The all-new 2014Honda Accord has been launched in South Africa and we have the pricing and specifications for the flagship luxury sedan.

Engines

The headline act of the 2014 Honda Accord is the introduction of a meaty 3.5-litre V6 engine. As Honda points out, there’s no point in having a flagship Accord with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine as the most powerful motor. This new V6 has 207 kW and 339 Nm, meaning it’ll 100 kph in just 7.2 seconds, while recording a fuel consumption figure of 9.2l/100 km on the combined cycle.

The entry-level car features the 2.0-litre four-cylinder from the old car and that produces 114 kW of power, together with 190 Nm of torque. You’ll see 100 kph come up in 11.7 seconds, with fuel economy rated at 7.5l/100 km.

The middle of the range 2014 Honda Accord comes with the all-new 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. It has an output of 132 kW and 225 Nm and Honda claims it will consume 8.1l/100 km. Performance is rated at 10.6 seconds for the 0-100 kph sprint.

Features and Specifications

The 2014Honda Accord now features three petrol versions with three trim levels: Elegance, Executive and Exclusive. The strength and selling point of the 2014 Honda Accord means you have many features fitted as standard. The Elegance and Executive four-cylinder models come with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the new V6 comes with a six-speed auto box.

Honda Accord2.0 Elegance

Even in the entry level Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance, you get electrically adjustable folding mirrors, electric windows front and rear, armrests front and rear, a leather multi-function steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, cruise control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a lockable glove box and a rear air-conditioning vent for the passengers’ comfort. Heated leather seats for both driver and passenger are fitted too.

It doesn’t stop there! There’s also a Multi-Information Display with rear view camera as well as a six-speaker audio system with touchscreen display, Bluetooth hands-free calling convenience and USB and auxiliary connections with MP3/WMA compatibility for personal music devices. The Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance comes with 17-inch alloy wheels too.

Safety is a crucial part of the all-new Honda Accord and it features an abundance of technologies.ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist and a Tyre Deflation Warning System comes standard.

Honda Accord2.4 Executive

The next model up is the Honda Accord 2.4 Executive, which has all the above features and adds on gearshift paddles behind the multi-function steering wheel, push button start (as opposed to a key), and asubwoofer for the six speaker audio system. There are also LED headlights, active cornering lights and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Finally, there’s a glass sunroof and 18-inch wheels.

Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive

The top of the range Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive goes all out in terms of specification and the only thing I can’t see on the list is satellite navigation. The main add-ons here are in the safety department and includeCollision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lanewatch Blindspot Display, which is a personal favourite.

Other noteworthy features for this model include sunshades for the rear window and rear side windows, and a cool technology called Active Sound Control (ASC) system which is claimed to suppressengine noise.

2014 Honda Accord Price in South Africa

2014 Honda Accord 2.0 Elegance – R389 000

2014 Honda Accord 2.4 Executive – R449 000

2014 Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive – R549 000

The price includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan for theAccord 2.0 Elegance and 2.4 Executive. The 3.5 V6 Exclusive comes standard with a five-year/100 000 km service plan. One year of roadside assistance is also thrown in.