LOS ANGELES: Honda's new Accord Hybrid has hit dealerships across the United States with three variants and comes with an 8% hike in power as well as a 4% improvement in terms of fuel efficiency over its predecessor.

The new Accord Hybrid enters the scene priced at US$29,605 (RM124,000), US$32,905 (RM138,000) for the EX-L and finally US$35,955 (RM150,000) for the range-topping Touring model.

With the Hybrid's kerb weight at 1,580kg (EX-L - 1,598kg, Touring - 1,604kg), its wheelbase comes measuring in at 2,776mm, while being 4,930mm-long, 1,461mm-tall and 1,849mm-wide.

Although the Accord Hybrid range has an aluminium hood for weight-saving purposes, it seems that its still quite front-heavy in terms of front-rear weight distribution percentages with the Hybrid at 59.7/40.3 and both EX-L and Touring at 59.5/40.5.



Under the hood lies a 2.0-litre (1,993cc) aluminium-alloy petrol Atkinson-cycle engine with a Mazda SkyActiv-like compression ratio of 13:1 - mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) with sport mode, and provides 143hp at 6,200rpm and 175Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, before hitting the limiter at 6,700rpm.

It also comes equipped with a Lithium-ion battery supplying power to two AC a 181hp electric motor, which brings its combined output up to 212hp at 6,200rpm and 315Nm of torque from 0-2,000rpm.

The suspension is of a front MacPherson Struts with rear multi-link while using 19mm (front) and 16mm (rear) stabiliser bars to improve on handling characteristics.



It rolls on 17-inch wheels with 225/50 series tyres that obscure the 292mm (front) and 282mm (rear) disc brakes for stopping power.

The Accord Hybrid model range is equipped with chrome door handles, rear light cluster with LED light bars, LED fog lamps, keyless entry with start-stop button, automatic projector halogen headlights and automatic wipers.

The list of standard equipment includes remote engine start, electronic parking brake, automatic brake hold, Econ button, Eco Coaching, cruise control, active noise cancellation, active sound control, idle stop, steering-mounted controls and a 10-way powered driver's seat.

There's also a four-speaker audio system with an eight-inch audio display unit that comes with Bluetooth connectivity.

As for safety, Honda's Sensing features (collision mitigation braking system and road departure mitigation system) have been included, as well as six-airbags, anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability assist with traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and a multi-angle reverse camera.

There's also Honda's driver-assist technology, which features lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control and lane watch.

As for the EX-L variant, leather has been applied to the seats, steering wheel and shift-knob, while adding on an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, memory function for the powered driver's seat, front heated seats, a seven-speaker 360W-audio system with subwoofer and a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Lastly, the range-topping Touring gets automatic LED headlights, automatic high-beam headlights, automatic wipers, navigation, voice recognition, rear heated seats and US-applicable HD Radio and SiriusXM Radio.

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