Having just announced a hybrid version of its Clarity model, Honda has reworked the hybrid version of its Accord. Even though it's got more power than its predecessor, the new Accord Hybrid uses less fuel, and has been treated to a modest refresh in the looks department, too.
Rated at 212 hp (158 kW), the new Accord's powertrain has gained 16 hp (12 kW) over its predecessor thanks to a new 2.0-liter Atkinson Cycle petrol engine. In spite of the power boost, Honda also says the new hybrid setup is 1 mpg more efficent than the outgoing model, with a combined fuel economy figure of 48 mpg (4.9 l/100 km), or 49 mpg (4.8 l/100 km) in the city and 47 mpg (5 l/100 km) on the highway.
You might remember a story published in 2013 which said the Accord Hybrid was rated to 50 mpg in the city. If you're a keen mathematics student, you'll also realise that 49 mpg is, well, worse than 50 mpg. Honda blames new, more stringent EPA testing protocols for the discrepancy, and says the old car would have been 1 mpg (0.1 l/100 km) less efficient than the new one had they been tested under the same system.
These economy figures come courtesy of the Accord's three-mode hybrid system, which can run as a pure EV, a hybrid or on petrol power alone.
On the inside, there's a new infotainment system that's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's more space in the 13.5 cu.ft trunk, too, thanks to a smaller iteration of its lithium-ion battery pack. While we're talking about practical considerations, there's also the usual suite of collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning and forward collision warning.
To distinguish between hybrid models and average, petrol-powered Accords, Honda has fitted blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, unique wheels, an aluminum bonnet and a smattering of hybrid badges on the flanks.
The updated Accord will be on show at Honda's Earth Day weekend celebrations.
Source: Honda
