The new 2015 Honda Accord 2.4 sedan comes with a host of new updates. We recently took it for some long drives and discovered the pros and cons…
Style
The styling of the new Accord has certainly improved from the front angle and the exhaust tips are better looking than the one-hole wonder poking out of the back of the Ford Fusion. Overall though, the new sedan is quite plain in comparison to the Fusion and Mazda 6, which currently rule the style stakes among midsize sedans.
On a side note, the new Accord 2.4 comes from China and we have some lingering doubts about the quality of the build. The boot closes with more of a clang rather than the proper thud we’re accustomed to.
Interior materials and comfort
The interior has improved with a nice-looking fake wood trim. Yes, there is still some hard plastic, but not much; there are no real issues in this area. The steering wheel material, however, is likely to heat up if the car sits in the sun for a while.
The air conditioning has improved considerably and is now on par with the Nissan Altima.
Unlike previous Accords, the interior insulation has gone down a notch and we experienced quite a bit of wind noise in this model while out on the road. And yes, we also heard the CVT drone but this one is a little bit quieter than the Altima.
Interior features and options
Interior features are decent compared to rival cars. Our test car came with parking sensors and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines which made parking very easy. There is a nice big sunroof – which the kids will love – and the rear A/C vents keep things cool.
The infotainment system is quite intuitive, but again, there is an issue with the interior. We felt both the front and back interior lights are too dim. They are small and stylish, but not very bright or practical. You will probably agree if you have kids in the back and you need to rummage through your bags for their toys!
Drive Performance
The 2015 Honda Accord boasts slightly higher horsepower and better fuel efficiency than previous models. Our test showed an average fuel consumption of 9.7 litres per 100 km while driving in Eco Mode. There is an inexplicable Sport Mode, but unsurprisingly this car is as sporty as a game of chess.
The steering is super light so city driving will be easy –which begs the question, why have a Sport mode? The tyres squeal at sharpish turns when cruising at just 40 kmh.
Needless to say, you can get from A to B easily; but it’ll be a boring drive. Put on cruise control and drive as straight as possible.
Interior space and visibility
There is an adequate amount of space in the back of the car and the boot space is almost equal to that of the Camry. Safety features are standard throughout as with any Honda, which is great for families.
However, a few irksome issues remain. First, the front centre storage area is very small and there are no cup holders; there is a small boxy space but it’s only suitable for keys. Even the glove box is too small. In terms of practicality, this was naturally a let down.
The rear seats, on the other hand, have two proper cup holders with wood trim. Honda, it should be the other way round!
For some reason, each rear door has a small ashtray built in. It seems someone at Honda felt smokers are more likely to sit in the back than say, children! So yes, four smokers could have a great time in this car – but if you visit the coffee shop, you will have problems keeping the drink beside you.
The verdict
To put it mildly, this car is not for those who seek pleasure in driving. Consider this car for boot space, excellent reliability, family comfort and fantastic resale value. It has decent interior and safety features but is not the best in class. Oh, and it’s a great option for smokers as it has three ashtrays!
TOP TIPS FOR PRESERVING YOUR CAR’S RESALE VALUE
Planning to sell your car in a few years? Protect it now to preserve its resale value and recover your costs as much as possible.
Here are six simple tips to preserve your car’s resale value
1) Make a smart initial investment. Buy a vehicle that holds its resale value for longer than average. Japanese brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Nissan and Honda have above average resale value in general for the Gulf region. Chances are if you maintain the overall condition and appearance of your vehicle you will be looking at a good down payment towards your next vehicle purchase.
2) This may seem obvious, but drive safely to avoid accidents, crashes and dents. A history with any of the above can dramatically lower the value of your vehicle at time of resale. In case you are unlucky and you end up having to fix any accidents on your vehicles, make sure that any parts replaced are OEM, meaning they are original manufacturers’ components. And always save your receipts as proof of good-quality repairs.
3) This may seem obvious, but drive safely to avoid accidents, crashes and dents. A history with any of the above can dramatically lower the value of your vehicle at time of resale. In case you are unlucky and you end up having to fix any accidents on your vehicles, make sure that any parts replaced are OEM, meaning they are original manufacturers’ components. And always save your receipts as proof of good-quality repairs.
4) Always keep all receipts in a nice organised binder as proof of quality repairs and replacements. Documentation is golden when it comes to gaining the trust of car buyers. Documented evidence of regular oil changes, repairs and original replacements will bring peace of mind to buyers (and cold hard cash in your pocket).
5) Take care of both the interior and exterior of the car. Wax and polish the exterior every four to six months to protect the clear coat and that new-car look. Try to keep your car in a covered parking lot, preferably indoors if possible. Do not smoke in your vehicle; s moking causes smells and can be a damper on resale value for the car. If you have to customise or modify the car, do so cautiously. Do not overspend on accessories and upgrades – you may not get nearly as much as what you put in.
6) Always stick to the original size tyres and wheels specified by the vehicle manufacturer and avoid mixing up tyre brands and sizes. Staying on top of the tyre balance, rotation and wheel alignment can double the life of your set of tyres and will allow all four to wear evenly. As far as your wheels are concerned, try and avoid curb scratches to keep the wheels damage free and maintain a nice new look for your vehicle.
