New-gen Honda Accord hybrid launched in India at Rs 37 lakh
The ninth generation Honda Accord (hybrid) debuted in India at the 2016 Auto Expo followed by its showcase in Thailand. And now Honda India has officially launched the flagship sedan at Rs 37 lakh, ex-Delhi. For reference, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid is priced at Rs 30.9 lakh, ex-Delhi. The new-gen Accord, in its second innings after being discontinued in 2014, is being brought to India through the CBU route and will be sold in one trim only.
Powering the Honda Accord hybrid is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 145PS of power at 6,200rpm and generates 175Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Mated to this motor is a the Honda E-CVT system. This unit, unlike the conventional CVT, uses two motors. The hybrid system makes use of two motors, to power the front wheels and to generate electricity. The propulsion motor that drives the front wheels is driven by an Intelligent Power Unit and is powered by a a 1.3kW Li-ion battery pack. The batteries in this system are similar to that of Honda's Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle. The combined output of both the petrol and electric motors is 215PS. We have already driven the Honda Accord hybrid in India and you can read our first drive review here.
In terms of design, the Honda Accord always had a universal appeal and the new-gen just manages to push that further. Though the front has some resemblance to the previous offering, it gets an all LED headlight cluster. There is a thick chrome grille running between the headlights. The front bumper gets larger and sportier contours with nicely with LED fog lamps slotted on the vents. The side profile features clean lines and gets subtle chrome highlights on the window line and the door handles. This one runs on 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. The rear profile, with LED lights and a lip spoiler, has been kept at minimal best.
The cabin of the Honda Accord hybrid now comes equipped with a touch screen entertainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Paired to this unit is a 360W 7-speaker audio system. The intelligent multi information display or the i-MID screen displays the video feed for Honda's blind spot warning system. It sends a continuous feed to the i-MID screen with the help of a camera mounted on the left ORVM. The other features that come standard are keyless entry, start-stop button, rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps, sunroof, 8-way driver and 4-way rear passenger seat adjustment. Additionally, it comes equipped with a puncture repair kit as well.
The ninth-generation Honda Accord hybrid rivals the likes of Toyota Camry hybrid and the Skoda Superb in the premium sedan space. It will also lock horns with the upcoming Volkswagen Passat GTE that arrives sometime next year.