Honda has finally confirmed that it will be launching its full size sedan, the Accord in India next year. A hybrid version is also likely to be launched later on.
In India, D-segment sales have been constantly falling due to the C-segment cars catching up in terms of space, engine specs and other aspects. On the other hand, the D+ segment hasn’t witnessed a fall in sales and it holds a potential for growth due to the rising prices of entry-level offerings from brands like Audi and Mercedes. Since these cars offer much more space and comfort, the chauffeur driven executives prefer these luxo-barges. Relatively lower cost of maintenance and lower running cost is like a cherry on the cake. This has prompted most brand who have offerings in the segment to either update them or launch newer cars.
While Toyota recently updated the Camry to make it a much better buy, Skoda will launch the new Superb in India next year. Honda, which had a decent share in the segment with the older Accord, discontinued the car in December 2013. However, it will be launching the ninth generation Accord in India next year. It will be launched with a petrol engine only in the beginning and a hybrid variant will be made available later. The petrol only strategy wouldn’t bite the brand this time around because petrol and diesel price difference has reduced significantly and people buying cars in this segment prefer quieter cars.
It remains to be seen how Honda prices its flagship model in India because that will be a major decision driver. Expect the car to be fully loaded when it is launched here. The petrol variant will be powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 184 BHP or power which will be mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT transmission. The hybrid variant would get a bit more power thanks to the AC synchronous permanent magnet motor which will give the sedan an extra 12 BHP of power and it will get an E-CVT transmission. We wish to see how good a fight does the car put up against the loaded Toyota Camry and the amazing Skoda Superb.
Source – AutocarIndia.com