Honda Malaysia has confirmed that the 10th-generation Accord will be making its long-awaited market debut before the first quarter of 2020 comes to an end. This means that by the end of next month, you'll have a new D-segment option to weigh against that BMW 3-Series or Mercedes C-Class you've always thought of treating yourself to; one packing 198hp at that. 

Yes, the Malaysia-bound Accord brings with it the familiar 1.5-litre VTEC turbo mill in its highest state of tune for our market to date. That's more power than you'd get from the two-litre turbo of the recently-launched BMW 320i in what will most definitely be a cheaper but more practical package. Maximum torque is rated at 260Nm; not as much as the Bimmer's, but a healthy dose of twist nonetheless. 

These may sound like unjust comparisons for the largely humble Accord nameplate. But the market for D-segment saloons in Malaysia has certainly shrunk in recent years due to the insurgence of SUVs in the same price bracket which might have nudged a sizeable portion of sedan suitors beyond the RM200k mark where the Germans reign supreme. 

With a brand new Accord in the picture, Honda Malaysia is looking to reproduce the glory days of the outgoing 9th-generation model, which sold in numbers exceeding 32,500 units since 2013 to add to the Accord's overall tally of 84,100 units officially sold here since 2001. 

This job will not fall solely on the pistons of the Accord's 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo mill. Other selling points Honda Malaysia has confirmed for its upcoming product includes the latest Honda Sensing driver aid package (adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane keep assist, etc.), smart parking assist system, full LED lighting and 18-inch "Resonator" alloys. There's also a host of lenses enabling the 360-degree multi-view camera, Honda Lanewatch and multi-angle reverse camera. 

The full extent of specs and prices remain a mystery for now. But if you're already sold by the features confirmed for the Malaysian market - many of which are likely reserved for the range-topping variant - you can already make a reservation at any one of Honda Malaysia's 100 dealerships nationwide.