First dibs for all new and modern Honda Accord in ASEAN goes to Thailand on October 17
Who doesn’t like the Honda Accord, right? As far as midsize sedans go, this particular model has left a major impact, and a heck of a lot of the past models still running on Philippine roads. The badge was dropped from the local lineup last year, and we’ve yet to have any news that would translate to it being brought back into the fray. Seeing as it’s made its successful “return” into Southeast Asia by way of Thailand, what are we possibly missing out on?
Honda Accord back in ASEAN following reveal in Thailand, official launch on October 17
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Photo: Honda
Along with its axing from the PH lineup, the 11th-generation Accord was also previewed last year. It’s already been seen in the metal in Indonesia earlier this year and its official return to the Japanese market has likewise been announced, but for the rest of the ASEAN region, the first to get their hands on the new and more modern model is Thailand.
Apparently, there are still some who prefer the larger-sized sedans over the crossover craze sweeping many countries in the region. Honda looks to capitalize on this clamor and so we see the return of the badge into dealerships. So what does it bring to the table?
Photo: Honda
These are all but “teasers” in that not too much has been revealed ahead of the Accord’s official October 17 debut in Thailand, but here’s what Honda’s shared so far.
There will be three variants of the Honda Accord – E, EL, and RS – and all three will be driven by Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid system. Yes, it’s saying bye-bye to the trusty old petrol engines given the brand’s push for zero-carbon emissions. This new mill’s (combined) power output is rated at 204 HP. Its maximum torque, on the other hand, is rated at 335 Nm, and it will be mated to an E-CVT.
The brand’s proprietary safety suite, Honda SENSING, also makes its way into the new Accord. The system includes features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed ​​Follow: ACC with LSF), among others.
A first for the Accord model, though, is the inclusion of the Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN) as well as the intelligent LED headlight system (Adaptive Driving Beam: ADB) in the RS variant.
Other interior tidbits include a 12.3″ touchscreen audio system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 11.5″ Heads-up Display (HUD) in the EL and RS variants, and a 10.2″ TFT driving information screen/gauge cluster. The overall design of the dashboard (as well as most of the interior and cabin, as we can safely surmise) follows the design language of the rest of Honda’s current vehicle lineup.
Photo: Honda
No prices for the Accord have been released so far, but that will definitely come on October 17; that’s unless some information leaks ahead of time.
We’ve mentioned the “crossover craze” earlier, and that is very much true of the Philippine market. Most buyers have veered away from sedans regardless of their size and have gravitated towards higher-riding, bigger-space-providing crossovers and SUVs in recent years, and that said, the chances of Honda Cars Philippines even gambling on bringing the Accord back in might be slim to none. But hey, having a look at what we’re missing out on, especially in the case of the well-loved Accord will always be worth it, right?
Also, miracles do happen in the strangest of ways. As we say in the Philippines, “Malay natin?“. Who knows, indeed.
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Honda Accord variants
e:HEV E
Photo: Honda
e:HEV EL
Photo: Honda
e:HEV RS
Photo: Honda
