[Taboleo] The 'Young Honda' Became Stronger and Smarter with Beginner's Spirit... New Accord Hybrid

New Rear-Side Warning System Installed
Improved Lane Keeping Assist System
Front Chrome Trim Makes Vehicle Look Wider

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Honda Korea, which once faced rumors of withdrawal due to the boycott of Japanese products, has sharpened its strategy. Leading with the 10th generation facelifted model of Honda’s flagship midsize sedan, the New Accord Hybrid, and the New CR-V Hybrid SUV, the company plans to make a spectacular comeback by selling 3,000 hybrid vehicles domestically this year.

The New Accord Hybrid I test drove this time continues the dynamic design of the 10th generation Accord, which broke the stereotype that “Accords are old-fashioned,” while enhancing safety features. It seemed to approach Honda’s original spirit of “young Honda cars” that was emphasized when the Accord was first launched in 1976.

-What has changed in this facelifted model?

▲Honda Korea set the goal of “zero collisions” with the launch of the New Accord Hybrid in the domestic market. The advanced driver-assistance system, Honda Sensing, has been improved to enable much smarter driving.

First, the new model is equipped with a Blind Spot Information system (BSI) that warns the driver via indicators on the side mirrors, and a Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) that detects rear-side traffic while reversing and alerts the driver on the display. Both functions use sensors located on the left and right sides of the rear bumper to monitor vehicles approaching from blind spots and signal the driver. While driving the New Accord Hybrid from Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul to Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on highways with light traffic or in urban areas when changing lanes, the BSI alerted me with indicator lights if a vehicle was approaching from an unseen area. The CTM function, which operates during reversing, also showed arrows on the display screen if a vehicle was approaching from a blind spot, helping the driver avoid unexpected situations.

The car is also equipped with specialized safety systems for parking. A low-speed brake control system, which detects nearby walls in front and behind to prevent collisions, has been newly introduced.

Ultrasonic sensors detect nearby walls at the front and rear, activating the brakes even at a low speed of 2 km/h to prevent parking accidents. Additionally, the New Accord Hybrid features downward-tilting side mirrors that automatically lower when reversing to assist with parking.

Furthermore, to prevent leaving rear-seat passengers unattended and to encourage seatbelt use, rear-seat seatbelt reminders have been installed, allowing the driver to be reminded of the safety of passengers. Convenience features such as first-row ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, downward-tilting outside mirrors when reversing, wiper de-icing system, 10-speaker sound system, and both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have also been added.

-Besides the added features, which existing functions have been improved?

△It seems Honda paid close attention to the shortcomings of Honda Sensing in the 10th generation Accord Hybrid model released in 2018. First, the performance of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) has improved compared to the previous model. Previously, the vehicle would reduce speed by repeatedly applying the brakes in steps to match the speed of the car ahead, but the new model reduces speed smoothly, providing a comfortable and stable driving experience. LKAS operates between approximately 72 km/h and 180 km/h and has been upgraded to assist steering not only on straight roads but also during cornering, helping the vehicle stay centered in the lane without drifting.

Also, the LKAS button, which was previously located below the instrument panel as a push button, has been moved to a switch on the steering wheel for easier operation. In addition to Honda Sensing, the rubber band effect has been improved through changes in fuel injection control. In the previous model, there were often mismatches between the accelerator pedal and engine RPM, but during a test drive of about 140 km, no rubber band effect was observed.

-How is the design?

▲The first impression of the New Accord Hybrid is “stylish but not excessive.” The New Accord Hybrid features a hybrid-exclusive “Blue H” emblem on the front and chrome decorations on the front grille that make the vehicle appear wider. From the side, the sleek aerodynamic body and newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels, which resemble a mix of stars and flower petals, give a soft yet strong impression. From the rear, the LED rear combination lamps provide a luxurious feel, and the hybrid-exclusive rear bumper design indicates that it is a hybrid model.

The luxurious and convenient interior features continue in the New Accord Hybrid. Unlike the dynamic exterior, the dashboard and parts of the doors are accented with wood grain patterns, expressing a dignified elegance. The uniquely shaped display protruding from the top of the center fascia makes it easy to visually grasp navigation information and driver-assistance system alerts while driving.

-How about driving performance, fuel efficiency, and price?

▲The front-wheel-drive inline 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine produces 145 horsepower. Based on Honda’s Sport Hybrid i-MMD two-motor system, it delivers 184 horsepower, with a maximum system output of 215 horsepower.

The front-wheel-drive Touring trim is officially rated at 18 km/l in city driving, 17 km/l on highways, and 17.5 km/l combined. During the test drive, the measured fuel efficiency combining normal and sport modes was 14.7 km/l. Only the Touring trim is available in Korea, priced at 45.7 million KRW including VAT.