Despite residing in a shrinking segment, one that continues to be eroded by the increasing popularity of the SUV, Honda’s Accord strives on. But with the all-new 10th-generation version hitting international markets, a car that really does present a much more advanced and appealing package over the outgoing car, perhaps it can change some minds.
Due to have its down under sales debut, as confirmed by Honda Australia director Stephen Collins, the newest Accord is certainly going to make us wait. Specifically, somewhere around late 2019, likely as a 2020 model year vehicle.
At this rate, it’s a foregone conclusion that Honda will end up moving fewer units than the equivalently priced SUV in their line-up, but the sentiment is that it would be awfully odd if the company’s long-running flagship sedan doesn’t make an appearance and given a fair shake.
Revealed first in North America last July with the USA first to receive the production units, followed by Canada, the 10th-generation Accord introduces many improvements to its predecessor, including an exterior design that’s much more in line with the brand’s new visual philosophy, an interior that’s a marked step up in quality and refinement, and enhanced driving dynamics.
The powertrain recipe has also seen some rather big shifts. Gone is the stalwart V6 at the top of the range and in comes the same 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder petrol from the fire-breathing Civic Type R, albeit de-tuned to 188kW and 370Nm.
Supplying thrust to the majority of variants will be, essentially, the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol VTEC motor in the current Civic, though tuned to better serve the larger and heavier Accord. There will also be a hybrid powertrain option, naturally, that marries a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol with two electric motors.
An Earth Dreams CVT will handle power funnelling for the hybrid whereas a newly developed 10-speed automatic will handle shift duties for the conventional combustion-powered variants. Honda Australia is expected to shed more light on the local range for the forthcoming Accord closer to its launch late next year, along with pricing details.
Given that the 10th-generation Accord will only be launched locally as a 2020 model year vehicle, it’s also quite likely that Honda would have already rolled out updates that will have it differ from its original 2017 specification.
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