The 2024 Honda Accord version is a completely new generation of the well-known model, and the 11th to be released in a row. The big change is that this car is definitely one for the business segment and not for the mass market, as it once was. In our article, we have decided to shed some light on a few key aspects of this Japanese sedan.
Positioning in the Automotive Market and Competitors
Since its appearance in the 1970s, the Honda Accord model has become an icon of the brand. For a long time, it was a medium-sized sedan, but it was also launched as a station wagon for the European market. However, the model began to move away from the traditional values of a middle-class car starting with the 9th generation. The designers decided to make the Honda Accord larger but simpler for an owner to drive. The reason for these changes was the focus on the North American market and the Accord’s abandonment of Europe. Perhaps the company considered it unprofitable to compete with European companies, because for Europeans (in terms of spare parts) it is preferable to buy a car in Germany from one of the European manufacturers. It is a well-known fact that residents of the United States and Canada love roomy vehicles with great performance and capabilities. So, the priorities were shifted.
With the release of the Honda Accord 11th generation, it has already changed the segment. Now, it’s without a doubt a full-fledged player in the business class (E-class). As a result, Honda’s main competitors in East Asian or Chinese markets should now be the Toyota Avalon and Kia K7. If we talk about North America, its direct competitors will be sedans like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Engine and Transmission
Source: thedrive.com
Two options for engine versions are available in the new Accord. The basic version is a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline motor that produces 192 hp and 260 Nm of torque. Along with that, only one gearbox configuration is available, an automatic, or rather a stepless variator. With it, the Accord consumes about 32 MPG (around 7.3 l/100 km) of gasoline. Interestingly, a manual transmission is no longer available for the model.
Another modification of the Honda Accord sedan is a hybrid model. In it, a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, together with an electric motor, produces 205 hp and 335 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption reaches 47 MPG (nearly 5.3 l/100 km). The drive for both Honda Accord modifications—standard and hybrid—is exclusively front-wheel.
Interior an Equipment
The inside of the new Honda Accord meets the standards of the business auto class. Its design is very similar to that of the most recent Honda Civic. In the cabin of the Honda Accord, you will find a simple dashboard with ventilation deflectors along its entire width. The instrument panel is nicely complemented with a display of the infotainment system that is located above the climate control unit.
The Honda designers included a multimedia system with a 7-inch touch screen as standard equipment, while advanced models get a 12.3-inch display. Regardless of screen size, all the car configurations are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, only Accord vehicles with a larger screen provide wireless connectivity for this feature.
Honda has a completely updated suite of safety technologies available for the new Accord. The system, called “Honda Sensing,” is upgraded with a new wide-angle camera and radar sensor. Honda says these innovations allow the system to more easily recognize potential hazards on the road. The engineers also added the updated BSI (Blind-Spot Intervention) blind spot monitoring system, which has an impressive range of detection.
A real novelty for a large sedan was the Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) system. It’s a kind of adaptive cruise control at low speeds combined with an active lane keeping assistant. With its help, drivers can safely drive in traffic jams without worrying about hitting other road users.
Price and Perspectives
Source: autoblog.com
The 11th generation Honda Accord could be a very successful global model. After all, an E-class car at a price of $30,000—exactly how much Honda’s flagship will cost in the USA and Canada—is a potential sales hit.
As for the start of production, Honda has not announced an exact date. However, it is said the new Japanese business sedan has already launched on the assembly line, at least for the production of a basic configuration for the North American market. When the model will be sold in Australia and New Zealand is not yet clear, and as for its appearance on the European market, the prospects there are generally rather vague.
Wrapping Up
Without a doubt, the 2024 Honda Accord will be a game changer in the luxury auto class field since other car manufacturers will be obliged to reach a new level of quality to stay competitive. The model has attracted a lot of attention from automotive journalists, and it’s a good sign that the new Honda Accord configuration will be in demand among motorists.
