New Honda Accord launched with minor facelift

The new Honda Accord is priced Rs. 19.60 lakh-Rs 20.36 lakh for the 2.4-litre variant and Rs. 26.41 lakh for the 3.5-litre, variant

Honda SIEL launched a refreshed version of its premium sedan Honda Accord in New Delhi today. The upgraded model is exactly the same as the one sold in the U.S. market. Prices start at Rs. 19.60 lakh-Rs 20.36 lakh for the 2.4-litre, 177 bhp engine variant and Rs. 26.41 lakh for the 3.5-litre, V6 variant that pumps out 281 bhp. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Speaking at the launch, Honda India President Takashi Nagai reportedly said, “Our belief in constantly upgrading our products based on customer feedback prompted the launch of an upgraded version of the ‘Accord,’ with unique styling in combination with luxurious features.”

Changes on the new Honda Accord include a reworked front bumper with chrome inserts and chrome highlights on the tail lamps as well. The sunroof now comes as standard across the Accord range and the ORVMs (outside rear-view mirrors) have integrated turn indicators.

On the inside, Honda has enhanced the Accord’s ergonomics with a steering-mounted cruise control system and an ‘advanced’ audio system. There’s a cool Jackknife key. However, the new model lacks contemporary features such as multi-information display, Bluetooth capability, xenon lamps, etc, found on rival cars Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3-Series. Related: 2011 Honda Accord spy photos

The 3.5 litre V6 engine available in the top-end version of the new Honda Accord gets VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) technology that conserves fuel by controlling the cylinders depending on different driving conditions.

Honda had also launched the 3.5-litre V6 Accord with sunroof in March 2010. The Accord was launched in 2003 and so far, more than 25,000 units of this premium sedan have been sold in India. The Accord competes with the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Teana, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Jetta. The 2011 model will be available across all Honda dealerships in India.

Honda’s most popular car in India currently is the new Honda City, which recently saw a recall. The company also sells the Honda CR-V crossover, the Honda Civic sedan and the Jazz hatchback. The Honda Jazz has seen extremely slow sales thanks to its low-powered engine and premium pricing, while the Civic is now getting quite old in the tooth.