Honda Cars India has had a successful run in India with nearly all its models. One model which we have missed is its premium sedan, the Accord. The company which went with good sales to no sales is planning to reintroduce the model in India by 2015 at the same time when the new generation Accord is launched. Ammar Alvi has more.
The first two generations of the Honda Accord were quite a success but sales started slowing down mainly due to the stiff competition, introduction of more parallel segments and, also more importantly, the falling rupee and higher import costs. With lower profit margins, consumers shifting to other manufacturers, Honda decided to stop the sales of the Accord in 2014. It was indeed disheartening for the company as the Accord used to be at one time Honda’s very strong model. The company has not given it up on the Accord and is now planning to reintroduce it in 2015 when the latest generation model is also unveiled.
The new Accord will be smaller than its predecessor and will have a slightly shorter wheelbase and also improvements in driving dynamics. It may be smaller on the outside, but Honda’s packaging expertise has resulted in the same amount of room on the inside as the previous car. In terms of styling and design, the new Accord gets the Honda’s latest design theme, and also superior comfort and luxury features. The cabin space will be the same; the car will be compact yet premium. Other changes we expect would also include a new electric power steering, and the chassis will be considerably stiffened for more strength.
The new Honda Accord in India is expected to be powered by a new naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 2.4-litre petrol engine. Power from the 2.4-litre motor is expected to be similar to that of the previous car’s 177bhp. Honda feels that the country is still not ready for the V6 Accord version and will avoid bringing the potent model in the Indian market. We also expect the new 1.6-litre diesel engine that’s expected in the CR-V (Honda CR-V diesel likely in 2015) could make its way into the new Accord but at a later stage. While a 1.6-litre engine may not sound like much for a car this size, the engine is expected to produce a very respectable 30.5 kg-m of torque.
The company is planning to bring in the model via completely knocked down (CKD) unit form and assemble it at its manufacturing facility which will help it significantly curb the costs and price it competitively. The company is planning to launch it in India by late 2015 and we hope the car will get its due when it gets reintroduced. Let’s wait and watch.
2015 Honda Accord
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol, 177 bhp; 1.6-litre diesel
Mileage: 10-15 kmpl
Expected Price: Rs 17 lakh onwards
Chevrolet Cruze
Engine: 2-litre diesel
Mileage: 18 kmpl
Expected Price: Rs 13.88 lakh to Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom)