Honda Accord 2016 expected launch in India by FEB 2016

Honda Accord 2016 Overview
                 Honda, the Japanese autogiant has been making automobiles for almost a decade now. They have been pretty reliable and successful in their efforts, both globally and in India. One such successful car, holding Honda's head high in the premium sedan segment is the Honda Accord. Launched in 1976, the Accord has been a Honda staple for more than three decades now.

The car, although in its ninth generation globally, is somewhat fading away, so much so, that the lowering sales forced Honda to pull the plug of the Accord from local market. It was the eight generation Honda Accord that was doing its duties in India before it was pulled down. Now Honda is contemplating to bring the ninth generation Honda Accord to India, which was first launched in 2012.

The question is whether Honda will bring the exact same model to India or will do a minor makeover to it, considering the amount of time they are taking for the India launch.

Honda Accord Exteriors

The ninth generation Honda Accord carries forward the long dimensions from previous generation models. The headlights are new and neatly integrated to a ‘sportier’ grille, with a new bumper upfront. The rear also gets a new bumper with a new finish for the lights and chrome trim. It’s heavier, too, although the overall weight gain is in a few dozen kilos.

Honda Accord Interiors

As much as the exteriors are good, the interiors are disappointing as in order to include everything in a single cabin, Honda has messed with the cabin and it all looks too cluttered. The equipment level is exhaustive though, and you get every possible thing in the car. Inclusion of new dark silver panels and a bright silver finish for the door handles and hand-brake are made to make car look fancy.

Engine and Transmission

Honda Accord comes with four engine options, two diesel and two petrol. Honda has retained the base diesel 2.2 litre unit which produces 148 bhp now, a 10bhp hike from the previous generation model. The base petrol is a 2.0 litre unit capable of producing 154 bhp of power and is revvy. The top end diesel unit is again a 2.2 litre unit, much powerful though, capable of producing 177 bhp of power. The range topping model comes with a 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol unit, generating 194 bhp of power. All the aforementioned engines come mated to a six speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Honda Accord Safety Equipments

Since Honda Accord is a premium sedan, it will come equipped with every possible safety devices. ABS and airbags will be standard across the range. Honda will also offer cruise control, ESP, TCs and other necessary equipments in the new Accord.

Honda Accord Expected Price

The new generation Honda Accord will be priced in the bracket of Rs 23-27 lakhs, a minor price hike from the previous generation model.

Honda Accord Rivals

While Honda Accord was doing its duties in India, it was competing directly with the Skoda Superb and Toyota Camry. But ever since Accord is gone, a lot has changed in the Indian automotive industry. Skoda Superb is about to come in new Avatar, while the Toyota Camry has been already in its new form. More than that, luxury manufacturers like Audi and Mercedes have launched the A3 sedan and the CLA-Class in India. So it won't be easy for Honda Accord to make way among customers.