2020 Honda Accord – Quick Drive Impressions

The trend of downsizing and turbocharging has transcended into Honda Cars Philippines’ stable – the 2020 Honda Accord is quite a shocker with its puny 1.5-Liter power plant, considering that its predecessor had 2.4L and 3.5L V6 engine options before.

While I already expect some people dismissing the idea of a downsized engine, which is, by the way, a more potent version of the Civic RS Turbo’s power plant, Honda invited us over to test the 10th-generation Accord prior to its launch. Because what better way to judge a new powertrain than to test it, right?

With a new engine, a CVT, and Honda Sensing in tow, here’s our first impression on the all-new Accord based on a quick drive inside Honda Cars Philippines’ test track.

Before the life of the previous-generation Accord ended, HCPI dropped the V6 version out of its lineup, leaving us with the sole 2.4L variant. This engine produced 173 hp and 226 Nm of torque.

The new engine, on the other hand, makes 187 hp and 260 Nm of torque – a significant increase from before. These numbers are sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Yes, we know that CVT isn’t the best transmission out there in terms of performance, but I understand why HCPI chose this over the conventional type: fuel efficiency.

During the test runs, the first thing I noticed was the low driving position, which is much lower than its predecessor. Better yet, driving visibility wasn’t hampered even when I was seated at its lowest setting. This driving position naturally makes for a low center of gravity and an engaging drive.

As for the engine performance, the numbers translate well on the actual drive, although I have some reservations. Flat-out acceleration through open straights wasn’t hampered unlike other cars with CVT. The pull plateaued, however, by the time you’ve reached 70-80 km/h – just like any other CVTs. That didn’t come as a surprise, really, since you can only do so much with this transmission type. There are paddle shifters to simulate gear shifting, but they’re a tad delayed when downshifting but on point when upshifting.

I didn’t expect any less from the Accord’s interior; it is, after all, an executive midsize sedan that caters to the chauffeur-driven market. The all-new Accord isn’t a stranger to this setup. With soft-touch materials and plush leather populating the cabin, along with the bulk of technologies that the car offers, you’ll feel the heft of the price you paid for. And oh, woodgrain is still a thing, and those found inside the Accord are executed nicely. Plus, the massive knee-room at the rear cabin makes for a comfortable ride if you’d want to be driven around.

There’s this one thing that can’t be left unsaid – the Accord’s well-bolstered sport seats in the front cabin are an invitation for you to get behind the steering wheel and drive.

The 2020 Accord only grew a bit in size when compared to the outgoing model. However, what changed immensely is its silhouette, which now has a fastback appeal wherein the roofline extends seamlessly towards the trunk.

With that styling, along with the updated lighting elements at the front and rear, the Accord undeniably resembles the Civic. A matured Civic, that is.

The Accord’s Honda Sensing is the newest toy that you can get from this car’s P2,288,000 price tag. It comes with multitude of features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keep Assist.

Sadly, we weren’t able to test these safety sytems in HCPI’s test track. But since I loved how Honda Sensing works on the range-topping CR-V, I won't be surprised if the one on the Accord would please me. That, along with the Accord’s fuel efficiency, handling, and ride comfort on a real-world drive, will be the subject of our future Honda Accord review.