India-bound Honda Accord facelift launched in Malaysia

Honda’s 2016 Accord facelift has been launched in Malaysia, and prices start from RM 145000 (Rs 23.77 lakh).

Apart from being priced RM 5000 (Rs 82,000) cheaper than the outgoing model, this iteration of Honda’s Accord gets six airbags across the range. It will be available in three variants called 2.0 VTi, 2.0 VTi-L and the top-end 2.4 VTi-L. While sources at Honda revealed that the new Accord is mechanically unchanged, the revisions are limited to only some exterior and interior bits.

Changes to the exterior include a new nose that now uses the brand’s bold new fascia design, and the large chrome bar which links the headlights. New LED tail lamps adorn the Accord’s rear end which now also gets a wider chrome rear number plate garnish.

On the inside, the cabin materials now make use of wood and piano black or silver (2.0 VTi-L and 2.4 VTi-L), similar to the Thai-market version. The infotainment system comes with features like Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink, HDMI and WiFi hotspot. However, unlike the Thai-spec car, the Malaysian Accord will not get the engine remote start, which allows the user to start the engine and air-con through the key fob.

The earlier engines will continue to be used in this iteration, and these include the 2.4 litre Earth Dreams engine which makes 175bhp and 225Nm, and the 155bhp 2.0 litre i-VTEC motor with 190Nm of torque. Both engines will come mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox.

All facelifted versions of the Accord will be equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist, and vehicle stability assist. Both the 2.4 VTi-L and 2.0 VTi-L variants will also get the acclaimed Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera to aid users.

Honda India showcased the Accord at the 2016 Auto Expo, and is planning to launch the Accord Hybrid in October to compete with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the upcoming Volkswagen Passat GTE.

SOURCE: goo.gl/80h5er