2023 Honda Accord teased; current model ‘in Australia for some time yet’

The next-generation 2023 Honda Accord has been teased ahead of its debut in November.

It will become the 11th generation version of the mid-size car, which has been in continuous production since 1976 – including for the Australian market.

However, local plans for the new-generation sedan are unclear, with the current Thai-sourced Accord launched in late 2019 – around 18 months after the North American version debuted in mid-2017.

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A spokesperson for Honda Australia said the Thai-built version for Asia-Pacific markets “operates on a separate model lifecycle to the [North American] version.”

This means locals could be in for a similar wait for the new model, should it arrive in Australia.

“Accord remains an important global nameplate for Honda, with a very loyal and valued customer base here in Australia, but it is too early for us to confirm any details about plans for the next generation model,” they added.

“The current model will continue in Australia for some time yet and it continues to perform strongly as a supporting model in the line-up.”

As shown in the teaser images, the Accord will receive a sportier look with Honda’s latest design language, as found on the latest Civic hatch, ZR-V small SUV, and the CR-V medium SUV.

It features a hexagonal grille, with slimmer headlights and a minimalist lower bumper. At the rear, the claw-like tail-lights are replaced by stretched units with a light strip across the boot lid that runs into the Honda badge.

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Inside, the Accord will include a 13.2-inch infotainment system running the Android Automotive operating system – a first for Honda, with the Prologue electric SUV revealed last month not due until 2024.

It is flanked by a physical volume knob and Civic-like horizontal air vents likely to run across the length of the dashboard.

Honda’s US division has confirmed the new Accord will sport "improved hybrid performance", with the current model featuring a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle hybrid system producing 158kW and 315Nm.

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Above: The next-generation 2023 Honda CR-V

For reference, the next-generation CR-V – due in Australia in mid-2023 – includes a torque bump at 332Nm, but total system power is reduced to 152kW. It is matched with a CVT automatic transmission, as before.

As with the CR-V, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is tipped to carry over for lower-grade Accords.

In Australia, the current Accord – a rival for the Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 – is priced at $57,900 drive-away, while the hybrid version retails for $61,900 drive-away.

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Above: the current Honda Accord

It has been a slow-seller since it launched in 2019, but Honda Australia says “demand continues to exceed available supply, particularly for the hybrid variant.”

Year-to-date, sales have increased by 44 per cent compared to the same point in 2021, but just 85 examples have been delivered.

The 2023 Honda Accord will debut in November, likely during the Los Angeles Auto Show, so stay tuned to Wheels for the latest information as it emerges.