[Taboleo] Fuel Efficiency and Driving Fun Combined... Honda Accord

Complete Redesign Model Hybrid Touring
Bigger Size but Agile Movement
Official Fuel Efficiency 16.7 km/L, Up to 20 km/L
Highway Acceleration with Sports Mode
Better Cornering with Motion Management
Quiet Acceleration for Driving Enjoyment

In 2004, Hyundai released the NF Sonata. Although 20 years have passed, I still remember people saying back then that "the NF Sonata copied the design of the Honda Accord." After hearing this, I compared the Sonata and Accord every time they passed by on the road simultaneously. The most similar part was the rear tail lamp section of the vehicles. Other than that, there were no notable similarities, but the image of the Accord as "the car that the Sonata copied" remained strong until I became an adult.

Honda Accord Hybrid Touring [Photo by Honda Korea]

Of course, now the Accord and Sonata have changed significantly. Aside from both being sedans of similar size, their target demographics and purposes have diverged. Once the epitome of a family car, the Sonata now seems to be positioned as a sedan for younger customers. Meanwhile, the Accord is the only Honda sedan available in Korea, and this latest fully redesigned model (Hybrid Touring) seems to offer a driving experience that combines the feel of both the Hyundai Grandeur and Sonata. Although it has grown in size, its movements have become more agile. Additionally, it boasts the excellent fuel efficiency characteristic of Japanese cars.

Honda Accord Hybrid Touring [Photo by Honda Korea]

The body length has increased by 65 mm compared to the previous model, now measuring 4970 mm in total length. It is slightly larger than the similarly sized Sonata, which measures 4910 mm. The rear of the vehicle features a strikingly straight tail lamp design. The Honda emblem on the rear is smaller than the one on the front, making it intriguing to identify the car when viewed from behind while driving. The roofline adopts a fastback design, with sleek lines tapering towards the rear.

The wheelbase related to the interior space of the vehicle remains the same as before, but the knee and headroom were sufficient for an adult male to sit comfortably.
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

The wheelbase related to interior space remains the same at 2830 mm, but the knee and headroom are sufficient for an adult male to sit comfortably. Honda Korea explained that the trunk capacity is 473 liters, boasting one of the largest in its class. The rear seats can be folded down to accommodate cargo, and the trunk can be opened with a single press of the smart key button. However, it is a bit disappointing that the trunk must be closed manually, as it is not equipped with a power-operated trunk.

The trunk capacity boasts a class-leading 473 liters. The second-row seats can also be folded down to accommodate more cargo.
[Photo by Honda Korea]

The fuel efficiency is outstanding. The official fuel economy rating is 16.7 km/L (combined). During a test drive covering approximately 100 km, by switching driving modes according to the situation, I achieved up to 20 km/L. On the highway, I used sports mode; in less congested city traffic, normal mode; and in heavy traffic, eco mode.

Considering the increased overall length, I wondered if the driving experience would still be enjoyable. However, this concern was unfounded. When switching to sports mode and driving on the highway, the combination of a 147-horsepower engine and a 184-horsepower motor provided acceleration that was by no means lacking. It demonstrated excellent stability not only on straight roads but also on curves. Usually, when entering a corner at high speed, most cars give the driver a sensation as if they might be thrown from the seat.

Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Driver's Seat
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

However, the Accord produced much less of this sensation compared to other cars. The new Accord is the first to apply the Motion Management System, which Honda Korea explains is the source of its improved cornering ability. Honda Korea stated, "This system helps the driver control the car as intended in any situation," adding, "It integrates control of the powertrain and brakes according to steering wheel input to optimally manage the additional deceleration during cornering."

Noise insulation, or soundproofing, is also excellent. When driving at high speeds, the engine works hard, and engine noise increases. Sports cars maximize this to provide excitement to the driver. However, the family-oriented Accord produces a sound more similar to that of an electric motor. Although the hybrid vehicle operates with both the motor and engine, the engine is much more involved at high speeds. The secret lies in covering the entire engine with urethane and using sound-absorbing materials. In other words, it offers fun but delivers a quiet acceleration experience more akin to an electric vehicle than the sporty charm of a sports car.

A 12.3-inch display is installed in the center fascia inside the vehicle. The vehicle's climate control functions do not operate through the display but are made with buttons.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@]

The interior shares similarities with the recently fully redesigned Honda SUV, the CR-V, but it feels more refined. For example, the center fascia display is larger than that of the CR-V, featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The instrument cluster has eliminated the analog elements (such as a needle speedometer) that remained in the CR-V, replacing them with a 10.2-inch TFT digital display. However, climate control functions are operated via buttons rather than the display, and the lattice pattern extending from the center fascia to the passenger side emphasizes that both the CR-V and Accord are Honda vehicles.

Despite many advantages, the price (53.4 million KRW) is a hurdle. The new Accord, along with the CR-V, is produced in the United States. The price increase appears to be due to a combination of factors, including rising raw material costs and exchange rates.