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S. Muralidhar

AFTER the original Bajaj KB 100 and the `Cheetah bee peeta hai' (for one of the aerated soft drinks) ad campaigns comes one more product that has drawn inspiration from that sinewy African feline. But perk up your ears, this one promises to be a lot more interesting and different.

With more than two years of a fairly low-profile run, Honda is back with a sleeker, more powerful and technologically superior Accord to take on competition on the price, features and value fronts.

Supposedly based on a design concept inspired by the cheetah, the new Honda Accord has more aggressive lines and a muscular flank that runs right around the vehicle. And with a sharper focus on the consumer's need for more luxury and comfort in the car, Honda's Indian subsidiary intends to roll out the new seventh generation, 2003 model Accord by the end of next month.

The new Accord will be replacing the current sixth generation model and will be available in five speed manual and automatic transmission versions. Also, with Honda's new strategy to focus on launching its latest products and technologies in India, the new Accord, the Japanese company's flagship brand, will be relaunched with a massive three litre, V6 engine by early next year.

Exterior

The new Accord continues to feature the exterior design element that runs across many of Honda's other international models. Its bonnet and headlamp cluster design is strikingly close to the Honda CR-V, Honda S2000 and the company's famous hybrid, the Honda Insight. The front styling also features faceted corners and geometric, clear lens headlamps. The front and rear fenders and the muscular, sculpted body sides use a combination of straight lines and organic curves.

The bonnet design also includes a bold chrome grill with the `bunny teeth' style company logo prominently displayed. Tubeless tyres, 15-inch alloy wheels and chrome pull-out door handles are all standard on the new Accord.

The other frontal features include new side rear-view mirrors, remotely operated power windows and concealed windshield wipers that help reduce wind noise and offer more aero-dynamism. The rear end of the new Accord features a more compact trunk lid, a broad rear bumper, wraparound clear lens tail-lamps and a chrome rear garnish.

Interiors

Along with the new design 2003 Accord, Honda has also brought in some of the most luxurious interiors for this car in its class (D-segment) and price positioning. The dashboard and facia of the new Accord is minimalist and yet extremely elegant and appealing. The car's interior comes with dual-tone colour trim and also features premium word grain inserts.

Also on offer is a dual-zone climate control system that allows individual temperature settings for the front passengers. The large, progressively self-illuminating LED instrument cluster is easy to read and refined.

The new Accord's multi-functional key has a built-in remote for locking and unlocking the doors and even for opening the trunk lid. Honda is also offering an in-dash 6-CD changer with tuner and a six-speaker system. Advanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) controlling measures and a superior suspension design have also been applied to the new Accord to make the car's cabin one of the quietest in its segment.

The other unique convenience features include a headlamp adjuster with auto-off function, front CD storage with lid, front and rear glass holders and retractable assist grips for all passengers. The new Accord will also come with genuine leather front and rear seats, with better thigh and lumbar support.

Interior passenger safety features include dual-stage SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, an anti-lock braking system, dual side-impact door beams, seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The new Accord will be initially offered with a 2.4 litre engine incorporating Honda's latest i-VTEC valve control system, the company's brand of variable valve timing and control technology. The three-litre, V6 whopper will be offered on the Accord by January next.

The Accord will now be offered in two trims levels and will be priced at Rs 14.7-15.7 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

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