2013 Honda Accord launched in the Middle East

January 23, 2013

All-new saloon and coupe – plus new Civic shown

By Shahzad Sheikh

The official Middle East launch for the new 2013 Honda Accord was in the Ritz Carlton in Dubai International Financial City. Well it is an important one for the Japanese giant – the Accord represents 70% of its sales in the region, and will spearhead the company’s drive to hit 70,000 sales in the region by 2016.

Despite the ‘all-new’ tag, there’s no dramatic departure from the previous Accord, more of an evolution and update. There’s a stiffer and stronger body for the car aiding rigidity, yet the overall weight is down by 26kg. Length has increased by 60mm and wheelbase is 25mm shorter, and rear legroom is better by 32mm.

LED daytime running lights are standard, and there’s LED projector headlights for 3.5 versions. Inside there’s improved touch screens with better displays and interactivity, plus all the usual connectivity you now expect in cars.

All Accords get an Eco button designed to help you feel good about not burning up the planet’s resources – I don’t think it actually does anything else really – and Honda’s traditional double-wishbone suspension set-up has been ditched for a move conventional MacPherson-strut system.

There’s side airbags, electric power steering, active noise cancellation, and hill assist as well as the usual traction, stability and braking aids.

Both the saloon and coupe are front wheel drive and available with either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 173bhp and 168lb ft of torque mated to a five-speed auto, or a 3.5-litre V6 with 276bhp and 250lb ft of torque also sending the drive forward through a six-speed auto.

UAE Prices:

Saloon starts from AED88,999 ($24,250)

Coupe starts from AED107,999 ($29,450)

Restyled 2013 Honda Civic

Honda also took the opportunity to showcase the revised 2013 Civic, which underwent a restyle after negative reaction to the new car when it was launched two years ago.

It’s quite an improvement, but don’t rush out to buy when just yet. It doesn’t go on sale until March.