Honda released full details of the 2013 Accord lineup, which includes the normal sedan with four and six cylinder engines, a sexy V6 coupe, and a plug-in hybrid sedan. The hybrid or PHEV will go on sale in 2014, but normal models will hit the showrooms in early 2013. The most sculpted Accord ever, as Honda refers to it, has really gone up in the world and is ready to beat the Camry fair and square.
The Earth Dreams engine lineup in the 2013 Honda Accord consists of a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder direct Injection petrol unit with 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, rated at 36 mpg highway, and a 3.5 liter V6 with 278-hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, capable of 34 mpg highway.Those fuel economy figures are respectable, but not the best in this class.
The V6 comes with a six-speed auto in the sedan, and a six-speed manual in the coupe, while the four-cylinder can be had with either a six-speed manual transmission or an all-new CVT
The hybrid version meanwhile gets a new Earth Dreams 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, and total system output is 196 horsepower.
As for the looks, you can tell Honda desperately wanted to move this car upmarket just by giving it a glance. There’s lots of chrome parts garnishing the exterior, and wheels are posher. We’re just wondering why they nicked the taillights from Hyundai Genesis sedan? The Accord Coupe is a thing of beauty though. It looks chiseled and sporty, while being dignified and elegant. We like it a lot.
Top safety features shared between all models include include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The Accord PHEV also has an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to audibly warn pedestrians when it is approaching in EV Drive mode. Honda reckons the new Accord will be a Top Safety Pick, a 5-star car.
2013 Accord Sedan 4-door is available in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6 and new Touring trim levels, while the 2-door Accord Coupe comes in LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L V6 trim levels. Standard features on the new Accord include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® with audio streaming, USB/iPod® integration, rearview camera and an audio/information screen and an Eco Assist™ driving system. As in previous EX-trim Accords, a choice of fabric or leather seating upholstery is available.
Other standard Accord features include dual-zone climate control, Pandora® internet radio integration and an SMS text messaging function. Available features include a hard disc drive (HDD)-based Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic, and Adaptive Cruise Control. New visibility technologies include an expanded-view driver’s mirror and Honda’s new LaneWatch™ feature – along with available features such as LED headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and brake lights.
