Automaker gives Honda Accord more flavour

Honda has officially pulled the wraps off the Accord in the 2016 model year in Silicon Valley as the vehicle has received several upgrades.  The Japanese car is now coming with an updated chromed radiator grille, with new headlights inspired by Acura vehicles, an updated front bumper, LED fog lamps, revised LED taillights, a modified rear bumper and several other goodies.

For a long time, the Honda Accord is not exactly known for its arresting looks, but this mid-life upgrade does give it a somewhat brawnier appearance. While it doesn’t magically transform the car, it might at least be a step in the right direction for those that miss the Euro-spec Accord that Honda has discontinued.

What we see here is the US spec model and market watchers are currently awaiting word from Honda SA on whether similar changes for our Accord could be expected, although it is likely given the current version’s similarity to its American counterpart.

Designers gave the front end a complete makeover which is most notable in the new grille with its large chrome strip and redesigned bumper with more curves while the back end is set apart by fresh LED taillights.

On the safety zone, some of the safety systems available for the Accord include the road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, multi-angle rearview camera and more.

In the past Honda built two Accord models: a smaller and sportier one for Europe that was aimed at the kind of person who would otherwise aspire to a BMW 3-Series or Audi A4, and then there was another Accord for the Americans and other global markets, and which needs no explanation other than the fact that it competes with the Toyota Camry.

At face value, it’s clearly bigger and more conservatively styled than its predecessor. The previous Euro Accord squared-off lines give it presence on the road. The new one takes the opposite approach. The car’s increase in size translates into roomy accommodation, providing plenty of stretching space for those in the back, although taller-than-average adults might find the rear roofline a bit restrictive.

For the record, this Accord has gained 16cm in overall length, 1cm in width and 2.5cm in height, over the previous European model. The boot capacity of 453 litres is strangely less than what a Ballade can swallow, but it should still meet most needs.