Technology trims.

When the second-generation TSX (which is essentially the Euro-Japanese 8th Generation Honda Accord to you and me) was launched in America since 2008, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura's best-selling sedans. With this V6 engine introduced on the 2010 TSX, it adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular Acura TSX sports sedan.

Driving through the Follow-Through with the Accord?

Even it it says ACURA and TSX, it's still the eighth generation Honda Accord, the one that was sold in Europe, Japan, or in China as the Dongfeng-Honda Spirior. It's still the one that is known to be "THE LAST OF THE HONDA SEDANS" ever made.

The instrumental panel is highly
familiar to Accord fans

The dashboard really does look familiar to Accord fans!

The interior would be familiar to Honda Accord fans but here, the Acura TSX V6 with Technology Package comes with a USB connector, memory seat function, and fog lamps. Not only that, it comes with a navigation system real-time traffic and weather, and a 10-speaker premium sound system with DVD-audio capabilities. Sadly, because this is an Acura, we really don't expect the HONDA INTERNAVI like what the eighth generation Accord do. Speaking of which, it has an audio system that the eighth generation Accord never had in Japan; a Panasonic-derived, Grammy award-winning ELS Surround Premium Audio. The 440-watt ELS surround-sound audio system is spectacular even with MP3s, let alone higher-quality CD and DVD audio tracks. Courtesy of Grammy award-winning music producer, Elliot Scheiner, the sound quality of the music I'm playing while driving the TSX is truly Grammy-award winning. It feels like most of my songs played in this car won the Grammy awards. He he he....

Second-generation Acura TSX really is
the eighth-generation Honda Accord from Japan

Having chickened on the ELS Audio System, this near-rich sports sedan is only as good as the blokes who put them together. I'm not going to pretend that this is as good as the JDM Honda Accord or even its twin, the Honda Inspire, but for the same reason that an Acura badged version of the eight-generation Honda Accord isn't nearly as good as the original but for its Honda Inspire-derived V6 engine minus the VCM, this was even quicker than the original 2.4L Honda Accord. Trust me on this, it's going to be that good.

Clearly then, it does look like the eight-generation Honda Accord with the Inspire-derived V6 engine and if we're honest, that's all that the Japanese want.

Honda to stop producing Legend and Accord Inspire

2012 Acura RLX Concept

2012 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

Breaking news! It appears that Honda Motor Co., Ltd will stop producing two luxury sedans by next month to allocate compact cars and minivehicles. Says here that Honda will stop producing the Honda Legend (known as the Acura RL in the States) at the end of June and the Honda Inspire (known in North American and Asian markets as the Honda Accord) this July! This is bad news, folks, this is bad news. We won't be seeing the Honda Legend or that CP3 Honda Accord Inspire again because they'll be dead. Yep. They'll be dead.

What about the production version of the Acura RLX? Some say that Honda has yet to decide to produce a production version of the Acura RLX sedan to its North American facility when a remodeled version is introduced next year.

Scoop:  http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120617b1.html 

Scoop:  http://carview.co.jp/news/2/167625/

So, what do you think? Post your comments below!

Eurasian Wagon Shootout - Avensis vs. Accord Tourer vs. i40

2012 Toyota Avensis

2012 Honda Accord Tourer

2012 Hyundai i40

Those three Eurasian sports wagons; the Toyota Avensis, the Honda Accord Tourer, and the Hyundai i40, truly have something in common. They are family wagons from Asian car manufacturers and they share the same European Elegance because of its design, quality, and performance. Most of these three have the European Premium but which of these three European Premium sports wagons is mostly a "suitable" type?

CASE ONE:

Slated to go on sale in Japan this month, with limited to 300 units available, the new Toyota Avensis returns with a new face and a whole new attitude. The only offering for the Euro Style Wagon is the entry-level 2.0 Xi variant but rumor has it that there will be a facelift next year and it will gain an additional variant. OK, let's not talk about it for now but let's examine what's up with the Avensis. Since it was designed and engineered in United Kingdom, the new Avensis comes with a stylish European design which is highly attractive in the eyes of Japanese consumers. The interior looks somewhat luxurious but a lack of audio system made Japanese customers have to make do with aftermarket audio systems or "Dealer Option" navigation systems offered from dealerships all over Japan.

The Avensis is powered with the 3ZR-FAE (2.0L DOHC Dual VVT-i Valvematic) engine that provides a power output of 152PS and 14.6km/L of fuel economy (10-15 Mode). The standard transmission is the Super CVT-i with a 7-speed Manual Mode which is highly essential on open roads. With Sport Mode on, the Avensis takes advantage of the Euro-tuned suspension for agile cornering on the touge. If you went for a city driving, you should be fine with the CVT but when you're out in the open and want to go for fun, you can switch it to Manual Mode to take control of the seven gears. The new Avensis is highly focused more on the driver's confidence.

CASE TWO:

Arrived in Japan in December 2008 and later received a minor change since February 2011, the Accord Tourer (CW1/CW2) is the wagon version of the Honda Accord (CU1/CU2) sedan. It might have the same prospects as the Toyota Avensis rival but based on my view, I think the Accord Tourer is much more attractive than the Avensis in terms of styling and interior. Today, there are two kinds of Accord Tourer models to choose from such as the entry-level 20TL and the flagship Type-S grade. The 20TL comes with a R20A (2.0L SOHC i-VTEC) engine that produces 156PS of power and 13.2km/L and the Type-S comes with a K24A (2.4L DOHC i-VTEC) engine that produces 206PS of power and 11.4km/L of fuel economy. These fuel economy numbers might not be as good as the Avensis but in power, the Accord Tourer Type S is our best bet. As noticed, the Accord Tourer comes with a 5-speed semi-auto transmission with Manual Mode but I think five gears can be somewhat a lacking to me.

CASE THREE:

This is a new entry from Hyundai and its slated to replace the i30CW although it has no direct successor after the upcoming i30 Full Model Change soon, the European Premium sports wagon, the Hyundai i40, was designed from Hyundai's R&D Center at Russelsheim, Germany, and manufactured at Hyundai's Ulsan plant at South Korean. It is believed that this is "Korea's Avensis Fighter" but can the Hyundai i40 keep up with the likes of its Eurasian rivals such as the Honda Accord Tourer and Toyota Avensis? What about Euro rivals such as the Renault Megane Estate, Volkswagen Passat Variant, and Peugeot 508 SW? Not sure but be patient. As for me, I don't like the front view of the Korean-spec Hyundai i40 but as for the side view and rear view, it really resembles like the Honda Accord Tourer and I really like it. The biggest impression for me is the interior. With such interior design, this beats the Toyota Avensis and the Honda Accord Tourer by a long shot! I am highly impressed about the interior design and there is a special feature that these two didn't have which is none other than the "Luggage Rail System", a first of its class feature for cargo stability.

Under the hood, the Hyundai i40 comes with two engine types such as a newly developed 1.7L CRDi-VGT engine and the newly-developed Nu 2.0 GDi engine. The new 1.7L CRDi-VGT produces 140PS of power and 18.0km/L while the new Nu 2.0 GDi engine creates 178PS of power and 13.1km/L of fuel economy. They are both come with a 6-speed semi-auto transmission with Paddle Shifters, making it on par against the Honda Accord Tourer.

The verdict: The Avensis, Accord Tourer, and the i40, really have impressive European design, European packaging, and European performance. Only one I will call it the best and I'll choose not just one but two Eurasian wagons; the Accord Tourer and the i40! Sorry Avensis, but see you on your next facelift....

The 2011 Accord minor change arrived...9 months late since its Japan debut!

2011 Honda Accord Inspire

Yes, I know. The Honda Accord Inspire CP3 Phase II (the second phase of the CP3 Honda Accord Inspire launched in Japan since December 2007) was arrived in Japan since August 26, 2010 and it took us, Pinoy Honda fans, 9 months to wait till Honda Cars Philippines officially brought the Honda Accord Inspire CP3 minor change!

Scoop:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/honda-cars-philippines-launches-refreshed-accord

Let's see what's in store for the 2011 Accord. Well for some reasons, it sports a new grille inspired from the USDM Accord Coupe, and it featured Bluetooth connectivity exclusive to the 2011 Accord 3.5L variant. What remains the same is the interior, and the choice of either a 2.4L or the VCM 643 3.5L V6 i-VTEC engine.

Pricing starts at 1.7 million pesos for the 2.4L variant and 2.05 million pesos for the VCM 643 variant. If you guys don't know what's VCM 643, that's the Variable Cylinder Management that allows the V6 3.5L engine to run on either 6, 4, or 3 cylinders.

That was too close. And I'll mark the 2011 Accord's arrival as...

TARDY!

Super cool special edition Honda models (but offered in Malaysia only)

2011 Honda Concept M Series

Three of the best Honda vehicles in the ASEAN market; the Civic, the Accord (Inspire in Japan), and the Jazz (Fit in other markets) are all kitted out with some aero kits and dubbed as the Concept M.

Concept M stands for two of the famous modifiers from Honda such as Modulo and Mugen. These Malaysian-spec Civic, Accord Inspire, and Fit/Jazz special editions made us so envy, we, Filipinos, wish to have one of these hot Honda models because these three were kitted out with aero parts!

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2010/11/25/honda-malaysia-introduces-limited-edition-concept-m-models-accord-jazz-and-civic-get-all-dressed-up/

Honda Accord Inspire CP3 -Phase Two-

2011 Honda Accord Inspire

Upon the arrival of the fifth-generation Honda Inspire (known worldwide as the seventh-generation Honda Accord, not to be confused with the Honda Accord Euro sold in the North America as the Acura TSX) since the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and sales started since the 2007 holiday season, it seems that some people are loyal to the Inspire's executive looks, premium interior, and the innovative 3.5L V6 i-VTEC engine with the world's first Variable Cylinder Management, which allows the engine to be automatically set to either 3, 4, or 6 cylinders, depending on the driver's driving tastes.

In late August 2010, the Honda Accord Inspire gained a minor change to be more elegant, more beautiful, more luxurious, and more fuel-efficient than its pre-facelift predecessor. On the front, the Accord Inspire received a new face that looks similar to the US-only Honda Accord Coupe, providing an aggressive stance on Honda's flagship medium-sized vehicle. On the back, the Accord Inspire rear lamps getting minor improvements. The Inspire's rims have changed too. On the inside, the Honda Accord Inspire has faux wood paneling all over to further improve its modest status for the customers.

There are four available options to choose from;

1) Regular Package which features front-seat side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, front seat Active Head Rest, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) + TCS (Traction Control System), discharge headlamps, front fog lamps with auto light control, rain-sensing wipers, power seats, power steering, LED door mirror winker, instrumental cluster, telescoping steering wheel, rear sunshade, cruise control, steering audio switch, Honda Smart Key System with Immobilizer, Intelligent Dual Full Auto Aircon, available Honda HDD Internavi System, USB Jack, Active Noise Control, DVD/CD/AM/FM Player, and six speakers.

2) Leather Interior features everything from the regular package with two leather color choices; ivory or black. A front seat heater is added to give warmth to the passengers on cold nights.

3) Advance Package features everything from the regular package with Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Collision Mitigation Brake + Seat Belt

4) The fourth package of the Inspire combines all three packages into one, providing this car with complete options to be more luxurious for the semi-wealthy.

My thoughts about the Inspire:
With the fuel economy of the Honda Accord Inspire CP3 raised from the previous 9.8km/L to 9.9km/L, there's still nothing special about the latest minor facelift for the Honda Accord Inspire. New look, same features. That's how I can explain more about the latest facelift for the CP3 Inspire. With the facelift now on sale in Japan since late August, could Honda Cars Philippines have a chance to bring the newly redesigned Inspire here to the Philippines? The Honda Inspire is the leading target of cars such as the Hyundai Grandeur, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy B4, Mazda Atenza/6, and even the Toyota Camry.