Updated Accord for 2006
Interior and exterior design changes
Voice recognition satellite navigation
Advanced Driving Assist System introduction
6 speed transmission for 2.2 i-CTDi engine
Also making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor show is the updated Accord. The award winning premium/quality D-segment contender has undergone a facelift for 2006. As well as exterior and interior design alterations, the new Accord is injected with a host of significant technologies, most notably Honda’s Advanced Driving Assist Systems (ADAS)1 comprising of Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) technology. It also gets a voice recognition satellite navigation system with the RDS (Radio Data System) function, which helps the driver avoid road congestions.
1ADAS is available as an option on the 2.4 Executive automatic right-hand-drive model.
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
This technology is a European first and supports the driver in maintaining the car within the same lane. The LKAS identifies the boundaries of the vehicle’s lane by processing images from a camera mounted behind the windscreen. It then calculates and provides the optimum steering torque to help keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane. The system can work at speeds which suit European road usage conditions (45mph to 112mph).
The system automatically switches itself off after a warning if it fails to recognize driver’s input on the steering wheel, in order not to promote hands free driving.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The ACC assesses driving conditions using data from a millimetre-wave radar—mounted inside the front grille of the car—that measures the distance to the vehicle ahead, along with data from speed and yaw rate sensors. It automatically regulates both the speed of the car and its distance to the vehicle in front, thereby reducing the burden of motorway (or similar road) driving and enhancing driver comfort and safety.
For a fuller explanation on both LKAS and ACC technology please refer to the safety section of this information pack.
After a desired speed is set, the system will maintain that speed as long as it detects no vehicles in front of the car. If a vehicle is detected, the system automatically slows the car down and keeps it at a predetermined distance. Once that vehicle changes lane or the distance increases again and the system can no longer detect it, then the previously set speed is resumed.
Other modifications
The main exterior alterations are concentrated on the front area of both the saloon and Tourer versions of the Accord. These include a new front bumper, grille, hood and headlights. Both body styles also get new designs for the 16” and 17” alloy wheels.
Unique to the saloon are the rear styling changes which are a new rear bumper, rear combination lights, and a new side sill garnish. The Tourer also gets altered side sill garnish and chrome plating of quarter moulding, as well as roof rails, now longer than the outgoing model, as standard equipment.
The changes inside the cabin are common to both body styles. The instrument panel has been newly designed and now includes a three-meter cluster being illuminated in a different colour. The steering wheel has a thicker grip and there is a subtle addition of a metal coloured ornamental ring around the horn pad. The shift knob has a new design on both automatic and manual transmissions.
Among the new equipment available is a voice recognition RDS navigation system. Through a series of set voice commands, the navigation system can be operated by the driver without taking his eyes from the road. Another useful addition to the navigation system is the RDS function; the system can recognise live traffic hotspots and recalculate the ideal route so as to avoid the congestion. There is also a hands-free telephone system with steering wheel mounted operational buttons and an automatic radio mute function whenever the telephone is in operation. A nice touch on the EX grade is the volume of the sound system being linked to the speed of the vehicle, so the higher the speed, the higher the volume of the music.
In terms of powertrains, the new Accord has the same engine line up as before; however, the 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine has undergone some changes to enhance driveability. It now utilises DBW (drive-by-wire) enabling both the maximum power and torque to be attained at 500rpm lower engine speed than before. The Accords powered by the award winning i-CTDi engine will now all benefit from a 6th forward gear.
