Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L Advance now with Sensing safety package, RM170k – base 2.0 VTi dropped

Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L Advance now with Sensing safety package, RM170k – base 2.0 VTi dropped

Honda Malaysia (HM) has introduced the Honda Accord with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance systems, which made its debut here with the fifth-generation Honda CR-V in July. Honda Sensing is now standard with the range-topping Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L Advance, which is priced at RM169,800 on-the-road without insurance.

Honda Sensing uses a millimetre wave radar in the grille and a monocular camera positioned at the top of the windscreen to provide a number of active safety features.

There are seven items under Honda Sensing, these being Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

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The LDW, as its name suggests, monitors the vehicle’s lane position using a monocular camera (positioned between the windshield and rear-view mirror) and alerts the driver if the vehicle is veering out of the lane. It operates at speeds from 72 km/h up to 180 km/h on straight and slightly curved roads, and remains on standby at speeds within the operating range with the turn signals not engaged.

As for LKAS, the system uses the monocular camera to detect lane markings and, working with the electric power steering system, actively adds corrective steering torque to maintain its position in the centre of the lane. It’s advanced enough to identify painted lanes, cat-eye markers and Botts’ dots and is available at speeds between 72-180 km/h.

The RDM also employs active steering input to keep the car in its intended lane, but the system focuses more on preventing drivers from unintentionally leaving a road altogether. When the camera detects the Accord veering too close to the edge of the road, it vibrates the steering to alert the driver.

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If the car leaves a lane marked by a solid line, the system engages braking assistance (via the Vehicle Stability Assist) to provide moderate braking to slow down the car and adds corrective steering torque to bring the car back to the lane.

While the workings of RDM and LKAS sound similar, the Honda Sensing engineers present at the event explained that RDM is a safety function (it works only for about five seconds to get the car back in line), while LKAS is a comfort feature, working unobtrusively in the background.

Next, FCW, which utilises the monocular camera as well as a millimetre wave radar, which has an operating range of around 100 metres. If it detects a risk of collision, the system creates visual and audible alerts to prompt a driver to react to the situation.

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Should a driver still fail to react to the impending collision, then the CMBS system can apply the brakes autonomously (in varying levels of brake pressure) to reduce the vehicle’s speed in an attempt to prevent a collision or mitigate the effects of one.

The system can tell the difference between a vehicle and a pedestrian, but in the case of people, is only able to detect adults – it isn’t able to pick up forms under one metre in height, which also means it won’t engage if faced with something like a traffic cone.

Finally ACC, which again combines the workings of the millimetre wave radar and the monocular camera. In the case of ACC, it allows the Accord the capability of autonomously maintaining a desired speed and distance relative to the vehicle ahead, and can be set to operate from 30 km/h up, working up to 180 km/h.

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Honda Sensing aside, the 175 PS/225 Nm Accord 2.4 VTi-L’s list of equipment remains unchanged. One gets paddles shifters for the five-speed auto gearbox, LED headlamps, active cornering lights, 18-inch wheels (235/45 tyres), hydrophobic door mirrors, a powered rear sunshade and a ‘Premium Sound System’ with subwoofer.

That’s on top of the goodies already on the 2.0 VTi-L, which include leather seats, auto wipers, auto dimming rear-view mirror, eight-way powered driver’s seat, four-way powered passenger seat, rear door window sunshades, Honda LaneWatch and a multi-angle rear-view camera. Things like keyless entry and push start, cruise control, dual-zone air con and six airbags have been standard across the ninth-generation Accord facelift range.

Speaking of the 2.0 VTi-L, it’s the only 2.0 litre (155 PS/190 Nm) variant still available in Malaysia, as HM has dropped the previous entry-level 2.0 VTi variant. This means that the local Accord range now has two instead of three options, starting from an unchanged RM149,350 for the 2.0 VTi-L and topping out at RM169,800 for the updated 2.4 VTi-L Advance with Honda Sensing.

Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L Advance now with Sensing safety package, RM170k – base 2.0 VTi dropped

HM says that the Accord tops the local D-segment market, and that the facelifted ninth-gen has found 5,500 new homes since September 2016. Of this total, the 2.4L contributed 25%, but the most popular variant is the 2.0 VTi-L with 61%. The dropped base model was the pick of just 14% of Accord buyers.

By the way, 34% of new CR-V buyers opted for the top model with Honda Sensing, and almost 50% of 1.5L Turbo owners paid the premium for the safety package. This could perhaps translate to a good take up for the Accord 2.4 VTi-L Advance. To find out what Honda Sensing does, check out our demo video featuring the Honda CR-V below.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • (Like) Accord 2.4 VTi-L.
    (Dislike) BMW 318i

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 59 Thumb down 26
    • Jeffrey Sardon on Nov 07, 2017 at 6:32 pm

      It is a very sad that when a D segment Japanese car cost RM150k already. Since now Honda drop the basic Accord, how are Malaysians going to afford such high prices?

      Car companies must price their cars according to the standards of living in Malaysia. Malaysia has the highest car prices in the world and most Malaysians spend a huge bulk of their income on just repaying car loans.

      Where is our car price reduction of 30% promise? Currently car prices are unaffordable in Malaysia because our GDP per capita also one of the lowest in the world.

      At rm150k, only the rich can afford. In actual fact, this Accord globally is considered a “normal” priced car and very affordable. In the US, this Accord is considered a cheapo car at US$22k for a CBU

      I have no idea why our car, being CKD can cost so much in Malaysia.

      Can Honda Malaysia bring in the Accord Hybrid. At least they can sell it for about RM100k as it can benefit from our tax incentive for hybrid.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 43 Thumb down 31
    • heyheyman123 on Nov 07, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      Japanese car shouldn’t compare with Continental Car

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 4
  • heybadigol (Member) on Nov 07, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    Is HM trying to clear some inventory before the brand new Accord comes along? But since no news of the new Accord coming to Thailand, so it probably means new tech trickling down to older models. By the way, how much is the price increase for the sensing pack?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 2
  • metoo on Nov 07, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Who is gonna bother with this when the 10th Generation 2018 Accord is already out overseas?

    If Honda Malaysia drag their feet on releasing it here.. then the 2018 Camry will decimate Accord sales.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
    • 2018 camry will loose even when vs with 2017 accord. Spec wise accord win.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 2
  • ryder0707 on Nov 07, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Wow not bad…consider cheap for its specs & class. But knowing the new Accord will launch next year, why would you want to buy this? Simpan duit dulu bro…nanti menyesal hahaha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 2
  • With the introduction of the new CRV which brought forth more advance safety suite, powertrain and a superior driving position, at a marginally cheaper price, its no suprise HM have to hurriedly update the aging Accord. Even than, with the increasingly popular SUV market begin to bite in, i am not sure its enough to keep the stale sedan market afloat in Honda’s stable.

    That being said, i have to share a personal account of mine. Quite Recently i was involve in accident late at night on the nkve. My car’s headlight being old halogen bulb, in which i fail to notice another car, which cut into the fast lane on a unlit stretch of the highway; Both his rear lights were unlit and his rear reflector have fallen out added to the fact that the car in question was painted in a darker shade, he was traveling at 80 while i was doing about 120. I have to admit the fault on my part for i paid some attention to the air cond knob for a split second prior to the accident but alas, whats done is done.

    It brought into attention the importance of Forward Collision System to my eyes. Its not to say its outside of my control, but it could help. Today on my journey to work, yet another rearend collision happend on the NKVE, this is happening on a daily basis. FCS might help reducing this haphazard as our road continually be more congested with drivers. That being said, please also spare some time and check and see weather your rear lights are properly lit people, a mins check per day might save you from collision.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 1
    • heybadigol (Member) on Nov 07, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Glad you are ok. But i do hope we use these driving assist tech to help us steer from problems, rather than a license for distracted driving.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
      • That too is my biggest worry. If people can take their ailing rear lights for granted, drivers today may pay no disregard to their own drivings and putting their complete faith on technology that may or may not fail. Perhaps not now but as the car begins to age.

        Also, I upgraded my Halogen to a LED type now, for my own safety.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
        • you may consider having a projector HID system retrofitted into your headlamp instead of a plug and play LED bulb as most P&P LED systems merely improves foreground illumination. Light throw is merely marginally improved. When it rains, those 5500K – 6000K colour rating (which most LED employs) will be worst off than a typical 4300K HID system

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Sensible on Nov 07, 2017 at 7:32 pm

        Is there any tech today that inform the driver in case his/her lights are not working?. Honest question.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • accord owner ama

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Sgt Scoop on Nov 07, 2017 at 1:45 pm

    I can’t see that Honda Sensing is going to do much for sales since everyone knows that there is a brand new Accord coming around the corner.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
    • Dtctr on Nov 07, 2017 at 5:10 pm

      Current Accord nicer design. Older civic FD2 handsomer than civic FB.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 1
    • oldies on Nov 07, 2017 at 5:37 pm

      whoa sensing or not.. 170hp/225nm 5 speeders.. this is tech of the 90’s !! honda had to throw in some gimmick tech like sensing n whatnot just to sugar coat it….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
      • 5 speeders is better than crap cvt.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 1
        • oldies on Nov 08, 2017 at 7:33 am

          you know that even the korean are using 7speed and 8 speeders on their cars… they have been using 6 speed since the last two model generations… and now all their models comes with turbo diesel and turbo petrol direct injection…. the japs are far behind not only in term of looks and design but power train as well

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
          • Dsgsuxx on Nov 08, 2017 at 11:38 am

            power train like Punch cvt more reliable. no issues like dsg

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • sohhai on Nov 07, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    If not for the pricier road tax and lower resale value, I would have regretted buying the 2.0 VTi-L last year instead of this new upgraded 2.4L version

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
    • If the honda sensing was released last year, then my Accord should be this upgraded 2.4L and not the 2.0L VTi-L version. Now the recommended sum insured for my Oct 2016 VTi-L is only RM128k

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Not Toyota Fan on Nov 07, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    Quite a few guys I know are holding out for the new 2018 10th Generation Accord. They want the L15B7 1.5L Turbo and don’t mind CVT. These Unkers prefer comfort rather than sporty drive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • nice move! but the car vibrates a lot during idle! even worse than myvi!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 3
    • 2L engine right? I have a 2L 8th gen accord. It vibrates a lot during idle with aircon on since day 1. No solution yet.

      Anyone has solved this matter?

      Thanks.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
      • nope. no solution from honda. even changed the mounting also the problem did not solve. their quality is really bad. bad workmanship. sold it already.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • 5 speed gearbox? Doesn’t seem relevant for a car of this sature and class.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 4
  • Habislah UMW Toyota………….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 4
  • Bought my facelift Accord 2.4 just six months ago at the same price. Thanks for nothing Honda Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 3
  • carlover on Nov 07, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    No , thanks!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Gabriel on Nov 07, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Pity those early buyers…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 1
  • willy on Nov 07, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    i wouldnt say its a bad car, but there are other BETTER choices out there compare to accord at this price… a friendly reminder to our beloved consumer….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • 12yrsold on Nov 07, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    This is one of the way(with sensing safety package) to push out older models B4 the New Accord is launched. It is still a handsome Accord any which way U look at it.

    Unfortunately for Honda, Malaysian are smarter than U think. They will wait a few more months for the newer models. Maybe Honda can offer it for RM150k come December

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Vroom vroom man on Nov 07, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    (Like) Honda Jazz
    (Dislike) 3rd generation Perodua Myvi (2017)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 4
  • Beware CR-V premium 2 wheel drive buyers.. in the near future they will upgrade this to 4WD at the same cost…lol

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • C. P. MOHAN on Nov 07, 2017 at 6:37 pm

    Classic case of stock-clearance for the uninformed and those who care-less for new models, especially when the new model has more power with a smaller 1.5T engine, newer design and more safety features.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Just release a new model sudah la..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • For that price, I still prefer the Camry Hybrid…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Zoom Zoom on Nov 08, 2017 at 12:37 am

    Mazda 6 FTW!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Bernard on Nov 08, 2017 at 8:18 am

    Seems too sophisticated for msian drivers.

    Suitable for advanced countries with proper roads and civilized drivers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • parthaofseventh on Nov 09, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    Overpriced japanese crap riding on past glory. Really regreted my leaking honda city which has a swimming pool in the back each time it rained. My 308 after 50,000km still worlds better!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • WWF92 on Nov 09, 2017 at 6:49 pm

    Recently I brought the fl 2.4 on September with a quite good rebate otr 15x (company register)isits worth ? Or rather get this one ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • hongda on Jul 23, 2018 at 10:16 am

    just buy 2nd hand accord..same everything and much cheaper but if you are an awful driver, get this new model so you wont crash into me

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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