Honda Accord Hybrid at 2014 Auto Expo

At the recently held 2014 Auto Expo, Japanese automaker Honda showcased the new and much anticipated Accord Hybrid. This is not the first time Honda has introduced a hybrid car. Earlier, the Civic sedan also had a Hybrid option. However, the Civic Hybrid was not a success since it came too early and the market was certainly was not prepared for such a car.

However, the scenario has changed today and electric cars are much in vogue today, due to obvious reasons. Also, a pertinent question raised is that a battery driven vehicle can be used only in the city limits. This makes the car unsuitable for long drive or long distance travel. Therefore, the Hybrid proves to be the best option since it optimally uses both the world and emerges as a feasible and a practical option for many. The Japanese carmaker will be providing the Accord Hybrid with a 2.0 litre gasoline engine. This engine will be generating a maximum power output of 141 PS and churn a peak torque of 165 Nm. It will also be linked with an electric motor that will clock peak 360 NM of torque and generate 196 bhp of peak power output.

The Accord Hybrid will also be featuring a smart and chic SportHybrid i-MMD which is abbreviated for Intelligent Multi Mode Drive. This technology has been engineered by Earth Dreams Technology and is emerging to be the future for the car maker’s upcoming engines. This technology is a blend of efficient fuel economy and sheer driving pleasure. The SportHybrid i-MMD technology deploys three different engine modes. To accelerate the car from a standstill and cruise the city, this technology makes use of EV drive and it is battery powered. When the driver feels no need for accelerating, the Hybrid Drive makes use of gasoline engine to create amount of electricity required to up the driving speed.

For lengthy drives and cruising on highways, Engine Drives moves entirely to petrol engine for effortless cruising. All the modes automatically switch amongst themselves and the end outcome is of unmatched fuel mileage and a smooth and a pleasurable driving experience. Honda is planning to get the Accord Hybrid assembled locally for Indian auto market. If this is true, then the Hybrid will be comparable with international prices. One can expect its pricing to be anywhere between five to seven lakhs more than a standard gasoline powered Accord.

A 2.0 litre petrol engine powers the Honda Accord Hybrid. The hybrid system of the new Accord is coupled with an e-CVT transmission system. The powertrain of the Accord Hybrid gets three driving modes and these are hybrid drive, engine drive and EV drive. In EV drive mode, the electric drive supplies power to the car’s front wheels. For highways, the engine drive mode is suited. In hybrid drive mode, the engine will power the generator that builds up output from battery. In Indian auto market, expect the Accord Hybrid to carry a price tag of around Rs. 30-33 lakhs.