The tenth-generation Honda Accord has now gone on sale in Australia, where it is offered in just one VTi-LX trim level, but with a choice of two powertrains. Prices start from AUD 47,990 for the 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the hybrid option goes for AUD 50,490. The smaller VTEC Turbo mill puts out 188 hp at 5,500 rpm and 260 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, and is paired with a CVT driving the front wheels. This configuration returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100 km, with C02 emissions rated at 149 grams per km.
Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain is Honda’s third-generation Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) two-motor hybrid system that consists of a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, an e-CVT and two electric motors for a total system output of 212 hp from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 315 Nm of torque from zero to 2,000 rpm. Combined fuel economy with this setup is 4.3 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions is 98 g/km.
When cruising at mid- or high-speeds a lock-up clutch is engaged to connect the engine to the e-motors to transmit engine torque directly to the drive wheels. When running on electricity alone, the, a clutch disengages the engine from the drivetrain to eliminate efficiency loss from mechanical friction in the engine.
In terms of standard equipment, the VTi-LX trim comes with LED headlamps , fog lamps, taillights and daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an electric sunroof, Eco Assist and Econ mode, black leather upholstery, powered front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), Active Noise Control, a Qi-standard wireless charger, as well as an eight-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Other items include 18-inch alloy wheels, a multi-info instrument cluster display with dedicated displays for the hybrid model, a head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start, keyless entry and start, and a 452-watt premium sound system with 10 speakers. The packaged safety and driver assistance systems is also rather comprehensive, with six airbags (front, side and curtain), Vehicle Stability Assist, traction control, EBD, ABS, BA, a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear cross traffic monitoring, LaneWatch, Active Cornering Lights and Smart Parking Assist with Rear Collision Mitigation Braking System.
The Accord also comes with the Honda Sensing suite, which features Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, and High Beam Support System. Customers there will get to choose from five exterior paint finishes, including Platinum White, Lunar Silver, Modern Steel, Crystal Black and Passion Red, although the last option is reserved for the hybrid model.
