HIGHLIGHTS

Honda has unveiled the facelifted 9th generation model of its flagship sedan, Accord, at 2016 Indian Auto Expo, New Delhi. An increase in production cost and decrease in demand forced Honda to discontinue this model in year 2013 in the nation. But this time, Honda comes up with the upgraded product to re-enter the market. The facelifted version gets a more aggressive grille with redesigned LED taillamps and on the inside, it gets an all-new 7-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Google Android for added comfort. The flagship sedan is powered by 2.0L i-VTEC four cylinder petrol mill that can deliver a maximum power of 139 bhp at 6,200 rpm and a massive torque of 122Nm between 3500 to 6000rpm. The car will stand against the likes of Toyota Camry Hybrid.

HONDA ACCORD SPECIFICATIONS

Variants: New   |   Fuel Type: Petrol   |   Transmission: Automatic   |   Engine Description: 3471cc   |   Mileage: City(7.3), Highway(10.7)   |   Power: 271.3bhp @ 6200rpm  

HONDA ACCORD OVERVIEW

The company has announced about the launch of its lustrous and swish sedan series Honda Accord in the country's car market. It will be launch sometime this year and expected to come with two petrol engines. The company will rolled out this lavish sedan with the same power train and features, which are currently available in global car markets. Its latest generation will get all new sporty styling, raised comfort levels, advanced equipment and incredible fuel efficiency that enables it to lock horns with any of the C segment sedans. Its 3.5-litre petrol engine will displace about 3471cc. It has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 271.2bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 339Nm, which is rather good for Indian road and traffic conditions. On the other hand, it is expected that its 2.4-litre power plant comes with a displacement capacity of 2354cc. This engine can churn out a maximum power and torque outputs of 177.5bhp and 222Nm respectively. Both these engines are cleverly mated with automatic and manual transmission gear box. It distributes the engine power to its front wheels. It provides superb off the line acceleration, peppy urban driving and glass smooth highway cruising. The braking mechanism is further enhanced by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. As far as suspension system is concerned, it is further assisted by electronic stability program.

EXTERIORS

The exteriors of this stylish sedan series are designed with utmost care and given a large aerodynamic body structure. It is fitted with a number of striking features, which makes it look quite captivating. It also has a number of strong character lines, which adds to the elegance. To begin with the front fascia, it is designed with a bold radiator grille that is fitted with a few chrome plated slats. It is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center, which gives the front fascia a distinct look. This radiator grille is surrounded by a neatly crafted headlight cluster, which is incorporated with high intensity halogen headlamps and side turn indicators. Just below this, it has a body colored bumper, which houses a large air intake section for cooling the powerful engine quickly.

Exterior Measurements:

It is expected to come with an overall length of 4950mm along with a total height of 1475mm. It has a decent width of about 1845mm, which includes outside rear view mirrors. The large wheelbase measures about 2800mm and it also has a decent ground clearance of 155mm. Its steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.6 meters.

INTERIORS

Ed's take: The interior styling of the Accord is plush, with good number of bells and whistles that are being offered on the vehicle.

The manufacturer has designed the internal cabin with beige color scheme that looks quite alluring with wood finished center console and ambient lighting. It is equipped with a number of sophisticated aspects including rear seat armrest with cup holders, floor mats, foldable rear seat, front center console with arm rest, height adjustable driver's seat, sun visor with vanity mirror and various other features. The dashboard is made with high quality scratch resistant plastic and is done up with black color scheme. It is equipped with advanced aspects like an instrument panel, AC unit, a three spoke steering wheel and a proficient audio system. Its three spoke steering wheel has silver inserts along with a chrome plated company's badge. It is also mounted with audio control switches, which adds to the convenience. There is a lot of leg space available in the second row owing to its specially designed seating arrangement. The seats are very comfortable and integrated with adjustable head restraints. These seats are covered with premium fabric or leather upholstery, depending on the variants. The second row seat comes with split foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. It also has rear center arm rest along with cup holder and a storage space. The driver's seat has electrically adjustable function, which adds to the comfort level. Then it also has fabric insert of door trims, chrome plated inside door handles and leather covered steering wheel that gives the cabin a classy look. In addition, the lengthier wheelbase of this sedan makes the cabins sufficiently capacious to accommodate 5 passengers with ease. It is expected that the company will bless this sedan with plenty of storage options and pockets. The cabin is equipped with several utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, rear parcel shelf, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, day and night inside rear view mirror, front seat back pockets, front and rear center armrest with stowage compartment, door map pockets, remote fuel lid opener and many other such aspects. On the dashboard there is a large size glove-box that gobbles your stuff. It also has an electric sunroof that allows light and fresh air to pass in and creates pleasant ambiance in the cabin. As per speculation, it will be fitted with an advanced instrument cluster that has an integrated color screen along with two round shaped meters, which displays informatics like speedometer, fuel consumption, tachometer, external temperature, trip-meter, date several other notification lamps for keeping the driver up to date.

MILEAGE

Ed's take: The fuel economy of the Honda Accord is just fine, if you do not drive it pedal-to-metal. The V6 however is a thirsty machine.

This 3.5-litre petrol power plant is incorporated with a PGM-Fi (programed fuel injection) supply system, which helps it in delivering a healthy fuel economy. It has the ability of churning out a maximum mileage of 105.5 Kmpl on the bigger roads and about 6 Kmpl within the city limits. At the same time, the 2354cc engine is integrated with the same fuel supply system. Its manual variant will produce 12.88 Kmpl on the highways and 8.5 Kmpl approximately in the city traffic conditions. While automatic version can generate 11.8 Kmpl and about 6.8 Kmpl on the highways and city roads.

WHEELS

The pronounced wheel arches are expected to be fitted with a classy set of 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels, depending on the variants. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 215/60 R16 and 225/50 R17 respectively. The company will also give a full size spare wheel with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

Ed's take: The engine power ratings do not just look good on paper, but even are fantastic in the real world.

As said above, this sedan series will arrive in the Indian car market with two petrol engines, which are integrated with a PGM-Fi (programed fuel injection) supply system program that helps in delivering a power packed performance. Its 2.4-litre, i-VTEC, petrol engine comes with a displacement capacity of 2354cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) based valve configuration. This mill can generate a peak power of 177.5bhp at 6500rpm and yields a commanding torque output of 222Nm at just 4300rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual or automatic transmission gear box with paddle shift and GLC. On the other hand, its 3.4-litre petrol motor can displace 3471cc. it is integrated with six cylinders and twenty four valves using single overhead camshaft based technology. It can churn out a whopping power of 271.2bhp at 6200rpm in combination with a hammering torque output of 339Nm at 5000rpm. This power plant is coupled with a five speed automatic transmission gear box, which distributes the engine power to its front wheels.

STEREO & ACCESSORIES

The buyers can customize their variant with a choice of accessories like a wing type spoiler, illuminated side step, body cover, exhaust pipe finisher, foot light, splash guard, a set of alloy wheels, floor mats, sunroof, rear seat entertainment, leather seats and several other aspects. In terms of stereo, this sedan is blessed with an efficient audio unit with Bluetooth handsfree system and speed sensing volume control function. It supports CD/MP3 player, Aux-in port, USB interface, radio with AM/FM tuner and six speakers. It also has an intelligent multi-information display with various controls for easy access. At the same time, the customers can personalize this vehicle with several exciting aspects like mobile holders, leather seat upholstery, armrest, video player and many more other options. In addition to these, its exteriors can be customized with roof rails, rear spoiler, side body moldings, door visors, mud guards, and several other add-ons.

SAFETY & SECURITY

For a stress free driving experience, the company has bestowed this luxurious Honda Civic sedan series with a number of features. It is expected to be equipped with 3-point seat belts for all passengers that gives maximum protection along with driver seat belt reminder notification. The company has given this sedan an ACE (advanced compatibility engineering) body structure along with G-force control technology (G-CON) that ensures safety of the occupants sitting inside in case of any crash. It has an advanced engine immobilizer, which safeguards the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. Then it also has dual SRS airbags along with side and curtain airbags that helps in saving the occupants in case of collision. It is equipped with ABS (anti lock braking system) along with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and hand lever type parking brake. Apart from these, it has vehicle stability assist, whiplash protected front seat head restraints, rear defogger, a pair of fog lamps, rear view camera with parking sensors, centrally located high mounted stop lamp, rear defogger with timer, speed sensitive auto door lock and central locking system along with keyless entry.