New Honda Accord breaks cover

Honda’s designers have cottoned on to something Doctor Who has known for decades; namely the ability to create something that’s bigger on the inside and smaller on the outside.

That’s the claim coming out of California today, following the Japanese company’s release of the first pics of its new ninth-generation Accord in sedan and coupe body styles.  

Declaring it the “most sculpted Accord ever” and referring to its “sophisticated exterior styling”, Honda announced the new Accord large car is set to go on sale in the USA this fall (Spring inb Australia) as a 2013 model.

Honda Australia’s public relations manager Melissa Cross confirmed the new Accord sedan was destined for Australia, but said the coupe is a US-only model and not on the company’s radar. 

“(With) regards Accord, we are expecting to see it here in Australia mid-2013. It will share some styling characteristics with the model that has been released on Honda’s US web site,” Ms Cross said.

Although no interior pics were released, Honda claims the new Accord offers a more spacious and upmarket cabin wrapped in a sophisticated new exterior design which it calls “expressive, sophisticated and premium”.

Up front, the Accord features a distinctive new grille and prominent bonnet lines, with premium models also boasting LED daytime running lights, headlights and tail-lights.

A strong character line flows along the vehicles sides, and there’s a hint of BMW's Hofmeister knick in the way the side flanks kick up toward the C-pillar.

Smart interior packaging has created increased passenger and cargo space in both sedan and coupe, while the overall exterior length of both models is actually shorter than their predecessor, says Honda.

On the road, the car’s aerodynamic new shape combined with low-drag exterior surfaces including nearly flush windshield glass, flush-mounted windshield wipers and attention to under-body components promises enhanced fuel efficiency.

Honda’s press release was light on for technical details but Automotive News reports that the new US models will chase leading fuel economy and safety targets.

A new engine family and a continuously variable transmission are key components of an engineering overhaul designed to get the Accord back on the front foot in its battle against rivals including the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Toyota Aurion and Nissan's forthcoming Altima, all of which the Australian Honda Accord will face off against when it lands in 2013.

However, while US Accords are built in Honda’s Marysville plant in Ohio, Australian Accords are likely to continue to be sourced from Thailand.

The US Accord will introduce the first generation of Honda’s new ‘Earth Dreams’ engine range, promising improved fuel economy and lower emissions courtesy of direct-injection and double overhead cams.

The base engine in US models will be a 2.4-litre four-cylinder boasting more torque than its predecessor and a fuel economy improvement of up to 10 per cent. In lieu of a conventional automatic Honda will move to a continuously variable transmission on its four-cylinder models.  

The Accord’s 3.5-litre V6 has also been overhauled, promising more power and efficiency, and will be paired with a new six-speed automatic. 

The US-market Accord will also offer a plug-in hybrid version offering three modes – pure-electric, petrol-electric and petrol only drive.

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