Honda starts testing new Accord in India

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A white 2016 Honda Accord was recently spotted with minimal camouflage in Gurgaon, which suggests that Honda has started testing the sedan on Indian roads. 

Honda had earlier made it clear that it would re-launch the Accord in India, though no official launch date was announced. The recent spy shot points towards an approaching launch, and verifies earlier speculations that suggest the next-gen Accord will make its Indian debut around this year's festive season (September-November 2016). Moreover, since the Accord was showcased at this year's Auto Expo, it makes more sense for the Japanese automaker to launch it in 2016 itself.

The 2016 Accord has been given an all-new design. The front fascia gets a thick chrome grille, which is surrounded by large headlamp housings that get LED detailing. The bumper gets a slimmer air dam, and also houses the LED foglamps. Viewed from the side, the car's length gives it a planted stance, while the rear gets LED taillights and chrome detailing on the boot lid and rear bumper.

A quick search on the Parivahan Sewa website shows that the model spotted in Gurgaon is a petrol variant. This means that it probably gets a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine that churns out 185 BHP. This engine is likely to be offered with two transmission options: a 6-speed manual and a CVT. Moreover, Honda can also launch the new Accord in a hybrid variant, in order to compete with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Accord Hybrid might get a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that works in harmony with an electric motor to generate a combined output of 196 BHP. It is mated to an e-CVT gearbox.

The Honda Accord will compete with the likes of Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb, and upcoming Volkswagen Passat.