2018 Honda Accord revealed!
The tenth-generation Accord has been unveiled to the world today, with all-new styling, a platform as well as new turbocharged powertrains.
Adopting the current trend of fastback-style sedans, but with a conventional trunk, just like the 2018 Toyota Camry in addition to the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, the Accord’s body is 15 mm lower, 10 mm wider and 10 mm shorter, but rides on a 55-mm longer wheelbase. The car’s front fascia gets a more upright design, with the chrome wing grille also seen on the Honda Civic and the Honda Odyssey, among others.
The 2017 edition’s 2.4-litre engine is replaced by a turbocharged, 1.5-litre four cylinder that develops 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, increases of 7 hp and 11 lb.-ft. It’s connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.
Meanwhile, the 3.5-litre V6 is history in the Accord. The upgrade engine is now a turbocharged 2.0-litre four that punches out 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That’s 16 ponies less than the V6, but torque is up significantly and peaks at a lower revolution. The 2.0L engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the V6’s old six-speed auto. For drivers who still like to row their own gears, a Sport version of the Accord will feature a six-speed manual with the more powerful engine, and will replace the performance-oriented Accord Coupe that will not return after 2017.
- Also: 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: the Brand’s Best
- Also: Three-cylinder Engine and Plug-in Hybrid Version for the 2021 Honda Civic
The Accord Hybrid will get an improved powertrain with a 2.0-litre, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that will achieve a thermal efficiency of more than 40 percent—slightly better than the engines in the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid. It will once again be managed by an electronically controlled, continuously variable automatic. No word on output and fuel economy yet, but the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid boasted 212 horsepower and delivered a combined average of 5.0 L/100 km.
The hybrid variant’s battery pack has been relocated under the rear seat, which means trunk space is now unchanged compared to the regular Accord. That trunk is bigger than before, too, rated at 473 litres, making it the roomiest of its segment.
The 2018 Honda Accord’s new platform is stiffer, which generally results in a safer, quieter and better handling car. Ride height has dropped by 10 mm, and seating positions are also lower to the ground by 25 mm up front, and 20 mm at the rear. The automaker claims the front pillars are 20 percent thinner compared to the ones in the outgoing Accord, contributing to improved visibility out the windscreen.
In addition to enhanced comfort, according to Honda, the front seats are now optionally heated and ventilated. A new infotainment system features an eight-inch touchscreen along with proper volume and tuning knobs in addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Automatic Bluetooth phone pairing, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required) and head-up display will also be available.
The company’s Honda Sensing advanced driving aids suite will be standard in every trim level, which includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition. Uplevel trims will also feature front and rear park sensors, Honda LaneWatch blind spot display and—replacing the LaneWatch system on Touring trims—proper blind spot monitoring on both sides of the car.
No pricing has been announced yet, but the 2018 Honda Accord will be available this fall in LX, Sport, EX-L and Touring trim levels with the 1.5-litre engine, Sport and Touring variants with the 2.0L mill as well as Hybrid and Touring with the hybrid powertrain.
