What to expect from new Honda Accord

The venerable Accord is making a comeback in India with a hybrid drivetrain to cash in on the growing trend and fend off its arch rival, the Toyota Camry Hybrid

Unveiled earlier this year at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi, the new Honda Accord will make its way to India in the next few months. Test mules without any camouflaging have already been spotted in the Delhi-NCR region. In its ninth-generation now, the new Accord will compete against the likes of the third-generation Skoda Superb, refreshed Toyota Camry and the upcoming Volkswagen Passat. Here’s what you can expect from the new Honda 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