The all-new Honda Accord will be officially launching in Thailand next
month at the 2019 Bangkok International Motor Show, which starts on March 27,
reports Headlightmag. The popular D-segment sedan, now in its tenth generation,
will be available with two powertrain options in Thailand – a 1.5 litre VTEC
Turbo unit and a 2.0 litre hybrid.
The Accord is the
third model in Thailand to receive Honda’s 1.5L turbo engine after the Civic
and CR-V. Said to be stronger than the old 2.4L NA but more fuel efficient than
the 2.0L NA, the downsized petrol turbo unit makes 192 hp at 5,500 rpm and 260
Nm of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm, according to the report. A CVT automatic
replaces the old five-speed torque converter auto.
For reference, the
engine makes 193 PS/243 Nm in our CR-V and 173 PS/220 Nm in our Civic FC, so
this is the strongest iteration of the 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine yet. It looks
like ASEAN will not get the US-market’s 2.0 litre turbo with 252 hp, 370 Nm and
a 10-speed automatic.
The new Accord
Hybrid with the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive system combines a 2.0 litre
naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine with two electric motors. The Atkinson cycle
ICE makes 145 hp/175 Nm, while the pair of e-motors make 184 hp/315 Nm. Total
system output is 215 hp at 6,200 rpm, delivered by a CVT auto. The more compact
lithium-ion battery pack slots under the rear floor, as opposed to in the
previous car’s boot.
The new 2019 Accord
won’t be mistaken for the old one, as it boasts a fresh new look with a
sweeping roofline. At 4,920 mm long and 1,860 mm wide, the new sedan is 10 mm
shorter and 10 mm wider than before. That roofline sits 15 mm lower than
before, while the 2,830 mm wheelbase is a significant 55 mm longer. The centre
of gravity is 10 mm lower than before.
As Honda’s flagship
sedan in these parts, the Accord will come with the full Honda Sensing suite of
safety features, including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure
Warning, Road Departure Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed
Follow. Thais will get to choose from four colours – pearl white, black,
silver, grey. More on the new Honda Accord here.
With its impending
launch, the Accord is set to renew its rivalry with D-segment nemesis Toyota
Camry, which is also a fresh product.
