Howdy, Hybrid

The Accord is back. It’s a Hybrid, and it’s got the Camry in its crosshairs…

- Ravi Ved

The demand for entry-level luxury cars has always been a bit erratic in India, as a result of which carmakers have struggled in this segment. In fact, brands like Volkswagen, and even Honda, have withdrawn models from the market in the past – the Passat and Accord respectively. And thanks to the entry of the German giants, this segment has become even more crowded. This year, however, we’ve already seen Skoda bring in the brand new Superb and Honda is now preparing to launch the Accord Hybrid as well.

Now, Honda first introduced the Accord in India in 2001 – and since then three generations of the car have been launched. But this is the first time that Honda is bringing in the Accord with a Hybrid powertrain. Honda announced its plans of launching the 2016 Accord Hybrid at the Auto Expo this year. And ever since we first saw it, we loved the way it looked. The front three quarter view is probably its best angle. The large bonnet smoothly leading into the bold chrome grille gives the Accord a muscular stance. Honda has gone berserk with LED lighting on this one, using them in the headlights, daytime running lamps, fog lamps and taillights. In profile, the multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels make the car stand out. And we loved the way the roof flows suavely from the C-pillar leading into the boot. The rear, however, feels understated in relation to the rest of the design.