Honda Accord 2023 Review

The D-segment sedan market in Malaysia has always been dominated by the "balanced approach" — consumers want spaciousness and sufficient features without compromising on power or fuel efficiency. The 2023 Honda Accord 1.5 TC, as a popular contender in this segment, returns with 201PS turbocharged power, a 5-year warranty, and a wealth of comfort features. Can it hold its ground in the competition? Through a static experience with the actual car and a dynamic test drive, we help you decide whether it's worth putting on your consideration list.

Getting closer to the Accord 1.5 TC, you will first be drawn to its overall silhouette. As a midsize sedan, it avoids overly aggressive lines, but the front chrome accents and LED headlamp assembly are well-coordinated, while the black decorative panels in the fog light area add a sporty touch. The overall style leans towards being steady but not dull. The waistline running from the front to the rear side of the car, matched with 17-inch tires, provides balanced proportions. The horizontally designed LED taillights, when lit, offer high recognition, and the slightly raised trunk lid gives the rear a more layered appearance.

Sitting inside, the interior layout is focused on practicality. The center console is covered with soft-touch materials, providing a fine texture, while the centrally located 8-inch touchscreen is simple to operate and responds relatively quickly. The instrument panel features an electro-luminescent analog style, displaying information clearly and providing intuitive views of RPM, speed, and fuel consumption data. In terms of configuration, the 1.5 TC performs impressively: the front seats support electric adjustment, and the driver's seat has a memory function, which is very user-friendly for families with multiple drivers. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system accommodates different temperature needs for the front and rear seats, and the rear also features independent air vents and power outlets. The back seats can be folded down, and with a luggage capacity of 570L, the trunk is spacious enough to store a baby stroller or luggage for long trips, offering excellent practicality.

Starting the engine, the 1.5T turbocharged engine delivers power in a very linear manner. Official data indicates 201PS of horsepower and 260N·m of torque. In real driving, there is no noticeable turbo lag during acceleration from a standstill, and the acceleration process is smooth, with overtaking under 80km/h being very easy. Although it lacks a sport mode, it is well-suited for daily commutes or highway cruising. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal play, and the body roll is well-controlled during cornering. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, which absorbs most of the bumps when going over speed bumps or rough roads. Passengers in the rear seat won't feel overly bumpy, balancing both handling and comfort.

As for fuel efficiency, we tested it in mixed road conditions for a week and found an average fuel consumption of approximately 6.8L/100km, which is not far from the official figure of 6.3L. This figure is in the mid-to-upper range for the D-segment. Noise control is also worth mentioning; wind and tire noise are not very noticeable at high speeds, and only during hard acceleration does the engine's sound slightly enter the cabin. Overall, the driving experience is relatively quiet and comfortable.

Compared to other models in the same class, the advantages of the Accord 1.5 TC are clear: smooth power delivery, practical space, rich features, and its price of RM187,400 also offers better value compared to some competitors. It has no significant drawbacks and is well-suited for families seeking balanced performance — for instance, office workers who need daily commuting combined with weekend family outings, or middle-aged consumers prioritizing comfort and reliability.

Overall, the 2023 Honda Accord 1.5 TC is a mid-size sedan with "no obvious shortcomings." Its steady design, practical features, and balanced dynamic performance meet the core needs of D-segment consumers. If you're looking for a worry-free and practical family sedan, it would be a good choice.