The 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T in Touring specification.

LOS ANGELES: For years, the Accord has been a sensible choice for anyone looking for a mid-sized family sedan that's high on reliability and standard equipment and low on depreciation.

However, until now, it couldn't exactly be described as a driver's car. But starting Monday, with the official US launch of the Accord 2.0T, it could be about to change.

The new 2.0T keeps everything that's great about the Accord and that has made it one of America's most popular cars, but adds a direct injection, turbocharged straight four-cylinder engine with double overhead cams and Honda's phenomenal VTEC variable valve timing.



If that engine description sounds familiar, it's because it's the same block Honda uses to power its phenomenally entertaining and lightning-quick Civic Type R hot hatchback.

In the Accord, the turbocharger force-feeding the engine with air is smaller and with lower inertia, so the engine isn't quite the fire-breathing 306hp powertrain found in the Civic.

Nevertheless, it still outputs 252hp and 370Nm of torque, making it the most powerful US Accord in history. And because the turbo is of the low inertia variety, turbo lag should be minimised.



Yet, even with all that torque, the 2.0T is good for 9l/100km on the combined cycle when mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Opt instead for the new 10-speed automatic — a segment first — and it edges up to 8.7l/100km on the EPA confirmed combined cycle.

The car will be available in five different trim and equipment levels, from Sport to Touring and creature comforts though dependent on trim level, include wireless device charging, a head-up display, 12-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and a new infotainment system.

Prices in the United States for the new Honda Accord 2.0T start at US$31,200 (RM129,000) rising to US$36,690 (RM151,000) for the 10-speed automatic Touring model.

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