Honda had just shared detailed specs of the tenth generation Accord. The updated version not only looks better physically - it has been made larger, but lighter. The 2018 model year also comes with new engine options and additional standard safety features. Honda also confirmed that there will no longer be a coupe variant of it.
The new 2018 Honda Accord can actually fit in the Acura’s lineup, especially the range-topping Touring model that comes with LED headlights. As mentioned earlier, the 2018 model is bigger thanks to its longer wheelbase of 2.16 inch (55 millimeters). The sedan also has a sportier look because it is 0.39 inch (10 mm) wider, and 0.59 inch (15 mm) lower. To keep its weight down despite the increase in size, Honda made use of aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel in the chassis, losing a total of 50 to 80 kilos (110 pounds to 176 pounds), depending on the trim.
Having a longer wheelbase always means more space - either for the interior, the trunk, or both. In the case of the 2018 Accord, rear passengers get 2 inches (51 mm) of more legroom for a more comfortable ride, while the driver and front passenger seats have been pushed inward, giving them more hip and shoulder space. Visibility is also improved thanks to the thinner A-pillars. The new Accord also gets a larger trunk capacity, with more than one cubic foot for the combustion models, and up to 3.2 cubic feet for the Hybrid - as the battery pack can’t be found under the hood anymore.
Moving into the new Accord’s powertrain, the entry level trim gets a 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 192 horsepower (143 kilowatts) and 192 pound-feet (260 Newton-metres) of torque, compared to the naturally aspirated 2.4 liter mill that gives out 185 horsepower (138 kilowatts) and 181 pound-feet (245 Nm) of torque. A CVT is standard but there is also a six-speed manual transmission that can be had with the Sport trim.
Another option customers could go for is the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower (188 kilowatts) and 273 pound-feet (370 Nm) of torque that replaces the current 3.5 liter V6 with 278 horsepower (207 kilowatts). The four cylinder is paired with a 10-speed automatic, or the six-speed manual from the Sport trim. There is also a hybrid version that runs on two electric motors and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that operates on the Atkinson cycle.
Honda Sensing’s safety features like lane departure warning, collision braking, and adaptive cruise control now come as a standard. There will be a 7-inch digital display, along with the 8-inch infotainment system too. Meanwhile, an additional 6-inch HUD is installed for the range topper.
The 2018 Accord will be available in the United Stated this fall; prices have not been announced yet.