Since its 1976 debut, the Honda Accord has spanned seven generations with the current one launched in 2003 in Malaysia. Now the eighth generation is due for worldwide release as a 2008 model. Depicted here is the US iteration of Honda’s popular mid-sized executive and possibly this is the model slated for ASEAN market, if previous trends are to be observed and adhered to.The JDM or Euro-Accord has not made its appearance yet. Interestingly, this US Accord is claimed to have moved up from Mid-sized sedan classification to Large size (US EPA).
At this point in time, it remains to be seen whether we will be getting the 177bhp 2.4L i-VTEC engine or the hotter 190bhp version of the same K24A powerplant. The 5-speed automatic transmission remains the same, with no extra cog in sight for this new generation Accord. The top-of-the-line Accord now is powered by a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 pushing out 268bhp. Strangely, such a powerful motor is still mated to a standard 5 A/T ‘box.
In addition, the rear passengers seem to have been neglected – yet again - with regards to standard rear A/C vents. For-Wheels hope that by the time this 8th gen Accord gets localised for the ASEAN market (Thai-made and sourced), it gains this class-standard A/C feature.
Honda Accord generations time-line:1st generation - 1976 to 1981
2nd generation - 1982 to 1985
3rd generation - 1986 to 1989
4th generation - 1990 to 1993
5th generation - 1994 to 1997
6th generation - 1998 to 2002
7th generation - 2003 to 2007
8th generation - 2008 >
The all-new Accord will go on sale across USA by mid-September 2007. Expect this successor to be seen in Malaysia only sometime H2 2008...or would it make it to our shores earlier?
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