Sources close to Honda tell Indian Autos Blog that the company might take the wraps off the facelifted Accord tomorrow for India. The model debuting for India is a CBU that is sold in parts of the world since the middle of 2010. Honda SIEL has dispatched the new Accord to select dealer yards.
Engine and transmission are expected to be untouched, except for some minor electronic tweaks. The 2.4-liter 4 cylinder petrol motor generating 177 bhp and the top-end 3.5-liter V6 churning out 271 bhp will continue duties under the hood.
Cosmetic changes are plenty on the new Accord with the front end receiving a dollop of chrome. Front bumper, grille, rear deck lid and wheel design are new. The rear has 7 Series inspired tail lamps and the twin exhausts exuding aggression.
The Accord's transformation is into an aggressive and slightly odd sedan. The departure is not of the graceful kind. For every person who loves it, there will be two who don't as the Accord now is neither completely aggressive nor graceful even though changes are mostly reserved to the front end.
The Accord's facing severe troubles ever since the introduction of the Skoda Superb. The Toyota Camry and Nissan Teana are harmless enemies, but the upcoming Passat, new Sonata and Kizashi will be a pestering lot. We have to see if the cosmetic upgrade will help renew its appeal and bring in inquiries for Honda.
