Accord
10-03-2003, 23:07
Honda moves Accord upwards
Honda's latest Accord has been moved up a notch in the D segment to compete against premium cars such as the Audi A4, Volvo S60 and the Lexus IS series. It goes on sale this week at E32,595, though an 'entry-level' version available in April will cost E31,495.
The repositioning of the car will reduce sales potential somewhat, as no 1.8-litre engine availability will mean diminished interest from the fleet and rental buyers. Altogether this year, the importers are expecting to sell 450 units, of which 325 will be 2-litre saloons and 50 will be Touter estates (available from late July or early August and launched at the current Geneva Motor Show).
The engines are a 155bhp 2-litre and a 190bhp 2.4-litre, and Honda's Irish distributors are anticipating that up to 30 per cent of buyers will opt for the keenly-priced automatic option at just E1,500 more. A 6-speed manual is standard in the 2.4-litre cars.
There will be six specification versions, the 2.0 SE, the 2.0 SR (R for sunroof), the 2.0 Sport, the 2.0 Executive, the 2.4 Type S, and the 2.4 Executive. According to Honda Universal Ireland's Frank Kennedy, the SR will be the main seller. The very top end car costs E40,725.
All versions have as standard six airbags, dual zone climate control, and in-dash CD. Moving up the model scale adds features such as cruise control and leather trim, rain sensor wipers, and Vehicle Stability Assist.
A diesel version of the new Accord will be available in 2004, to exploit the very strong diesel preference in Europe.
Honda's latest Accord has been moved up a notch in the D segment to compete against premium cars such as the Audi A4, Volvo S60 and the Lexus IS series. It goes on sale this week at E32,595, though an 'entry-level' version available in April will cost E31,495.
The repositioning of the car will reduce sales potential somewhat, as no 1.8-litre engine availability will mean diminished interest from the fleet and rental buyers. Altogether this year, the importers are expecting to sell 450 units, of which 325 will be 2-litre saloons and 50 will be Touter estates (available from late July or early August and launched at the current Geneva Motor Show).
The engines are a 155bhp 2-litre and a 190bhp 2.4-litre, and Honda's Irish distributors are anticipating that up to 30 per cent of buyers will opt for the keenly-priced automatic option at just E1,500 more. A 6-speed manual is standard in the 2.4-litre cars.
There will be six specification versions, the 2.0 SE, the 2.0 SR (R for sunroof), the 2.0 Sport, the 2.0 Executive, the 2.4 Type S, and the 2.4 Executive. According to Honda Universal Ireland's Frank Kennedy, the SR will be the main seller. The very top end car costs E40,725.
All versions have as standard six airbags, dual zone climate control, and in-dash CD. Moving up the model scale adds features such as cruise control and leather trim, rain sensor wipers, and Vehicle Stability Assist.
A diesel version of the new Accord will be available in 2004, to exploit the very strong diesel preference in Europe.