For twenty five years one car magazine has crowned the Honda Accord its top saloon (sedan) car globally and, historically, one of the top ten best ever cars in the mid-sized saloon sector. It is a vehicle that car buyers have held faith with over each new generation.
There are updates to styling, technology, drive-ability and safety features, with a variety of models plus the ultra-efficient and refined Accord Hybrid. It looks like the hybrid model is the way to go both as a new and a pre-owned car because it offers more power, refinement and excellent fuel economy.
Updating A Classic
Aside from the Hybrid, Regular and Sport models are available. As if the previous model wasn’t stylish enough, the new variant boasts a wider, restyled grille for an even more ‘sophisticated’ look, according to Honda. There’s also improved integration of the Honda Sensing system's radar unit.
Flanking the new grille on Sport and above trims, are new LED high- and low-beam headlights with longer and wider road illumination. Additionally, some versions, including the Touring (estate car), all receive new alloy wheel designs and a selection of colour choices.
The Interior
Inside, further enhancements to the class-leading sophistication of the Accord's cabin include an 8” Display Audio touchscreen entertainment system now standard on all models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration also are now standard; while some models get the new wireless integration of the streaming services.
The combination of wireless charging and wireless smartphone integration eliminates the extra step of physically connecting the phone, making both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready to go, freeing up an additional USB port for charging a separate phone. Meanwhile, USB ports on all grades have been moved to the front of the centre console for easier access, and Sport and higher trims now include dual USB ports for rear seat passengers. For safety, there’s a new Low Speed Braking Control system.
About The Hybrid
The 2021 Accord Hybrid benefits from updates to the innovative Honda two-motor hybrid system, found in current versions, for a more direct and immediate throttle response delivering, say the company, a natural acceleration feeling as engine revs climb in tune with the driver's throttle input. Peak total system output of 212bhp and torque delivery of 232lb means the Accord Hybrid is best in class for power, while still delivering up to 50 miles per gallon.
Thanks to the unique configuration of the two-motor hybrid system, the Hybrid also can spend more time operating solely on electric power than competing hybrid models, imbuing the car with a smoother and more refined driving feel, we learn. Further, Honda’s sophisticated brake-by-wire technology offers more natural and consistent braking performance and pedal feel versus competing models, seamlessly blending both mechanical and regenerative braking force.
The Two-Motor System
Honda's two-motor hybrid system uses a propulsion motor and a generator/starter motor built with a patented Honda design made with magnets using no heavy rare-earth metals. This reduces magnet cost and weight, while also reducing reliance on rare-earth metals, helping avoid the often negative environmental impact of mining them.
The hybrid power-train control system manages the power delivery between each component and seamlessly switches between EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive for maximum efficiency with no input from the driver. Drivers can further maximize fuel efficiency, or power, by selecting between Sport, EV and ECON modes using the three buttons behind the push-button gear selector.
The Sport Edition
The Accord Sport SE is new to the line-up for 2021, replacing earlier variants. Sport trim adds leather seats, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat to complement the addition of 12-way power driver's seat, heated mirrors, Smart Entry, and remote engine start.
Add to the specification dual rear USB ports, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, leather-wrapped shift knob, and an 8-speaker audio system. Visually, Accord Sport and Sport SE models are distinguished from the other trims by a rear boot (trunk) lid spoiler, trim-specific 19” wheel design, LED fog lights, a dark-chrome grille and chrome exhaust finishers.
Please see our listings for current Honda Accord models. This is one of those cars that was good to start with and continues to get better with each new generation, with an unrivalled reputation for economy and longevity. Get in touch to find out more.
