Honda
is scheduled to launch the new Accord in Thailand later this month.
While that’s well and good for the Japanese automaker who enjoys good
presence in the Thai market, it also means that it won’t be too long
before the new Accord hits the Indian market. Honda India has already
shown the new Accord in India at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2016
and is now preparing to add it to their existing line-up of cars.
Like
the old model, the new Accord has grand proportions of sorts. Designed
primarily for the long, wide boulevards of the American markets, the
Accord has always had a great road presence and this new model brings in
a lot of sophistication to the styling as well. In typical Honda
fashion, the chrome splashed front grille is flanked by swept-back LED
headlamps which look really futuristic. The front bumper design is also
more striking than before thanks to the use of mesh grille and
sleek-looking LED fog lamps. In profile, the car continues to feature a
long hood and a roofline that flows smoothly into what is practically a
large boot. Lastly, the rear-end gets all-new LED tail lamps and a lot
of chrome for the exhaust tip and the boot-lid.
The
interior, though not as striking as the exterior, looks good when
finished in beige and black upholstery with glossy wooden panels for the
dashboard. The standard leather seats complement the airy insides of
the new Accord and bring in a sense of luxury. In terms of equipment,
the new Accord gets a dual-zone climate control system with air vents
for the rear passenger, push-button start, cruise control and
touchscreen infotainment system. As for safety, the new Accord gets ABS,
ESP, traction control, forward collision warning, lane departure
warning and several airbags to keep the occupants inside safe.
Under
the hood, Thai-spec models will come with either 2-litre, four-cylinder
petrol or 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine options. Honda India,
however, is expected to introduce the environmentally-friendly hybrid
model which combines a 141bhp 2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with
an electric motor. The combined power output, therefore, is rated at
196bhp – all of which is put down the road through a CVT gearbox.
There
was a time when the Accord enjoyed a significant presence in the
entry-level luxury sedan market, however, due to the rising competition
and lack of a diesel powertrain, Honda India was forced to pull the plug
on it in 2013 following dwindling sales. The new Accord, then, will
have a lot riding on its shoulders as the hybrid model will compete with
the Volkswagen Passat GTE – a hybrid luxury sedan that’s also due for
the Indian market
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