2010 Honda Accord expands Bluetooth application, adds rear seat vents

Honda is stepping up the game in the mid-size segment with a couple of additions to its 2010 Honda Accord. For 2010, Honda added new features including Bluetooth connectivity on models equipped with leather seating (previously it was only available with a navigation-equipped model) and new rear seat ventilation ducts on the Accord sedan EX and EX-L models.

There are also subtle modifications including graphically optimized climate control button and the edition of a trunk roof lining on Accord EX models.

The 2010 Honda Accord is available in a sedan or coupe variant with a choice of a V6 or a 4-cylinder engine. The 3.5L V6 produces 271-hp and features Variable Cylinder Management technology that deactivates up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. With the VCM system the V6 Accord sedan averages an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 19/29 mpg (city/highway). Buyers may also opt for the base 2.4L 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that makes 190-hp and allows for an EPA fuel-economy rating of 21/31 mpg.

Pricing for the 2010 Honda Accord starts at $21,055 for the sedan and $22,555 for the coupe. Both prices exclude tax, license, registration and a $710 destination charge.

2010 Honda Accord:

Press Release:

2010 Honda Accord Adds New Features on Select Models

Upgrades include expanded application of Bluetooth and available new rear seat vents

08/19/2009 – Torrance, CA – Available as a sedan or a coupe, the Accord is designed to impress with a quality feel, engaging performance and accommodating technology.

The 2010 Honda Accord lineup receives new features on certain models with an expanded application of Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® to vehicles equipped with leather seating surfaces (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and new rear seat ventilation ducts on Accord Sedan EX and EX-L models for more-direct rear passenger airflow. Subtle modifications include graphically optimized climate control buttons and the addition of a trunk roof lining on Accord EX models.

“The Honda Accord offers something for a diverse range of people seeking anything from a comfortable family car to an aggressive coupe with looks and power,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The feature changes to the 2010 Honda Accord elevates its appeal and supports a legendary reputation as a class leader for quality and customer satisfaction.”

The Accord Sedan’s exterior expresses an upscale and powerful presence with a distinctive 6-sided grille, flared fenders and inset character lines sculpted into the sides of the body. Building on the sedan’s design character, the Accord Coupe’s unique muscular stance is highlighted by a longer hood, projector beam headlights and a sleek, lower-profile roofline.

Interior styling on all models seeks to provide attainable luxury with generous standard equipment, world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation1 SystemTM with Voice Activation and XM® Radio2 . The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and complement the Accord’s sporty side. The fold-down, lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis.

New for 2010, a more-contrasting “lighter” gray color theme for the climate control buttons on all models helps to better differentiate the system controls in relation to nearby dark gray audio system buttons. Models equipped with the available dual-zone automatic climate control enhance the manual fan control override button to include on/off functionality with corresponding changes to the button graphic. For additional simplicity, the dual-zone activation button name changes to “SYNC” from “DUAL.”

Available engine choices include a V-6 and a 4-cylinder engine. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine produces 271-horsepower and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder ManagementTM (VCM®) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. The VCM system contributes to an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/293 miles per gallon in the Accord Sedan V-6.

The performance-oriented Accord V-6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission exclusively has a 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine (without VCM, hence no “i” in VTEC) that offers an exclusive valvetrain, intake and exhaust system that broadens the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range.

A 190-horsepower 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Accord Sedan EX, EX-L and Accord Coupe LX-S, EX and EX-L. The 2.4-liter Accord Sedan LX and LX-P four-cylinder engine produces 177 hp and features a DOHC i-VTEC valvetrain system. When equipped with the available automatic transmission, both 4-cylinder engines achieve an EPA rating of 21/31miles per gallon3 city/highway.

Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (available with all 4-cylinder engines and standard on V-6-powered models) and an available 6-speed manual transmission on the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6.

– By: Omar Rana