Honda announced today that the new Accord Hybrid will arrive in dealerships across the U.S. this October. As you would expect, the hybrid sedan features the same styling found on the regular Accord, but comes with added elements such as a unique hybrid badging, blue-accented grille and light lenses, LED daytime running lights, a dedicated wheel design and a decklid spoiler.
Using Honda’s new two-motor hybrid powertrain, much of which is shared with the Accord Plug-In, the 2014 Accord Hybrid is anticipated to return an EPA fuel economy rating of 49/45/47 mpg (4.8 l/100 km/5.2 l/100km/5 l/100 km) for city/highway/combined.
The two-motor Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive powertrain offers three different driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive – in order to improve fuel efficiency. In “EV Drive”, the Accord Hybrid uses the lithium-ion battery to run in electric-only mode at lower speeds, while “Engine Drive” sends the engine power directly to the front wheels during medium to high speed cruising. In “Hybrid Drive,” the 124-kW electric motor and the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine combine their forces for powerful acceleration while also ensuring efficient driving in stop-and-go traffic situations.
On the inside, the Accord Hybrid’s instruments inform the driver about instant fuel economy and energy flow information. Available safety systems include the LaneWatch blind-spot display, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning. Other available features are an 8-inch color i-MID display, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, cloud-based HondaLink featuring Aha compatibility, seven-speaker audio system with Bluetooth streaming audio, Pandora interface and XM Radio, and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines.
According to the Japanese company, the 2014 Accord Hybrid will be the first Honda hybrid vehicle assembled in Ohio and the second built in the States. Prices in the U.S. haven’t been announced yet, but in Japan, the Accord Hybrid will start from $38,000, almost $7,000 more than its chief rival, the Toyota Camry.
By Dan Mihalascu
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