The revamped Honda Accord gets a refreshed look, lower CO2 emissions, and lower prices. Honda tells us that it also offers improved driving comfort, handling improvements, and better fuel consumption. The latest Accord, which arrives in Ireland this week, also introduces minor safety upgrades.
Five variations of the revamped Accord will be available, all powered by Honda’s popular 2.2 litre i-DTEC diesel engine, starting with the entry grade ES, the sporty Type S, and the luxury high spec EX options. Six-speed manual transmissions are standard across all grades and a five-speed automatic transmission option is available for both Type S and EX grades only.
The introduction of a more powerful Type S option, delivering 180 bhp, is planned for late summer. Petrol units will continue to feature in the price list but will be available to special order only.
The big news on the new Accord is the reduction in CO2 emissions, which coupled with engine refinements dramatically creates lower retail pricing and delivers reduced annual road tax and fuel consumption costs. The outcome is a significant price reduction for both the ES and Type S manual transmission options of up to €3,297 on the 2.2 Type S. In addition, both options now fall into the B tax band which culminates in an annual road tax tariff of €156.
Frank Kennedy, sales and marketing director of Universal Honda, told the Advertiser: “The introduction of this revamped Accord is very significant. It highlights the critical importance and subsequent benefit of delivering lower CO2 emissions in the context of local environmental policy. This trend will continue across the Honda range over the coming months and years.”
The refined 2.2 litre 150bhp i-DTEC diesel engine has had internal frictional losses reduced to improve economy and emissions. These internal changes have been combined with a number of under-body aerodynamic aids, including larger front air dam, under-floor, and a rear sub-frame cover. Honda’s engineers have also reduced frictional losses in the wheels and tyres with low friction wheel bearings and lower rolling resistance tyres. The automatic models have also benefitted from minimised functional losses in the gearbox and optimised ratios to improve economy and emissions.
The Accord’s revised exterior styling includes small changes to the headlights and bumpers. The headlights have been given a cleaner, crisper appearance with the previously amber indicators now in a clear finish. The grille has been subtly remodelled for a sportier look. At the rear, the lights are finished in light red and the styling has a more rounded finish than its predecessor.
Three new colours have also been added to the range - they are Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre, and Celestial Blue Pear. New seat materials and door linings change the ambiance of the interior of the car. Leather upholstery is standard on EX and Type S-180 bhp models.
Honda tells us that their engineers have further refined the dampers of the Accord to make them suitable for the vast range of road conditions found in Europe.
Honda says that a quieter cabin has also been achieved with the adoption of higher density foam under the bonnet and dashboard areas; a revised under-floor insulation teamed with additional sound deadening shields and exhaust manifold cover of the diesel engine; and a 0.9mm increase in the thickness of the rear window glass, all resulting in an improvement of driver and passenger experience.
