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It’s getting harder to discern these days whether your car is an extension of your mobile phone, or whether it is the other way around.
Either way, it’s impossible to ignore how intrinsically linked these two critical machines have gone beyond the basics of hands-free communication.
Today, in vehicles like the latest-generation Honda Accord, pairing your phone opens up a truckload of digital functions that improve both the driving and ownership experiences.
So, let’s dial in to the Accord’s broadband of digital conveniences to see what’s in store.
Digital displays
Okay, first of all, none of these conveniences would be possible without modern display screens to mimic and/or utilise the functions of your phone in your car.
And in that regard, the 10th-generation Honda Accord is at the cutting edge with a twin digital setup that incorporates a 10.2-inch multi-function digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen perched on top of the centre section in the dashboard.
As you’d expect, the instrument cluster displays all relevant driving information in clearly defined graphical elements, including road speed and engine revs in conventional dials, fuel and battery level indicators in bar graphs, and numerical readouts for ambient temperature and the odometer.
And then there’s a bunch of smaller icons scattered around the screen to display cruise control settings, seatbelt reminders, speed sign recognition information, and gear selection.
The Honda Accord also features a widescreen head-up display that is crystal-clear and projects key information onto the windscreen in the line of the sight of the driver so they don’t have to take their eyes off the road, including vehicle speed, current speed limit, cruise control info and lane keeping displays, plus a compass.
The centre section of the digital instrument cluster is where the driver can tailor the display through a myriad of functions, from highlighting the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance functions, to showing trip computer information, audio inputs and more by simply scrolling through the menu using a toggle on the steering wheel. It’s simple.
Drivers can also choose from three different themes that alter the display.
But here’s the kicker: the Honda Accord also has Google built-in functions including Maps. And when you’ve inputted navigation directions to a destination, the instrument cluster can show the map and turn-by-turn directions on the available real estate around the speedo and tacho.
This not only ensures the driver has clear vision for upcoming instructions rather than having to take their eyes off the road and check the centre screen, but also frees up the infotainment display for easier access to other functions such as controlling the audio, ventilation, and vehicle settings.
As for the central multimedia screen, it has a logical menu structure with all the major functions highlighted by phone-style widgets, plus a separate section on the far left-hand side showing a digital clock, and quick-access controls to adjust the temperature and fan speed, and audio volume.
On the other side, there’s a bunch of shortcuts for home, back and key functions such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and FM Radio. But owners can also customise this menu stack to their preference.
Connectivity
Staying connected is easy in the Honda Accord.
To pair your phone to the car, simply follow the instructions to connect via Bluetooth.
There’s even a wireless phone charging pad at the front of the centre console, so you don’t need to have messy cables in the cabin. It’s that simple.
Google suite
No matter which operating system you link up with, the Accord’s Google built-in suite opens up a whole new world of functions.
We’ve already highlighted how the system uses Google Maps rather than a native GPS interface, which makes it more familiar to use for most while also incorporating the latest road information and live traffic updates.
Beyond that, the Google Assistant allows users to ask for directions or recommendations to local attractions and eateries, or the closest fuel station, in a natural voice, and then choose their destination based on Google’s star rating. It’s the perfect companion when exploring a new destination.
And then there’s the Google Play Store where owners (once logged in to their Google account) can download specific apps and tailor the infotainment system to their liking, including alternative navigation systems such as Waze, or music providers like Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Spotify, or the high-fidelity Tidal service.
Honda Connect app
Now, all of that is how Honda integrates your phone into your car, but it also goes the other way through the Honda Connect app.
This smartphone app ensures owners can be connected to their vehicle – and Honda itself – at all times, even when they’re not driving.
The convenience it offers is truly outstanding and once you’re familiar with its functionality you’ll wonder how you ever coped without it.
For starters, it offers a host of basic functions on the main display screen such as showing your current fuel level and driving range, which can be handy to know if you suddenly take a spontaneous road trip.
It also displays the vehicle’s current interior temperature, which can be important on a hot summer day because you can then activate the air-conditioning remotely for up to 10 minutes to help cool down the cabin before you get in and drive away.
You can also save favourite destinations for easy access in Google Maps and send instructions to the car before you enter the vehicle, or search on the app for the nearest amenities such as fuel stations, ATMs or convenience stores.
There are also quick-access buttons to sound the horn and turn on the headlights, which makes it easy to find your car in a crowded parking lot, as well as remotely unlocking the doors if, for example, someone else needs access to retrieve an item from the car.
And then there’s the digital key, with which the vehicle recognises your smartphone just the same as it does with the regular key fob.
On top of all of that, the latest Gen 2 iteration of the Honda Connect app offers a bunch of telematic services such as logging your driving history, find your car, and push notifications if the vehicle detects the battery voltage is low, the security alarm has been activated or when the vehicle is approaching its next scheduled service.
Owners can also geo-fence a set radius from a consistent location, such as your home or office, set speed limit restrictions within it, and be alerted if the vehicle either travels outside of the perimeter or exceeds the set speed. This is obviously handy to know when lending the vehicle to another driver.
The system will also automatically notify the Honda Care customer centre in the event of a collision, prompting a representative to contact the owner to check on their welfare or call emergency services to provide the exact location of the vehicle. It’s potentially life-saving technology.
So that’s how the 10th-generation Honda Accord uses modern technology to make the driving and ownership experience easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
