 Mid-2008 will see an all-new Accord replacing the existing model in India. With a very European character and design the new Accord should appeal to the domestic market. Introduced to the motoring world as the Inspire, the new Accord is quite stately in appearance. There are no flowing lines and seamless corners; instead a strong shoulder line, chiselled flanks and boxy face with a huge chrome ringed grille provide visual drama. In fact the styling has shades of Chris Bangle’s (BMW’s design chief) work in small doses, especially the large slab sides and the boot treatment, quite akin to the 7-series. Nevertheless it does lend the up and coming Accord a robust character. The modern cubist draft complements the engine packages, especially the exciting V6 plant which in addition to being complemented by i-VTEC is also assisted by, VCM – Variable Cylinder management. This system ensures that only those cylinders which are needed depending on the driving cycle are fired up. With full throttle inputs all cylinders are fired for performance, and if efficiency is required only a few of the cylinders are actuated. The 3.5-litre V6 has over 280 horses to call on when it matters and from the short drive around the high speed test track at Honda’s Tochigi facility, the car whips these horses into frenzy in a jiffy. An automatic transmission with five ratios dispenses power to the front wheels with a minute lag between shifts.
 While we have yet to receive complete details of the Indian specific car, rest assured the V6 will have the same power ratings as anywhere else in the world. On the other hand there is also a 2.4-litre inline 4-cylinder engine that would have stronger demand in the Indian market. This unit which in current configuration makes around 180PS of max power may have its power rating slightly reduced. I even had the opportunity to drive this car, albeit for just a couple of laps, yet enough to sense the high refinement and responsiveness of this engine. Unlike the V6 there is no sense of urgency when power is delivered in the 2.4 Accord. It is however crisp, linear and dished out in copious amounts to generate rapid momentum. There is yet another 2.4-litre spec engine that makes around a 192PS of max power. However which of the two 2.4-litre engines will make it to India eventually is anybody’s guess. Expect to see these cars at Honda’s stall at the 2008 Auto Expo, at which time we will have a clear idea as to the cars that will go on sale here. While I barely had the time to suss out the Accord on a track that is super smooth, I could feel a minute amount of roll as I hurtled round a high speed bank in the lowest lane. Ride however will be best judged when Honda provides us a car for a more comprehensive drive. The interiors otherwise are very comfortable with loads of space available for both front and rear passengers. The dash layout of the next generation Accord is visually a bit similar to the current generation Accord. However minor touches give it a fresher look and feel.
 The Indian package will have all the safety implements characteristic of a car in this class; as such expect ABS, traction control, airbags and a few more safety implements. It will also be luxuriously adorned with every creature comfort including leather interiors and perhaps a sunroof. It would also perhaps command a slightly higher price than the existing Accord but for the character it now possesses I hardly think it would make future Honda owners wince. The new Accord is on sale in the US markets and will slowly make it’s way around the world, and some time next year before the monsoons set in I expect the Accord to roll in. Honda is already tooling up its facilities and ensuring operations are streamlined at both the manufacturing and dealer ends. In short, the 2008 Accord does hold a lot of promise for Honda to further capitalise on in one of its most lucrative markets, ie India, with its global best-selling car.
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