Honda does have a winner in the new Accord Hybrid

Indian automobile website MotorBeam drives this Honda to see if the Accord Hybrid is a winner

The Honda Accord is back after a small break.

While the previous model was an instant hit among the Indian folks for the performance, refinement and the price it came at, the new Accord Hybrid goes the extra mile to become environment-friendly.

Starting with the design, the traditional Accord's silhouette is married to modern design elements.

The full-LED headlights with LED DRLs are the standout feature in the Accord and apart from that what personifies the front end are the chrome grille and the long swooping bonnet.

At the sides, you have a prominent waistline running from the front fender till the tail-lights.

The 18-inch multi-spoke aluminium alloy wheels look spectacular.

The LED tail-lights get blue highlights and the boot lid also gets a spoiler.

The chrome strip between the tail-lights and on the lower bumper give the Accord a rich look.

Step inside and you are greeted by a premium cabin.

The fit and finish levels are just immaculate, the dual-tone dashboard and the premium ivory leather upholstery look plush.

There is a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel with controls for audio and what not, wrapped in leather and the top portion being finished in wood.

Behind it is the instrument console with an analogue gauge. A 7.0-inch touchscreen audio system houses in the centre console and there is also a 7-7-inch colour TFT intelligent MID display above it.

The flagship Honda sedan is handsomely equipped, you get dual-zone climate control, electric sunroof, remote start with pre-cooling or heating function with the key, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic headlights and wipers, rear AC vents and push-button start.

Both the front and rear seats are comfortable and offer good support.

The driver's seat is 8-way power adjustable with power lumbar support while the co-driver's seat gets 4-way power adjustment.

There is memory function also offered on the driver's seat.

While the boot is decent, the batteries do eat up some space.

You'll also not find a spare tyre as the Accord Hybrid gets run-flat tyres. Nonetheless, there is a tyre puncture repair kit offered.

The Accord Hybrid draws power from an i-MMD 2-motor Hybrid system paired with a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine.

The combined power output from them is 215 PS of power with a claimed mileage of 23.1 km/l.

The Hybrid system works in three modes, EV drive, Hybrid drive and Engine drive.

Most of the times you will find the Hybrid drive in operation and the Engine drive comes into play at high-speed.

While the power delivery is linear, there is a bit of lag once you go hard on the gas but slowly as revs build, the car feels at home.

We all know how refined Honda's petrol engines are. NVH levels are great and the ride quality too is.

The steering offers a great amount of feedback and the suspension does its job of absorbing all the undulations.

Braking performance from all four disc brakes is good and the 235-section tyres offer good levels of grip.

Honda does have a winner in the new Accord Hybrid, it outdoes its rival the Toyota Camry in terms of equipment on offer, performance and efficiency.

Priced at Rs 43.21 lakhs the Accord Hybrid is on the expensive side but this flagship Honda offers a ton to those looking for a reliable D-segment car with a ton of space.

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