First Look: 2013 Honda Accord Sports New Premium Styling

Once the undisputed class of the affordable mid-sized sedans, the Honda Accord has recently been overshadowed by up-and-comers like the Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion and old competitors like the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Honda is hoping to regain their throne this year, though, with a refreshed Accord that features new design and driving dynamics.

The giant automaker yesterday revealed new images of its 2013 Accord sedan and coupe, both of which will be available to the U.S. this fall. The car now features standard LED daytime running lights and bold character lines that run through the side profile. Honda is attempting to elevate the Accord to a more premium level with the new styling.

"This car is the most sculpted and the most dynamic Accord yet," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. "Following Honda's long-held philosophy of 'man maximum, machine minimum,' the beautiful exterior evolved from a focus on interior space and the needs of the people inside it."

The car has also been shortened on the outside while the interior cabin space has been magically increased. Honda hopes this will improve sportiness and performance while also allowing for greater comfort inside. Updated rear designs with a more pronounced Hoffmeister kink in the window – and integrated lip spoiler on the coupe – convey a more powerful and athletic stance.

So far this year, Honda has sold more than 183,000 Accords in the U.S., a drastic increase of 27-percent over the same period in 2011 when the earthquake in Japan stalled production. The car is still among the best-selling in America and Honda believes the design updates to the 2013 Accord will continue to push sales even higher. The Accord will start at $22,270 MSRP and celebrates the 30 th anniversary of Honda production at their Marysville, Ohio plant.

*

Visit the autoMedia.com Honda Research Center for quick access to reviews, pricing, photos, mpg and more. Make sure to follow autoMedia.com on Twitter and Facebook.

2013 Honda Accord - Official Website

Build Your Own Honda

Find Your Local Honda Dealer