Honda to launch the 2019 Accord in Thailand next month

KUALA LUMPUR: Now in its 10th generation, the ever popular Honda Accord will see a new iteration being launched this month at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2019. The show will start on March 27.

The new Honda Accord boasts of a fresh new design with a sweeping roofline. Size wise, the new Accord is 4,920 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and has a 2,830 mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Accord is 10 mm shorter, 10 mm wider, and has a 55 mm longer wheelbase, while the roofline sits 15 mm lower. All this has caused the centre of gravity to reduce by 10 mm.

In the future, we might see the same engine options that will be offered in Thailand. This will include a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo unit and a 2.0-litre hybrid, set to replace the older 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engines. The 1.5-litre turbo unit makes 192 hp at 5,500 rpm and 260 Nm of torque between 1,500-5,000 rpm. Even though this engine makes more power than the older 2.4-litre, it is also more fuel efficient than the previous 2.0-litre unit. The older 5-speed torque converter transmission will make way for a CVT one.

The hybrid Accord will feature a 2.0-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine with the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive system and two electric motors. The combined power output stands at 215 hp at 6,200 rpm. The lithium-ion battery pack sits under the rear floor (previously in the boot), and power is delivered via a CVT auto box.

Moving on to the safety aspect, the new Accord will come with the full Honda Sensing suite. This includes features like Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed follow, Road Departure Mitigation, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

With this new upcoming launch, Honda will stir the pot in the D-segment and give the Toyota Camry a hard-fought battle. We will have to wait and watch for the dust to settle to find out who will be victorious.