Making a comeback in the D-segment, Honda Cars India brings its flagship Accord Hybrid premium sedan to our shores priced at Rs 40.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Navi Mumbai)
The premium sedan D-segment has really grown much in the last few years India, in spite of strong models like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the new Skoda Superb. Hopefully now, with the introduction of another international blockbuster – Honda Accord Hybrid this segment will see better traction and attract new buyers.
This is the ninth generation model and is already on sale in various international markets. Although this is a brand new car, it still carries forward the distinct Honda Accord styling. Now you get all-LED headlight and taillamps, which comes with a blue tint in tune to its hybrid theme.
The new Honda Accord, comes packed to the brim with new-age technology and being a hybrid will be competing mainly with the current segment leader Toyota Camry Hybrid. The previous generation Accord was phased out from India back in 2013 and unlike the older model which was manufactured by Honda in India, the new Accord Hybrid will be imported as completely built units.
Even though the proportions of the car are smaller than before, the increased height and smart cabin design have carved out good room and it remains comfortable and plush. A touchscreen infotainment system, sat-nav, premium audio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay form a more than decent equipment list. There’s also dual-zone climate control, soft leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats: eight-way with two memory settings for the driver, and four-way for the passenger. The new LaneWatch feature, that builds on blind-spot detection, packs a camera on the left wing-mirror and provides a feed to the centre display when the left-turn indicator is used.
Powering this large sedan is a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine along with a pair of electric motors that churn out a combined 215 PS. Power in transmitted to the front wheels via an eCVT, with automatically controlled EV mode, Hybrid mode and Engine Drive mode. Honda claim a fuel efficiency of 23.1 km/l in Hybrid mode.
The Honda Accord Hybrid has been launched at Rs 40.14 lakh (ex-Navi Mumbai) and gets the FAME benefit in Delhi helping it save Rs 3 lakh as it is available in the capital at a price of Rs 37.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
Watch this space for a first drive review followed by a full-fledged road-test.
