0-100: A quality Accord
There’s a high-quality feel to the Honda Accord that speaks to the car maker’s decades as a top-flight Japanese manufacturer.
Dual-cab utes and SUVs have become so ubiquitous on our roads that many Aussies will have forgotten what it’s like to drive a ‘regular’ car. But a recent stint at the wheel of the latest Honda Accord reminded Journeys of how good a drive a well-sorted medium sedan can be.
The level of polish and refinement on display in Honda’s new Accord shouldn’t really be a surprise, given the brand has been diligently refining the formula since 1976, with this 11th- generation model – the Honda Accord e:HEV RS – arguably the most premium yet.
There’s a hint of Audi in the side view, highlighted by crisp character lines and a roof that plunges down to meet a subtle boot-lid spoiler. From the front, the Accord sits low and wide with slim LED headlights flanking the black cross-hatch grille, with its central Honda logo set in blue to underscore the efficiency of its hybrid drivetrain.
Available exclusively with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to dual-electric motors, the Accord hybrid boasts combined outputs of 152kW/335Nm. That may not sound like much in these days of stupendously powerful dual-motor EVs, but the instant torque of its impressively well-integrated electric powertrain ensures consistently lively performance.
Honda keeps it simple these days, offering the Accord as a single variant, the e:HEV RS, sold via a fixed-price, no-haggle sales model. As such, the Accord eschews the usual entry-level model grades to arrive generously equipped with features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charger, 12-speaker Bose sound system, 360-degree camera system and panoramic sunroof. The roomy cabin features supple black leather-appointed upholstery with classy red stitch highlights and a level of fit and finish that wouldn’t be out of place in a prestige car.
A drive-mode switch behind the leather-trimmed shift lever provides Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual modes, with Sport providing a satisfying change of personality. Performance here is brisk without being neck-straining, with the petrol and electric motors interacting harmoniously.
Honda has shown pleasing restraint in equipping the Accord with 18-inch alloy wheels and Michelin tyres, where many car makers forsake ride for aesthetics with oversized 19- and 20-inch combinations. As a result, ride quality is well judged and compliant while handling remains disciplined. Noise, voice and harshness (NVH) is well controlled and the steering accurate and well weighted, with a chassis that’s balanced and sure-footed.
Asking as it does a full price in a declining segment that’s dominated by Toyota’s fleet-favourite Camry, the Honda Accord is unlikely to register on the radar of too many new-car buyers. But those who take the time to sample its wares will come away convinced that this legendary Japanese car maker has not forgotten how to build a wonderfully refined and polished passenger car
The specs
Make/model: Honda Accord e:HEV RS
Body style: : Four-door liftback sedan
Retail price: $64,900 (MRLP)
Seating: 5 seats
Fuel consumption combined: 4.3L/100km (99.8g/km CO2)
Safety rating: Not yet rated
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol inline four-cylinder, DOHC, i-VTEC, (108kW/182Nm), twin electric motors (135kW/335Nm), combined output (152kW/335Nm)
Transmission: Electric Continuously Variable (E-CVT) with steering wheel deceleration paddle shifters
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Kerb weight: 1609kg
0-100km/h: N/A
Visit the Honda website for more.