Over the past few years Honda has focused on strengthening its portfolio with the introduction of more mass-market models such as the new Jazz and the BR-V. Now the automaker has switched its attention to the opposite end of the scale with the launch of the ninth-gen Accord.
Honda discontinued the eighth-gen Accord a few years ago owing to slowing demand, but did not immediately replace the flagship sedan with the ninth-gen model. Honda has now re-launched its large sedan with the facelifted car and, unlike its predecessor, as a hybrid.
Honda Accord Hybrid engine
As mentioned above, the new Accord is a hybrid. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle i-VTEC petrol motor good for 145hp and 175Nm of torque paired with two electric motors with a combined rating of 184hp and 315Nm of torque. Total system output is rated at 215hp with power sent to the wheels via a CVT gearbox. The petrol engine and electric motor can power the car as a pair or independently. The car also offers three drive modes – Sport, EV and Eco. The car has an ARAI rating of 23.1kpl.
Honda Accord Hybrid features
The Accord gets equipment such as LED headlamps, electric adjust front seats and a dual-zone automatic climate control system that automatically adjusts to improve cooling under direct sunlight. Other features include drive modes, infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, parking camera, remote pre-cooling and pre-heating function for the cabin and a remote start function. Honda hasn’t missed out on occupant protection with the Accord also offering six airbags, ABS, stability control, traction control and lane watch assist.
Honda Accord Hybrid price, rivals
The chief rival to the new Accord Hybrid is the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the upcoming VW Passat GTE once it is launched. However, unlike the locally-assembled Camry Hybrid, the Accord is being imported as a CBU and does not benefit from the government’s FAME scheme. Honda has launched the Accord Hybrid in India at a price of Rs 37 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The pricing makes the Accord roughly Rs 6.1 lakh more expensive than the Camry Hybrid and puts in more in league with higher segment offerings such as the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-class.
Honda Accord Hybrid review
You can read our driving impressions of the new Honda Accord Hybrid here or watch our video review.