During the launch of the new facelifted Honda City, Honda Malaysia CEO Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura delivered the heart-wrenching news that the Honda Accord would no longer be available for sale in Malaysia. This announcement left many enthusiasts and customers heartbroken, marking the end of an era for the Honda Accord in the Malaysian market.
So for Malaysians, the 10th-generation Honda Accord, currently available in Malaysia, represents the final model that will be accessible in the country. However, in November 2022, the 11th-generation Honda Accord made its North American debut before going on sale in China. It hasn’t, however, been made available in its native Japan until recently.
Honda has revealed the details and availability of the Accord’s JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) hybrid-only model, which is scheduled to hit dealerships in the first quarter of 2024.
The JDM version of the 11th-generation Honda Accord closely resembles its US-spec counterpart in terms of exterior design, with minor distinctions such as a slightly varied colour palette comprising five shades and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. However, there are significant differences in specifications and the interior of this variant. These differences are tailored to suit the preferences and requirements of the Japanese market.
The new Accord is based on an updated iteration of Honda’s Global Architecture and is equipped with a new fourth-generation e:HEV hybrid system. In terms of dimensions, the body of the latest model is longer, measuring 4971mm, an increase of 70mm compared to its predecessor, while retaining an unchanged wheelbase of 2830mm.
Honda provides customers with two optional visual enhancement packages for the Accord: the Sportsline and the Touringline. These packages include various features like bumper and side skirt extensions, decorative side gills, a rear diffuser, and a lip spoiler. The components can be in black or body colour and are complemented by a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, available in black or diamond-cut designs.
The interior of the 11th-generation Honda Accord features an impressive array of digital displays and advanced technology. The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the “Google Built-in” infotainment system, complemented by a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.5-inch head-up display, offering a comprehensive and visually appealing interface for both entertainment and vital vehicle information.
Speaking of visually appealing, there is a unique user interface element in the form of the “Experience Selection Dial” located on the centre console. This configurable circular dial serves as a replacement for the conventional climate controls seen in the North American model. The dial offers a convenient and intuitive way to interact with the infotainment system.
By rotating the dial and pressing it, the user can easily toggle between controlling various functions such as audio settings, temperature adjustments, lighting controls, and more. This design aims to streamline the operation of the infotainment system, providing a tailored user experience based on the user’s preferences and needs.
Additionally, the integrated screen associated with this dial adopts an analog clock face appearance when not in active use, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the interior aesthetics.
In the Japanese market, customers have the option to choose the e:HEV self-charging hybrid variant, featuring a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine coupled with dual electric motors and a CVT gearbox. While precise output figures for the Japanese Accord were not provided, a similar setup in the American model boasts a total system output of 203hp and 335Nm of torque.
Reservations for the 2024 Honda Accord in Japan are set to begin in December 2023.
