The Honda Accord Just Turned 50, And Is Coming Back To India
When it comes to the most iconic sedans that the world has seen, the name of the Honda Accord cannot be missed. This sedan, when launched in India, became the choice of business tycoons and those who loved luxury and grace. Now, this year, the Accord has officially turned 50, and Honda has released a homage video showing all the generations of this beloved sedan.
The homage video celebrating this major milestone of the Honda Accord has been shared on YouTube by the company on its official channel. It starts off with the details of the first-generation Accord, which was launched back in 1976, when countries, especially the United States of America, were still dealing with the aftermath of the global fuel crisis.
During this period, buyers were actively looking for vehicles that could offer better fuel economy without making them compromise on comfort and performance. Honda quickly noted this opportunity and introduced the Accord. The video mentions that the formula behind the Accord's success was simple.
It offered excellent fuel efficiency, strong reliability, premium build quality, comfortable interiors, and enjoyable driving dynamics. The video then shows the various generations of this sedan that were launched in the USA. It also highlights how the Accord quickly gained popularity in North America, as it helped in changing consumer expectations from family sedans.
Over the years, every generation of the Accord introduced something new and significant. One of the most iconic generations of this sedan was launched back in 1986. This Accord featured the famous pop-up headlamps and became one of the most recognizable midsize sedans of its time. The design, according to the company, pushed styling boundaries and gave the Accord a much sportier character.
The video also highlights another major milestone that came in 1989. This time around, the Honda Accord managed to become America's best-selling car. This was a historic achievement because it was the first time that a Japanese car became the best-selling car in the American automotive market.
Following this, Honda continued to make the Accord better with every generation. In 2003, the Accord was launched with an advanced navigation and in-car entertainment system, which at the time was considered a premium feature. These additions and many others then helped the Accord remain competitive against more expensive rivals.
The video also mentions that what made the Accord more special was that, despite becoming more luxurious and technologically advanced over the years, Honda made sure that the Accord offered a sporty driving character. The sedan later became known for offering the feel of a sports sedan but with practicality good enough for everyday family use.
Now, coming to the history of this iconic sedan in India, Honda officially brought the sedan to India in 2001, following which it quickly became the company's flagship offering in the country. It then served as a premium executive sedan for nearly two decades.
Honda launched the sixth-generation Accord in India in July 2001. The sedan at the time came powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder SOHC VTEC petrol engine. This generation offered refinement, reliability, and luxury at a more accessible price when compared to German rivals at the time. As a result of this, it quickly gained popularity among business executives and professionals.
Following this, the seventh-generation Accord was launched in India in July 2003. Honda offered this sedan with a 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and a more powerful 3.0-litre V6 VTEC petrol engine. This generation boasted a sportier design, larger dimensions, and a more premium interior. Because of this, it became one of the most popular executive sedans in India.
Honda then launched the eighth-generation Accord in May 2008. It was popularly known as the Bulldog Accord due to its muscular styling. This-generation sedan was much bigger, more luxurious, and more powerful than ever before. The sedan was offered with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and a massive 3.5-litre V6 engine featuring Variable Cylinder Management technology.
The V6 version produced around 275 PS and was the favorite option of enthusiasts. However, the absence of a diesel engine and increasing competition from German luxury brands impacted its sales. Honda later discontinued local production of the Accord in 2013.
Honda then brought back the Accord in India in 2016. This time around, however, the sedan returned exclusively as a hybrid model. The ninth-generation Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with Honda's advanced Sport Hybrid i-MMD system. The setup included dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack and produced a combined output of around 215 PS.
The Accord Hybrid was one of the most technologically advanced sedans sold in India during its time. It offered impressive fuel efficiency with smooth and refined performance. Unfortunately, because the vehicle was imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), it attracted heavy import duties. As a result, its high price did not let it become very popular, and Honda had to discontinue it in 2020.
Now, it has been reported that Honda is planning to bring the Accord back to India once again. The new-generation Accord Hybrid, which is currently sold in international markets, is expected to make its debut in India sometime around 2027 or 2028.
Once launched, it will once again become Honda's flagship sedan in the country. The upcoming Accord is expected to be offered with Honda's latest e:HEV strong hybrid technology. This intelligent hybrid system can switch between EV mode, hybrid mode, and engine-drive mode depending on driving conditions.
The new-generation Accord Hybrid is expected to come loaded with premium features. Its list could include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Google Built-In technology, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital instrument cluster, and Level 2 ADAS.
It most likely could also get ventilated front seats, a wireless charger, a premium sound system, connected car technology, a 360-degree camera, powered seats, multi-zone climate control, a sunroof, multiple airbags, a head-up display, and others. Pricing of this sedan could most likely be in the range of Rs 40–50 lakh.