Rumour: Honda could bring new Accord to India in 2015

Japanese auto major, Honda had withdrawn its flagship sedan, the Accord from the Indian automobile market in late 2013 citing shrinking demand and dwindling sales. The Accord's high price and the lack of a diesel engine drove customers away from the car. However, it seems Honda is planning to give the Accord a second chance.

A report by Autocar India claims that Honda is considering launching the next-generation Accord in India in late 2015. Externally, the new car is expected to be smaller than its predecessor. However, its interior space is likely will be at par with the old car thanks to clever packaging. The car's chassis will be stiffer and its wheelbase shorter than the old Accord.

The new Accord is expected to be powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine with both, manual and automatic transmission options. Honda could also launch the car with a 1.6-litre diesel motor at a later stage. This engine is a larger version of the 1.5-litre unit found in the Amaze and City. It is likely to make its debut under the hood of the CR-V sometime in 2015.

Honda is expected to assemble the new Accord locally to keep its costs down, which should enable it to price it competitively.