One of the bestselling mid-size sedans of all-time – the Honda Accord, has been updated for 2018. Now in its tenth generation, the Accord is new from the ground up and features a lighter and more rigid body structure and two all-new direct-injected and turbocharged engines. The new Accord also features the world's first 10-speed automatic transmission for a front-wheel drive car and a new generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid technology.
This new model features a longer wheelbase, a lower overall height and wider body, wider wheel tracks and a shortened overall length. The seating inside is also lower. A sweeping greenhouse positioned farther back on the body completes the new stance and proportions.
The combined effect of these changes is a sportier look, highlighted by shorter overhangs, a bold front fascia, a long and low hood, and a visual centre of gravity moved closer to the rear wheels.
The 2018 Accord also boasts of a larger and tech savvy interior. The visibility here is said to be better than the old car, thanks to its lower cowl and front roof pillars that are 20 percent narrower.
The cabin also features an ultra-slim 7-inch TFT driver's meter and a new 8-inch touchscreen interface with physical volume and tuning knobs and more intuitive, smartphone-like features.
Touring trims of both 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre models also feature a new 6-inch driver's head up display with selectable information, including speed, engine rpm and traffic sign recognition.
Honda is offering three new power-plants - two direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and the third generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid tech. The 2018 Accord also features a new 10-speed automatic transmission with the 2.0-litre turbo engine, the first of its kind for a front-wheel drive car.
The new 1.5-litre unit makes 192bhp at 5,500 rpm, up from 185bhp on the existing, normally aspirated 2.4-litre model. The engine is mated to a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission.
The 2-litre turbo shares much of its design with the 2017 Civic Type R and produces 252bhp at 6,500 rpm, compared to 278bhp for the 3.5-litre V6 that it replaces.
All the 2018 models will feature Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and new Traffic Sign Recognition.
Additional available driver-assistive technologies include Blind Spot Information, front and rear parking sensors, Cross Traffic Monitor and Driver Awareness Monitor. All variants of the 2018 Accord will be produced at Honda's auto plant in Marysville, Ohio.
