2018 Honda Accord and Honda Gold Wing bike launched in UAE & GCC
The all-new 2018 versions of the Honda Accord sedan and the Honda Goldwing touring motorcycle have been launched in the GCC, at an event held in the UAE.
The big news for the 2018 Honda Accord is the switch to exclusively turbo 4-cylinder engines, even as the all-new Toyota Camry continues to offer the same old engines.
Other features of the Accord include more use of ultra-high strength steel and use of new building techniques such as structural adhesives and acoustic spray foam, while being lighter and more rigid. It also gets aluminium-intensive front suspension, variable-ratio electronic power steering, electric parking brake, standard LED headlights and three new alloy wheel designs in 17-inch and 18-inch.
The base powertrain is the 198 hp 1.5-litre direct-injected VTEC Turbo with CVT automatic in three trim levels (two offered in UAE), and a 2.0-litre direct-injected VTEC Turbo with a class-exclusive 10-speed automatic.
The trim levels are LX, Sport, EX and EX-L in 1.5T versions, and only a fully-loaded Sport in 2.0T form. All models get LED headlights and 8 airbags, while an 8-inch touchscreen audio system is available on EX and higher trims (7-inch screen on lower trims). The Sport models get 18-inch wheels and darker chrome grille as well as a heads-up display, 10-speaker premium audio and more. EX-L and 2.0T Sport trims come with the Honda Sensing suite of active-safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, among others.
For prices and specs, visit the Honda buyer guide.
Meanwhile, the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle is now available as the base model GL1800 Gold Wing, and as a ‘Tour’ edition with top box, which will also offer a version equipped with a 6-speed manual (with hill-start assist) or a 7-speed DCT automatic (with 1.8 kph front walking mode and 1.2 kph reverse). Power comes from a 125 hp 1.8-litre flat-6 engine with 170 Nm of torque.
New features include a smart key system, airbag, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, windscreen angle and height adjustment, all-LED lighting and more. The 7-inch full-colour TFT liquid crystal display screen provides infotainment-related information (for the audio systems) as well as managing the HSTC and suspension adjustment. The rear top box of the ‘Tour’ versions will hold 2 full-face helmets.
Comments
Anil
Any pricing info on the Goldwings?
Mosa
So the new Accord is a mix of Civic and Sonata from the rear. Why would they ruin an already unique and eye-catching design?
Fouad
I felt the design language made sense on the Civic but looks a bit out of proportion on the Accord. Then again need to see it for real to judge
Mohamed
I remember the Accord Crosstour from side profile…
Prado
the author mentions Camry old engines?…. both have revised with 201 and 300 HP for four inline and V6 engines.
The V6 has new engine which features D-4S direct- and port-injection system.
and no, the base 2.5-liter I-4 isn’t a carry over. It’s the first engine in Toyota’s new Dynamic Force powertrain family that features direct and port injection, a high compression ratio, and a thermal efficiency of 40 percent . This engine also features Toyota’s VVT-iE, an electronically controlled version of the well-known VVT-i system, which is found on many engines across the Toyota and Lexus vehicle lineup.
on honda turbo i would skip it here.. fine dust and high heat conditions = future repairs.
Even toyota Canada responded on the use of non turbo engines stating they feel traditional v6 and 4 cylinder engines are more reliable and durable.
given honda accord high prices i would simply wait and get the new avalon…
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
The V6 is just an old engine with upgrades that should’ve been added years ago. The UAE *is* getting the old 2.5 engine. Saudi Arabia opted for the new 2.5 engine.
Future repairs on turbo engines 10 years from now is irrelevant to a new car buyer. But I’d love to hear how owners of old turbo cars such as VW GTIs are getting along here. My friend’s 2013 Focus ST is chugging along fine so far.
Leborde
I wouldn’t be so pessimistic about the reliability. Honda is the largest engine manufacturer in the world (or motorist) and has a huge reputation of reliability. You can be sure that if they release something, it has been extensively tested, unlike other brands that give the feeling or releasing products that are not yet very final.
That also probably explains why Honda is going on turbos only now: they just took their own time to develop something that really works, worths it and is up the Honda reliability standards in my opinion. But let’s see the DXB/AUH commuters and the global reports to come in the next months.
SC
That good’ ol 2.4 vtec engine would surely be missed. owning the accord i hope the new accord’s engine gives the fuel efficiency numbers and reliability just like old accord. Waiting for Mash’ s full review before commenting more.