Honda Accord Plug-In and Standard Accord Hybrid 2014 Review

Honda Accord Plug-In and Standard Accord Hybrid 2014 Review. With all the attention and favorable press generated by the recently revamped 2013 Accord, it’s easy to forget that Honda’s been teasing a hybrid version ever since they displayed their two-motor hybrid platform at the L.A. auto show two years ago. And although the drivetrain model on display was just a concept, Honda had us behind the wheel of an engineering mule within a matter of months, evidently working overtime to make sure the Accord Hybrid would be ready in time to compete with the Chevy Volt, Ford Fusion, and Toyota Camryhybrids in the marketplace. To get in the game without further delay, Honda is releasing the 2014 Accord Hybrid in two stages: the Plug-In Hybrid will go on sale in the trendy tastemaker states of New York and California on January 15 of 2013; interested buyers in fly-over country will have to wait until midyear when the so-called “standard” Accord Hybrid (non plug-in) becomes available.

According to Honda, the Accord plug-in hybrid has earned an EPA rating of 115 MPGe, giving its coastal-dwelling owners all-important bragging rights over the Ford C-Max Energi (100 MPGe), Chevy Volt (98 MPGe), and Prius Plug-in (95 MPGe). The Plug-In manages an EPA fuel-economy rating of 47/46/46 mpg (city/highway/combined), and—of special note to anyone whose experienced California’s notorious I-405 during rush hour—qualifies for single-occupant carpool-lane access in California. Honda claims the Accord Plug-In is the first production car in America to meet the more stringent new LEV3/SULEV20 emissions standard. Its all-electric EV mode has a range of 13 miles.

To ensure that the selfless, eco-conscious efforts of buyers don’t go unnoticed, several key exterior design elements of the Accord Plug-In Hybrid have been tweaked to tip off fellow motorists: The front fascia features an enlarged maw with a unique turquoise-blue accented chrome piece front and center, and has a pair of octagonal headlamps where the proletariat Accord features a single, round unit. Unique wheels and a chrome and blue “hybrid” logo on the charging port door and rear bumper send the message home. The privilege of owning an Accord Plug-In Hybrid will start at $40,570 MSRP, including destination.

When the standard two-motor Accord Hybrid hits the showrooms in mid 2013, it will possess styling virtually identical to the conventional Accord Sedan. Although the official numbers aren’t in yet, Honda is anticipating fuel-economy numbers of 49/45/47 mpg (city/highway/combined). We’ll have additional details and pricing on the standard Accord Hybrid closer to its launch. Honda Accord Plug-In and Standard Accord Hybrid 2014 Review.

Source : http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2014-honda-accord-hybrid-photos-and-info-news