The 10th generation of the Accord was unveiled to the world today, with a new look, a new platform and new turbocharged engines.
Adopting the current trend of fastback sedans, but with a normal trunk, like the Toyota Camry 2018 and the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, the body of the Accord is 15 mm lower, more 10 mm wide and shorter by 10 mm, but rests on an elongated 55 mm wheelbase. The front part of the car gets a more adroit design, with the chrome grille found on the Honda Civic and Honda Odyssey, among others.
Meanwhile, the 3.5-liter V6 is no longer in the Accord. In its place, a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo engine developing 252 horsepower and a torque of 273 lb-ft. The power is thus down 16 standards, but the torque is significantly higher, and manifests at lower speed. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic, which takes the place of the old six-speed V6. For drivers who still prefer to change the gears themselves, a Sport version of the Accord will offer a six-speed manual with the more powerful engine. This version will replace the Coupe Accord as the high-end choice of the range, since it will not come back after 2017.
The Hybrid Accord will get an improved engine with a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine that will achieve a thermal efficiency of more than 40 percent - a little better than the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid engines. It will once again be managed by an automatic electronic continuous variation. Power and fuel economy have not yet been announced, but the Honda Accord Hybrid 2017 offered 212 horsepower and a combined city / road consumption of 5.0 L / 100 km.
The battery pack of the hybrid version has been moved under the rear seat, thus freeing the space in the trunk. The latter will be as large as in the ordinary agreement, ie 473 liters. The most spacious in its segment.
The Honda Accord 2018's platform is stiffer, typically resulting in a safer, quieter and better-handling vehicle. The ground clearance was lowered by 10 mm and the driving positions were lowered too, ie 25 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear. The manufacturer specifies that the front pillars have been tapered by 20% compared to those in the outgoing agreement, contributing to better visibility through the windscreen.
In addition to increased comfort, according to Honda, the front seats can now be heated and ventilated, optional. A new multimedia system includes an eight-inch screen and real volume and tuning buttons. An Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also included. An automatic Bluetooth pairing, a 4G LTE WiFi (subscription plus) and a head-up display will also be available.
The Honda Sensing advanced safety system suite will be standard on every version of the sedan, which includes a collision attenuation brake system, a lane departure warning and an adaptive cruise control with road sign reading. The top versions will also feature front and rear parking sensors, Honda LaneWatch passenger side blinds and - as a replacement for the LaneWatch system in the Touring versions - blind side monitoring for both sides of the car.
Prices have not yet been announced, but the Honda Accord 2018 will be available this fall in LX, Sport, EX-L and Touring versions with the 1.5-liter, Sport and Touring engine with the 2.0-liter engine And Hybrid and Touring with hybrid powertrain.