Reintroduced earlier this year at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo, the Honda Accord is due for launch in the coming months. Lending further credence to this notion, the sedan has recently been spied testing in the NCR region, and that too, sans any camouflage. Set to lock horns with the recently launched third-generation Superb, the facelifted Toyota Camry, and the upcoming Volkswagen Passat, here’s what we can expect from the new Accord.
Petrol and hybrid powertrains
The Japanese automaker displayed the facelifted ninth-gen Accord petrol at the Indian Auto Expo, while the hybrid version was a no-show. The hybrid version was expected to make an appearance in the American market post the Indian Expo. Now, Honda has revealed the facelifted Hybrid in the States with an improved powertrain.
The American version is pulled by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine coupled to an electric motor. The unit has achieved a peak combined output of 215PS. The vehicle returns a combined fuel efficiency of around 20 kmpl (according to the US cycle).
The petrol, on the other hand, is the same (slightly improved) 2.4-litre unit that was available with the older Accord. The 2,356cc motor puts out 176PS and 225Nm of max torque and will be mated to a CVT transmission.
Features
All LED lights
With the ninth-generation facelift, the Accord sports all-LED lights. The front features all-LED headlights with daytime running lights and LED fog lamps, while the rear offers LED taillights with new graphics.
Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto
With the addition of a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the upcoming model, Honda is offering Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. It was introduced with the facelift in the US, is now available with the Asian-spec version of the updated Accord and is expected to make its way to India as well.
Saftey
The Asian-spec version comes with dual front, side and side curtain airbags. It features Honda’s LaneWatch system that provides a better view (on the infotainment screen) of the vehicle’s left-side blind spot by using a camera located on the left ORVM along with Active Cornering Lights (ACL) and a multi-view rear-view camera.
All in all, the updated ninth-generation Accord packs everything buyers desire from the D2 segment. Let us see how things work out for the Accord.
Source: CarDekho.com
