India Bound: Honda launches Accord Hybrid in Thailand

After the introduction of the Asian-spec hybrid version of the facelifted ninth generation Accord a few months back, Honda has officially launched it in the Thailand market recently. The hybrid version starts at 1,659,000 baht (approximately Rs 31.83 lakh) in Thailand. It is expected of Honda to re-launch the Accord soon in the Indian market.

With the midlife update of the ninth generation Accord, Honda has updated the hybrid powertrain of the vehicle internationally. The hybrid version comes with a 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, coupled with two electric motors, an E-CVT transmission, and a 1.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The powertrain puts out close to 215PS and returns an overall fuel efficiency of 23.8kmpl with carbon emissions of 99 gram/km. Honda promises a solely electric top speed of 120kmph. The Accord’s all-electric top speed and efficiency both are more than the popular Toyota Camry Hybrid’s, the Accord’s primary competitor in India.

Besides the hybrid, Honda Cars India will also launch the non-hybrid, naturally aspirated version of the Accord. This version went on sale in the Thailand market earlier this year and was also on display at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. The 2,356cc motor puts out 176PS of power and 225Nm of max torque and will be mated to a CVT transmission.

credit: cardekho.com