He Eleventh generation Honda Accord made his international debut just a few months ago. And from the first moment he generated admiration for his new technological proposal. In fact, the first concern is that when the 2.0-liter turbo disappeared, the range would lose emotion, in favor of fuel efficiency, giving the hybrid version a greater role.
And you know something, we were very wrong! Since, although this car is not available in our country, we had the chance to get behind the wheel of the new 2023 Honda Accord HEV And with this, verify that the sporty touch that the brand has impregnated in its latest releases is not lost, but rather is transformed to give us what could be one of the best “daily cars” in the Mexican market.
Next, I share my first impressions on board the new 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid:
2023 Honda Accord HEV: Design
As I have always said, design is highly subjective, but on this occasion, it will make an exception and that is the new Accord is more purposeful than one might think at first glance. The exterior lines are clean, elegant. In fact, they remind me more of a German car than a Japanese one. There are no abrupt strokes or anime-style solutions. Yes, it is a representative car and, therefore, it is stately, very much to the liking of its potential buyers. But, that does not mean that it is boring, but on the contrary, it has a touch of sportiness that is accentuated by incorporating details such as an aggressive grille and headlights, as well as black elements such as rear-view mirrors or the shark fin. This without forgetting the smoked skulls, which in particular sent me back to the 80s and 90s. Undoubtedly, a nostalgic touch that will be well appreciated by lovers of Japanese cars. The rims are two-tone.
2023 Honda Accord HEV: Interior
Indoors, we are facing a completely new model. Many of the solutions are similar to those seen in the Civic, but a more luxurious and refined atmosphere is breathed. The quality of materials is remarkable. It’s not really a premium, but it’s dangerously close. Heated seats are wrapped in ivory leather, while all plastics within immediate range of sight are smooth.
The attention is captured by a 12.3-inch screen, as well as by a complete digital cluster, where, as a curiosity, a miniature of the car is projected that lights up the skulls when we brake.. A detail that could go unnoticed, but it is striking. In this technological sense, we must also add a 12-speaker audio system signed by Bose, with great fidelity. The inductive charger is present, as well as the traditional sunroof.
The ergonomics are correct and for the most part the controls are easy to locate and manipulate. The lever is traditional. A good thing considering that not everyone likes the Shift by Touch system. Adjusting to the Accord’s cabin is easy.
As for safety, although we are waiting to know the final specifications of the Accord, surely we can count on elements such as front, side, rear side, knee and curtain type airbags for front and rear seats. Brakes with ABS, as well as electronic stability control. As expected, it will equip the Honda Sensing assistance suite.
2023 Honda Accord HEV: Handling
In the mechanical section, the Honda Accord HEV has the same mechanical scheme as the CR-V HEV. This means that we will find a 2.0-liter atmospheric engine that works together with a pair of electric drives. Combined power is 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a CVT automatic.
The file may not impress, beyond the healthy torque figure, which already gives us a warning of what we will find behind the wheel. And it is that this car, contrary to traditional hybrids that are noisy and relatively clumsy outside of urban environments, we have that the Accord is a great touring car.
The acceleration is progressive and if you step on the accelerator pedal fully it will hit you to the seat, and that is, if the battery charge is sufficient, the electric assistance will be present, acting as a kind of DRS for daily use . Frankly, I didn’t miss the 2.0L turbo, because this Accord is capable of presenting an agile, comfortable and efficient handling at the same time.
Cruising speeds of 160 km/h are not a problem and the set-up, which curiously is slightly firmer than expected, refers more to a German tourer than to a Japanese focused on the US market.
Without a doubt, it is a car that is enjoyed behind the wheel. I insist as long as you have the necessary energy. By the way, as long as you don’t exceed 50 km/h, it can drive in fully electric mode.
Honda Accord HEV 2023: Consumption
As is customary in autocosmos, we put this hybrid through a consumer test under real conditions. Mechanics is already highly known to you.
It was given a use like the one you would give it on a day-to-day basis. A mixed route was drawn up that would allow us to face the heavy traffic of Mexico City, while driving on the highway, without neglecting the journey through secondary and tertiary roads.
The only condition was not to exceed 130 km/h on the highway. The air conditioning was on most of the time. Thus, we achieved 25.12 km/l in real conditions. Without a doubt, a great figure that tells us about the great balance between efficiency and performance.
Honda Accord HEV 2023: Conclusion and market positioning
The arrival date of the new Accord HEV 2023 It could happen within a couple of months, June being a tentative date, though not confirmed. Its only rival in the market is the Toyota Camry Hybrid that seems more bourgeois and stately.
The strong cards of Accord HEV are a balance between comfort, efficiency and handling with a sporty flavor, Like no other car of this type on the market. Surely, the price will give something to talk about, but at least, from the first impression, it gives me the impression that we are facing what could be the best non-premium hybrid car in Mexico. And believe me, I’m not exaggerating, but we’ll see that later when we can live with him for a longer period of time.
