Honda has released the first set of photos of its refreshed 2016 Accord at a Silicon Valley event this week, with refreshed styling, new safety features and an upgraded infotainment system. You’ll note I used the word “refreshed” there, because this is actually a mid-life upgrade for the ninth generation Accord, which went on sale in Australia back in 2013.
Fetails for the Australian models of the new Accord are still to be confirmed, although we might expect an Australian launch to occur later this year or early in 2016. Though in the States, it promises to be the first Honda model to feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via it’s new display audio touch screen interface.
The 2016 Accord has been given a facelift, in an effort to give it a more sporty, sophisticated look both front and rear. The front is more sharply creased and features new LED fog lights. A new lightweight aluminium bonnet sits above a bright chrome front grille, while around back the Accord gets restyled LED tail lights and a similarly aggressive rear bumper design. All models feature restyled wheels, while Sport and Touring models will get new, larger 19-inch wheels and tires. The Touring also scores a new rear deck spoiler. All models feature the expanded use of LED lighting – LED tail lights for all models and LED daytime running lights for Sport and above trims.
Along with the new styling on the outside, the Accord will also include ‘Honda Sensing’, a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. Honda Sensing includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control. Honda Sensing will be available as a standalone option on all trims with the exception of Touring, where it’ll be included as standard. All 2016 Accords will feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror and, while the Touring model will score new auto high-beam headlights.
The engine lineup remains unchanged, with Honda’s 129kW/225Nm 2.4L four-cylinder and 206kW/339Nm 3.5L V6 petrol engines, matched to 6-speed automatic or CVT transmissions. The Accord Hybrid will be driven by a 146kW/307Nm petrol-electric system.
“Where else to introduce the most technologically advanced midsize sedan, the 2016 Accord, than in Silicon Valley,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
“Customers want their vehicles to be more intelligently integrated with their smartphone-powered lives, and we are committed to delivering that experience starting with Accord, retail car buyers’ most popular vehicle the past two years.