HONDA The Power of Dreams

News Release

Honda Announces a Full Model Change for the Accord and Accord Wagon

October 10, 2002, Japan

Automobile

October 10, 2002-Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the release of a new Accord (Accord / Accord Wagon), which will set a new benchmark for midsize automobiles. The new Accord is fitted with a high-performance DOHC i-VTEC engine and offers world top-level aerodynamic characteristics. Equipped with HiDS*1(Honda Intelligent Driver Support System) for lane maintenance and vehicle distance/speed control on freeways, a Honda DVD navigation system with voice recognition*2, side curtain airbags*3, and more, Accord goes on sale October 11th and Accord Wagon from November 28th at Honda Clio dealers throughout Japan. *4

The 7th-generation Accord (Accord / Accord Wagon) inherits the principle of "harmony between people and society" embodied in the first Accord, and is designed on the concept of a New Quality Tourer. The new Accord was developed to set a new benchmark in midsize sedans and wagons, providing luxurious interior detail, excellent safety and environmental performance, and providing long hours of stress-free driving with a sporty flair and yet an atmosphere of complete safety and comfort.

Accord 24S

Accord 24S

Accord Wagon 24T (w/ optional equipment)

Accord Wagon 24T (w/ optional equipment)

●Projected monthly domestic sales:5,000 units (Accord/Accord Wagon combined)

  • Styling: An exterior design that is both energetic and refined, aiming at the utmost in automotive functionality.
  • Driving performance: The DOHC i-VTEC engine delivers superb driving performance.
  • Aerodynamic performance: The design produces world-class aerodynamic performance.*5
  • Living space: Packaging and utility with attention to detail that creates a relaxed, functional environment. All Accord wagons are equipped with the world's first "one-motion" rear seats that can be easily stowed away with one hand, and an auto-opening and -closing, remote-control operated power tailgate as standard equipment.
  • Equipment for advanced functionality: The next generation in advanced, highly functional equipment, including HiDS (Honda Intelligent Driver Support System)*1, which reduces the driver's workload by helping keep the vehicle in its lane and controlling vehicle distance and speed during freeway driving, Honda DVD navigation system with voice recognition*2, and a wealth of other new features make driving more comfortable than ever before.
  • Environmental performance: All vehicle types have earned Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as either Ultra Low-Emissions or Excellent Low-Emissions Vehicles. Other environmental performance features include compliance with government regulations for fuel economy for 2010.*6
  • Safety: A newly developed, rapid-deployment side curtain airbag*3 with a large protection area, Honda's original G-Control safety technology, and other safety features ensure superb collision safety performance.
  • *1Manufacturer's option on Accord 24T, 24TL, Accord Wagon 24T (FWD vehicle), 24T Exclusive Package (FWD vehicle)
  • *2Manufacturer's option on all types
  • *3Manufacturer's option on the Accord and Accord Wagon, except the Accord Euro-R and 24S equipped with front Recaro bucket seats (comes as set with i-Side airbag system and rear center headrest)
  • *4Accord Euro-R goes on sale December 10, 2002; the Accord Wagon 24E with 4WD goes on sale February 13, 2003.
  • *5According to Honda's own aerodynamic testing
  • *6Accord 20EL, 20E, Accord Wagon (specs for some 24E types excluded)

●Projected retail price at dealers nationwide(sales tax not included; units: ¥1,000)

◎indicates vehicles shown in photographs

  Type Engine Transmission Drive wheels Price  
Accord 20E 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 5-speed automatic FWD 1,990  
4WD 2,190  
20EL FWD 2,140  
4WD 2,340  
24T 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC FWD 2,150  
24S FWD 2,350 ◎
24TL FWD 2,450  
Euro-R 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 6-speed manual FWD 2,530  
Accord Wagon 24E 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 5-speed automatic FWD 2,190  
4WD 2,410  
24T FWD 2,490 ◎
4WD 2,710  
  • Accord body colors (8 colors, including 2 new):
    Premium White Pearl*7, Satin Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Indigo Blue Pearl, Graphite Pearl (new), Mist Opal Green metallic (new)
    <Euro-R>
    Premium White Pearl*7, Satin Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Graphite Pearl (new), Arctic Blue Pearl (custom color), Milano Red (custom color)
  • Accord Wagon body colors (8 colors, including 3 new):
    Premium White Pearl*7, Satin Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Indigo Blue Pearl, Desert Mist Metallic (new), Graphite Pearl (new), Royal Ruby Red Pearl, Vermont Green Pearl (new)
  • *7Premium White Pearl: +¥30,000
  • Manufacturer’s options
  • Premium sound system: +¥60,000 (excluding Accord 20E)
  • Honda DVD navigation system with voice recognition: +¥280,000
  • Thin electric smoked glass sunroof (with tilt-up function): +¥80,000 (excluding Accord 20E, 24S, Euro-R)
  • Honda smart-card key system: +¥50,000 (excluding Accord 20E, Accord Wagon 24E)
  • Front-seat side airbag system (equipped with passenger positioning detection system for the front passenger seat) + side curtain airbag system + rear center headrest: +¥80,000 (Available on all types except Euro-R and 24S with front Recaro bucket seats)
  • HiDS (Honda Intelligent driver Support System): +¥350,000 (comes as set with other options; available on Accord 24T, Accord 24LT, Accord Wagon 24T FWD model, and Accord Wagon 24T Executive Package FWD model)
  • VSA (ABS + TCS + side-slip control): +¥70,000 (available on Accord Wagon 24T, 24T Exclusive Package, and 24T Sports Package FWD models)

<Accord Wagon—Manufacturer’s Option Packages>

Package Equipment Price
24E Exclusive
Package		 Driver-side 8-way power seat; auto light control; genuine leather steering wheel; wood-grain paneling (console and power window control panels); premium sound system; privacy glass; AC100V power outlet; raindrop-detecting wipers; 16-inch aluminum wheels and tires +¥240,000
24T Exclusive
Package		 Driver-side 8-way power seat; auto light control; cruise control; premium sound system; privacy glass; AC100V power outlet; Honda smart-card key system; raindrop-detecting wipers; wood-grain paneling (console and power window control panels) +¥200,000
24T Sports
Package		 Leather/soft-weave combination seats; mesh-type front grille; tailgate spoiler; blackout sub-reflector headlights; body-color side-sill garnish (aero-form); metal-finish paneling (console and power window control panels); red-lit, large-diameter fluorescent gauges; privacy glass; aero-form bumpers (front/rear); sports suspension (FWD only); 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires (FWD only) +¥270,000
(4WD
model:
+¥190,000)

◆Main Features

Accord
<Styling>

  • A form with presence born of the pursuit of functional aerodynamic performance creates an exterior design with the ideal balance of calm and motion, quality and energy.

<Interior>

  • The interior design combines high-quality materials with precision assembly to achieve sure handling and superior passenger hold while driving. See it, touch it, use it, and sense the high quality and superior performance.
  • The front seats are shaped so that the body is naturally enveloped by them, for firm support to the entire posterior region. The seat backs are larger, with optimum seat side firmness to achieve both greater comfort and holding performance. The driver’s seat also employs a Schukra-manufactured*8 lumbar support, well-known for its comfortable fit.
  • *8Standard equipment on the 24TL, 24S, 24T, and 20EL types

<Performance>

  • Body
  • The Accord’s aerodynamic performance, with CD value of 0.26*5—world top-level performance for a sedan—makes a major contribution to high-speed performance, fuel economy, and quietness.
  • The lightweight, high-rigidity body delivers outstanding dynamic rigidity, in addition to static rigidity characteristics of bending and torsional rigidity, for a responsive front end, a stable rear end, and greatly improved comfort.
  • Engine
  • The DOHC i-VTEC engine series combines Honda’s original VTEC (variable valve timing and lift control mechanism) with VTC (variable valve timing control mechanism), which continuously varies intake valve timing to match changing engine loads, to attain superb torque, fuel economy, and emissions performance.
    •2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine: 147kW (200PS) / 232Nm (23.7kg-m)*
    •2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine: 114kW (155PS) / 188Nm (19.2kg-m)*,*9
    All types have earned Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as either Ultra Low-Emissions or Excellent Low-Emissions Vehicles. The 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine, with low fuel consumption of 13.8km/L*10, complies with government fuel economy regulations for 2010.
  • Employs a DBW (drive-by-wire) electronic throttle control system*11. Throttle valve control by the accelerator pedal is converted to an electric signal, and the ECU calculates the optimum throttle opening based on vehicle speed and engine rpm. The actuator directly controls the throttle valve, for precise, linear throttle control.
  • *= New record Net values
  • *920EL and 20E FWD models
  • *1020EL and 20E FWD models (Fuel consumption when driven in 10-15 mode. Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport figures)
  • *11Standard equipment on 24TL, 24S, and 24T types
  • Transmission
  • Honda has developed a high-efficiency, compact, 5-speed automatic transmission*12 that employs a low-friction clutch, a high-efficiency, ultra-thin torque converter, and double-row idle gear for use in the Accord. This transmission contributes to high fuel economy during cruising, together with linear speed changes during acceleration. It also couples S-Matic operation with manual-feel shifting for added driving enjoyment.
  • *12All types, except the Euro-R
  • Chassis
  • A double-wishbone suspension in the front delivers superb straight-line stability.
  • The rear employs a 5-link, double-wishbone suspension with its geometry optimally tuned for improved stability while cornering.
  • The side-slip control system in the VSA (ABS + TCS + side-slip control)*13 has evolved to control the brakes on all four wheels, an improvement over the previous system that only controlled the two front wheels, for more precise control. This results in more stable vehicle behavior when cornering.
  • *13Standard equipment on the 24TL; available as a manufacturer’s option on the 24T as a set with HIDS

<Packaging and utility>

  • The Accord’s interior provides a relaxed living space with an environment that is easy on the driver to prevent fatigue on long drives.
  • The 6:4 split rear seats accommodate even large luggage items.
  • Available with rear center seat headrest*14 and 3-point ELR/ALR seatbelts on all seats, for greater safety when three people are riding in the back seat.
  • A newly designed trunk hinge prevents the hinge arm from striking luggage stored in the trunk, while at the same time securing a large opening.
  • An electronic trunk opening switch allows the trunk to be opened with the push of a button, even from outside.
  • *14Manufacturer’s option on all types except the Euro-R and 24S equipped with Recaro front bucket seats; available as a set with the front seat i-Side airbag system (equipped with passenger positioning detection system for the front passenger seat) and side curtain airbag system

<Accord Euro-R: enhanced driving performance>

  • An exterior design with accentuated sportiness throughout, including aero-form bumpers, honeycomb mesh front grill, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
  • Springs, anti-sway bars, and bushings are firmer, and shock absorbers have been tuned for optimum damping. In the front, a strut tower bar connects the left and right struts, for a high level of sporty, responsive, driving stability, without sacrificing comfort.
  • The 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine outputs 162kW (220PS) / 206Nm (21.0kg-m)*, while at the same time earning Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as an Excellent Low-Emissions Vehicle, for high output in combination with high environmental performance.
  • The lightweight, compact, 6-speed manual transmission offers highly responsive performance.
  • The Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel, Recaro front bucket seats, aluminum
  • *Net values

Accord Wagon
<Styling>

  • The exterior is designed to deliver a feel of ease and abundance, expressive of the idea of "just load it up and go". The Accord Wagon's characteristic wing roof was designed with the image of a diving peregrine falcon in mind, to impart a feel of freedom and solidity.

<Interior>

  • The interior features the same high quality and functionality as the Accord, with a design that imparts a feel of spacious luxury from the cabin right back to the luggage space.
  • The tailgate opening is spacious with a simple design, with a low luggage floor and rear seats that stow flat to create a large space, resulting in a clean, spacious stowage area. The tailgate lining is also carpeted, to further enhance the interior's luxury feel.

<Packaging and utilit>

  • Packaging was developed to maximize ease of use in the luggage space, the most important functional aspect of a station wagon. A body design different from that of the Accord is used, with more compact shock absorber housings in the rear, a floor height of 570mm (50mm less than the previous model), and a low 865mm floor in the luggage compartment for a flat, wide luggage space.
  • Luggage space volume is at the top of its class, with 576L*15 (87L more than the previous model) during normal use and 921L*15 (114L more than the previous model) with the rear seats stowed.
  • The electronic power tailgate can be opened and closed automatically using the keyless entry system's remote control. A safety mechanism incorporates a touch sensor and torque sensor to reverse the operation if resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, thus preventing hands or objects from being pinched during automatic operation.
  • With the newly developed one-motion rear seats, simply folding down the rear seatback causes the headrest to automatically fold forward and the seat bottom to lift up toward the front seat, allowing the seatback to be stowed neatly away. This system allows seats to be operated with one hand, for simple, convenient seat rearrangement.
  • The rear seats have three sets of seatbelts built in. The seats have also been made wider, for more luggage space when the seats are stowed and a more spacious interior feel.
  • The open stay, which supports the tailgate when it is open, is built into the space between the roof side and the roof lining, resulting in a wider tailgate opening, improved ease of use, and a neater look.
  • *15Honda in-house measurement according to VDA formula

<Driving performance>

  • Body
  • The rear floor, rear doors, rear quarter panels, and rear suspension were all specially designed for the wagon in order to achieve both a flat, low-floored luggage space for better packing and improved rigidity for better driving performance,. Thorough attention to the creation of large cross-sections in the load-bearing members and smoothly curving surfaces result in a high level of rigidity.
  • Chassis
  • The front suspension employs the same double-wishbone design as the Accord.
  • The rear employs a trailing arm double-wishbone suspension specially developed for the wagon. The springs and shock absorbers are independent, with the springs positioned under the floor and a special configuration used for shock absorber installation that results in a much more compact shock absorber housing, along with higher rigidity. This configuration makes a major contribution to the wagon's flat, low-floor luggage space and superb handling stability.
  • The wagon uses the same VSA (ABS + TCS + side-slip control)*16 as the Accord, for increased behavioral stability while cornering.
  • *16Manufacturer's option for the 24T series (FWD models)
  • Engine
  • The wagon is fitted with the DOHC i-VTEC engine, which employs the intelligent i-VTEC system. The powerful engine lineup includes the same 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine with output of 147kW (200PS) / 232Nm (23.7kg-m),*17 that is used in the Accord, as well as a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine outputting 118kW (160PS) / 218Nm (22.2kg-m)*,*18 that was specially developed for the wagon. All vehicle types have earned Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as either Ultra Low-Emissions or Excellent Low-Emissions Vehicles. Other environmental performance features include compliance with government regulations for fuel economy for 2010. *19
  • The wagon also comes equipped with the same DBW (drive-by-wire) electronic throttle control system as the Accord*20, for precise, linear throttle control.
  • *Net values
  • *1724T series FWD models
  • *1824E series FWD models
  • *19Except for 24E FWD models equipped with manufacturer's optional 16-inch wheels and tires alone, or with the 16-inch wheels and tires and privacy glass set.
  • *20Standard equipment on 24T series models
  • Transmission
  • As with the Accord, the wagon is equipped with a high-efficiency, 5-speed automatic transmission and S-Matic, for the sporty fun of shifting with a manual feel.

Accord / Accord Wagon
<Equipment for advanced functionality>

  • The Accord and Accord Wagon are available for the first time with HiDS (Honda Intelligent Driver Support System)*1, which reduces the burden on the driver by helping to keep the vehicle in its lane and control vehicle distance and speed when driving on the highway. LKAS (Lane-Keeping Assist System) identifies the vehicle lane based on the image captured by a C-MOS camera mounted in the front window, then the ECU calculates the amount of steering assist required to maintain the vehicle in its lane and the appropriate steering assistance is provided. The system operates at speeds of 65km/h or higher, on straight roads or curves with a radius of 230m or more, making it functional on most freeways. IHCC (vehicle speed and distance control system) uses a weather-resistant millimeter-wave radar built into the front of the vehicle behind the emblem to measure the distance to vehicles up to 100m ahead within a 16° field in combination with speed and yaw rate sensors to determine the driving state of the vehicle on which it is mounted. In addition to maintaining the vehicle at a set speed as with an ordinary cruise control, this cruise control system automatically regulates vehicle speed and distance depending on whether or not there is a vehicle in the same lane ahead. This HIDS driving assist system, which can be used on almost all freeways, has earned the Accord ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) certification by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
  • The Accord and Accord Wagon are available with the Honda Smart-Card Key System*21. Anyone carrying the ultra-slim card key can unlock the doors simple by grasping the driver-side door handle. The doors lock automatically when you close the door and push the button on the driver-side door handle, or when you step away from the car. The ignition switch can also be operated without a key simply by turning the knob to turn the engine on or off. Both the mechanical key and the card key are equipped with an engine immobilizer function, for superior anti-theft protection.
  • *21(Standard equipment on the Accord 24TL; manufacturer's option on other types, except the 20E) (Standard equipment with the Accord Wagon 24T Exclusive Package; manufacturer's option on other types, except the 20E)
  • The new Honda DVD Navigation System with voice recognition*2 features a large, 7-inch wide monitor and DVD-ROM map memory. In addition to improved basic functions, such as faster searching and map scrolling, it is also equipped with voice recognition and other features for greater ease of operability. Just press the voice-recognition button on the steering wheel and give voice commands for navigation, hands-free telephoning, or even to operate the audio and climate controls.
  • Inter-Navi Premium Club is an original Honda interactive information network service available to owners of vehicles equipped with the Honda DVD Navigation System with voice recognition. This service, offered for the first time to Accord and Accord Wagon owners, gives broad-based support to drivers for more comfortable car life. Membership in the club, which is free for the first three years (no monthly or annual user fees) includes the following five services:
  • 1.New route traffic information: carries out high-accuracy, dynamic route guidance using on-demand VICS with route traffic information for all of Japan.
  • 2.Vehicle maintenance information: the Inter-Navi Information Center notifies the owner when regular maintenance is due via e-mail or a personal home page.
  • 3.Car navigation-related information: provides in-vehicle driving information and reading of e-mail function.
  • 4.Personal home page: provides the owner with a personal home page accessible by computer or cell phone.
  • 5.Map DVD exchange: provides a new map DVD every year for three years, until the vehicle's first inspection.

<Safety>

  • Honda's original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a new body with a crash safety design that is among the best in the world. It can protect vehicle occupants in a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision.
    To further improve safety in real-world collisions, Honda has implemented its own vehicle-to-vehicle collision testing program*22 with its own independently-established research standards. This collision testing is much more demanding than conventional tests, in which the car is crashed into a fixed barrier. The Accord and Accord Wagon's safety design meets even these stringent testing requirements.
  • The number of body sections designed to reduce pedestrian injury has been increased to protect pedestrians' lower limbs as well as their heads.
  • The interior is designed to protect occupants' heads in a collision, and front-row seats are also designed to alleviate shocks to the neck.
  • A newly developed side curtain airbag system*3 deploys in just 0.015 seconds, providing a wide area of protection that covers almost the entire side window for major reduction to head injuries during side collisions.
  • An SRS airbag system for the driver and front passenger seat comes as standard equipment on all types.
  • ISO FIX compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether anchors (left and right rear seats) are also standard on all types.
  • HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights (low beam) are standard equipment on all types.
  • *22Testing involves a 50% front offset collision with a 2-ton class passenger car, both vehicles traveling at 50km/h.

<Environmental performance>

  • Atmospheric pollutants (HC, NOx) in the exhaust gas have been greatly reduced. Both the Accord and the Accord Wagon achieve high environmental performance, clearing government emissions regulations for 2000 by a substantial margin. As a result, all types have earned Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as either Ultra Low-Emissions or Excellent Low-Emissions Vehicles.
  • The i-VTEC engine's high-efficiency combustion technology and rear-port exhaust system contribute to a fuel economy of 13.8km/L*23, which complies with government regulations for fuel economy for 2010.*24
  • Almost all interior injection-molded parts are made of olefin resin for superior recyclability. This and other measures result in an overall vehicle recyclability of over 90%*25.
  • Use of lead has also been reduced to less than 1/3 of 1996 levels.
  • *23Accord 20EL and 20E FWD models (Fuel consumption when driven in 10-15 mode. Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport figures.)
  • *24Accord 20EL, 20E, Accord Wagon (Except for 24E FWD models equipped with manufacturer's optional 16-inch wheels and tires alone, or with the 16-inch wheels and tires and privacy glass set.)
  • *25According to independent Honda measurement standards