Accord Hybrid: Delightful, dynamic, desirable

Despite its excellent fuel economy, driving a hybrid vehicle is as boring as watching paint dry, no kidding, and you would probably only buy such a vehicle because of its lower fuel costs and eco-friendliness. 

But with Honda unleashing its Accord Hybrid, the Japanese automaker has proven that hybrids can also offer the exciting characteristics that conventional automobiles possess – whether it is driving enjoyment or functionality. 

The Accord Hybrid is priced at Bt1.899 million for the top version, which may raise the eyebrows of many looking for a decent midsized sedan. The car has now gotten even closer to the Bt2-million neighbourhood that Japanese vehicles in this segment haven’t dared drive into. 

But like the previous model, the new Accord is a car that many consider a reasonable substitute for German luxury cars like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class which cost twice as much. There’s plenty of room inside the Accord Hybrid and the luxury level isn’t far behind, with top-notch quality materials being used. And although this sedan’s performance might not match those of the German powerhouses, it offers decent acceleration and ride quality, along with good safety. 

The Accord Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre “Earth Dreams” Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine as well as a permanent magnet electric motor. There’s a second electric motor that acts as a generator, charging the lithium-ion battery whenever possible. In fact, the electric motor powers the Accord Hybrid most of the time, sending power and torque to the front wheels, while the engine kicks in at maximum revs only when required. A power control unit decides when each power unit is required – electric, gasoline or both. 

The gasoline engine develops 143 horsepower and 165Nm while the electric motor generates a whopping 169 horsepower and 307Nm, giving the Accord Hybrid hair-raising performance. An E-CVT (Electric Continuously Variable Transmission) sends power to the front wheels, but this may surprise you: it does not have a gearbox like a conventional car. 

I drove the car for a week and for the first time felt that this is a hybrid that offers loads of driving pleasure. There is plenty of torque available during full acceleration, with the VTEC engine blaring out a sporty note. In normal driving it provides the smoothness during transitions and very low fuel consumption. 

Honda claims that the Accord Hybrid can do 23.6km/litre, which sounds kind of bullish at first, but if you really try, it can provide even better results. Yes. With the Econ function engaged and gear selection in “B” that provides maximum charging, as well as maintaining a really economical driving style, I was able to get more than 25km/litre, and I was pretty amazed. In general, of course, you’d average about 16km/litre under normal driving conditions, which is still much better than the gasoline-powered version of the Accord. 

While the steering provides feel and precision that’s commendable (it runs on low-profile 235/45 tyres), the suspension is set for comfort rather than sports driving. Brakes have always been a problem with hybrids – they are usually wooden and require much pedal input. But the Accord Hybrid’s brakes have lost that unwanted character, and feel more like a normal system. 

I also fancied the interior, which offers good craftsmanship and gobs of space. Rear passengers get plenty of legroom, making it a marvellous company car for executives. Then there’s navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, although it would be an excellent idea to supply the rear passengers with USB ports and 12-volt outlets. The top version also comes with a lane-watch assist system that eliminates left blind spots thanks to a camera on the left side-view mirror. It is activated whenever you hit the left-turn signal. 

Yes, the retail pricing of the Accord Hybrid may not be too friendly as I mentioned earlier, but forget the Japanese badging and look at what this car has to offer. It’s a highly efficient hybrid sedan that is super comfortable and accelerates like a drag car, while costing half as much as German luxury cars of the same size. I’ve even told a friend of mine – whom I’d previously recommended the Mercedes-Benz E 300 Hybrid to – that he should first check out the Accord Hybrid. 

 

 

Honda Accord Hybrid 

 

Engine: DOHC 16-valve VTEC 

Displacement: 1,993cc 

Bore and stroke: 81.0x96.7mm 

Compression ratio: 13.0:1 

Max power: 143ps/6,200rpm 

Max torque: 165Nm/4,500rpm 

Electric Motor: AC synchronous permanent magnet 

Max power: 169ps 

Max torque: 307Nm 

Battery: Lithium-Ion 

Transmission: E-CVT 

Suspension (f/r): McPherson struts, stabiliser/multi-link, stabilizer 

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion 

Turning circle: 11.8 metres 

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/disc 

Length: 4,870mm 

Width: 1,850mm 

Height: 1,485mm 

Wheelbase: 2,775mm 

Track (f/r): 1,584/1,592 

Weight: 1,663kg 

Wheels: 18-in alloys 

Tyres: 235/45R17 

Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres 

Price: Bt1.899 million 

Distributor: Honda Automobile (Thailand)