The Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L , a step ahead.
Honda Accord’s has always left a mark in my life since the days of my late Uncle Ron Lim that used to be Head of Kah Motor’s Service Division during the 1980s. He drove me to and fro from school every day for most of my high school life and was never late at the entrance. During those days having an Accord was a luxury up market executive car, and it came with the four round head lamps with funky bumper that had an extra chrome bar on the top of it. Why did Honda ever do that to the bumper still astonishes me as the extra bar on top of the bumper can only be found on 4x4 Pick-Ups to deflect stuff off the front headlights such as wild cats, raccoons, or bears! On a Honda Accord 1st Gen, I really wonder if the sole purpose was to tie stuff to it, or to hang your tie! Needless to say my Uncle Ron, got me from school every day was because the Accord was ever so reliable, always comfortable and had the look and feel of a premier executive’s car. I loved the Honda Accord since then and of course my favorite Uncle Ron.
Accelerating to present times, the new Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L is a new variant offered by Honda Malaysia that meets the current needs of today’s customers. In the bright Taffeta White the 2.0 VTi-L variant is having an enhanced exterior with an all new black interior. The new 2.0 VTi-L variant is rather similar to the entry level 2.0 VTI with of course some added enhancements. This is to bring the Accord a step higher in grade and expectations to the segment.
Some of the significant changes are seen on the exterior with the side signal indicators on its wing mirrors and bumpers. Looking at the car at a far, the 2.0 VTi-L looks really similar to the 2.4 VTi-L. New enhanced bumpers at the front with spot lamps, makes the car slightly sportier without making it too unorthodox for an executive’s car. The test unit we had, also came with the Modulo Package that has the additional side skirts, front diffuser, rear ‘duck-like’ spoiler, and rear under spoilers. Looks great with the kit, and is still sold as optional add-ons unfortunately.
For the interior slight changes were made for the driver’s comfort, with the addition of the power seats which is similar to the 2.4 VTI variant. However the front side passenger seat is still on a manual system. The most significant enhancement which is my favorite is the all new black leather interior that is similar to the 2.4 VTI variant. I am never a fan of beige interiors as it is never durable to handle dirt, grime, or spills. With an all new black leather interior, it is better, more luxurious and good on comfort for the passengers in the cabin area. An electronic cruise control is now added into the car that creates a better drive for long distance journeys coupled with a power driver seat, one would be cruising smoothly with a touch of buttons!
Power of the car is still the same with 156ps and 189Nm with SOHC I-VTEC engine, similar to that of the 2.0 VTI. The Honda Accord’s suspensions are the same for all three variants with their Independent Double Wishbone Coil Springs at the fronts and Independent Multi-Links Coil Springs at the rear. The new enhancements in the 2.0 VTI-L makes the car nicer in terms of looks and feel, whilst still retaining its originality in style and drive of the ever legendary Honda Accord. The black leather interior and power seat gives the car a different perspective from a driver’s standpoint which is a plus point and a definite thumbs up on luxury.
The Accord 2.0VTi-L is available from RM149,800.00 and in 5 different colors of Celestial Blue, Polished Metal, Alabaster Silver, Nighthawk Black and Taffeta White. Log onto www.honda.com.my for more details on the Honda Accord or go seek to view this car at your nearest Honda showroom. -iK
