Introducing the all-new tenth-generation Honda Accord. This morning, the Japanese automaker officially revealed what they are calling the “most dramatic remake ever” of their mid-sized sedan during a live stream on YouTube. In terms of design, the new Accord appears to be a larger and more conservative version of the current Civic.
At the front, the Accord features a prominent chrome grille above a pair of sleek Jewel Eye headlights. The side profile has shifted away from the previous rigid three-box design to a more tapered roofline, reminiscent of the Audi A7 and similar models. While the Germans may label such designs as “coupes,” Honda is not embracing that classification. (In relation to coupes, Honda has confirmed that there will be no two-door version of this Accord.) At the rear, C-shaped taillights and slim D-pillars enhance visibility, despite the fastback design.
Honda has stated that the new Accord is lower, wider, and features a two-inch longer wheelbase, while the overall length has been reduced. This gives it a sportier and more assertive stance, complemented by a lighter and more rigid body, resulting in what the company claims to be the most enjoyable driving experience yet.
Inside, the Accord boasts a cabin design that closely resembles the layout and quality found in the Mazda 6, which is a positive attribute. The interior is said to draw inspiration from concert halls and continues the trend of having infotainment screens that look like mounted tablets. It also retains Honda’s focus on low dashboard designs, slim A-pillars, and excellent outward visibility.
The updated seven-inch infotainment system is described as sharper and more user-friendly than its predecessor. It includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the return of the much-appreciated volume knob. Buyers opting for the top-tier Touring trim will also benefit from a new six-inch heads-up display that offers turn-by-turn navigation and additional speed and tachometer information.
Notably, for the first time, the Accord will feature a button designed for switching between ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ driving modes. This adjustment stiffens the steering, modifies automatic transmission settings, alters throttle response, enhances adaptive dampers, and reduces the level of active sound insulation. This setup is similar to what’s found in the Civic Si.
As previously established, the new Accord will offer three engine options. The base model features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 192 horsepower and comes with the choice of either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, Honda is introducing a two-motor hybrid variant, which, according to the company, shares the same cargo and interior dimensions as the gasoline models. Lastly, the 2018 Accord can be fitted with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, which has been modified and detuned from the dynamic Civic Type R to deliver 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with either a ten-speed automatic transmission (a first for a front-wheel-drive vehicle) or a six-speed manual. A family sedan equipped with a manual transmission and a Type R engine? Yes, please.
All trim levels of the Accord will now include the Honda Sensing suite, which features a range of active safety sensors, alerts, and warnings. This package includes advanced features such as adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane and road departure warnings, and a new traffic sign recognition capability.
Manufactured in Marysville, Ohio, the 2018 Honda Accord aims to deliver the most enjoyable driving experience, alongside being the strongest, most efficient, quietest, safest, and overall best version of the Accord ever produced. As for concerns regarding battery safety, those will need to be assessed once the vehicle hits the roads.
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