India-bound Honda Accord Hybrid unveiled in Thailand
After being showcased at the Auto Expo 2016, Honda has now unveiled the Accord Hybrid in Thailand. Honda Car India has confirmed to us that it would be launched here this festive season (Sept-Nov). The Honda Accord Hybrid, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid, will most likely be available in a single trim.
The new Honda Accord Hybrid is powered by a 140PS 2.0-litre 4-cylinder EarthDreams petrol engine and a 1.3kW Li-ion battery pack. The total output of the electric and petrol motors is 215PS. The engine is mated to an e-CVT which claims to be faster as well as more efficient. The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) system helps the drive use new Accord Hybrid in different modes. In pure electric mode or EV Drive, the Honda Accord Hybrid will reach speeds up to 120kmph. i-MMD also offers the driver the option of Hybrid Drive or Engine Drive modes. For those needing more performance, there is the Sport mode, which utilises the electric as well as petrol engine for full bore acceleration. Honda claims that the Accord Hybrid will deliver a fuel efficiency of 23.8kmpl while emitting only 99gm/km of carbon emissions.
On the looks front, the new Honda Accord Hybrid is designed similar to the US version with subtle tweaks. These include the blue tinge to the all-LED headlamps and tail lamps. The alloy wheels are also slightly different than the conventional fuelled car. Inside, there is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control system as well as electrically adjustable seat for the driver.
Honda is likely to price the new Accord Hybrid around the Rs 30 lakh mark. It is expected that Honda will also bring the regular Accord into the Indian market at a much more affordable starting price. The Accord was taken off the Indian market in late 2013 following poor sales. The Accord also lost to fresh competition like the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat. Interestingly, the latter is also expected to be launched in the Indian market with a hybrid option.