Accord’s turbo four erases performance concerns
When Honda introduced the 10th-generation Accord, we were saddened to learn the silkysmooth V6 engine would no longer be available.
After a week with the 2018 Accord 2.0T, my frown has been replaced by a smile.
The new Accord marks the first time Honda had offered a turbocharged engine in its popular mid-size car. Actually there are two of them, displacing 1.5 and 2.0 litres.
We reported on the 1.5-litre Accord a few weeks back in this space, concluding that replacing the normally-aspirated fourcylinder that has been a mainstay for Honda for years, with a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine made perfect sense.
After all, the smaller new engine produces more power while using less fuel — a no-brainer, right? That 1.5-litre, turbo-four is the most powerful base engine ever offered in an Accord.
It didn’t take too long for me to develop a similar opinion about the decision to replace the six with a turbo four.
The new engine does not have the sonorous sound produced by the old six under wide-open throttle, but it does have a serious dose of grunt.
Another benefit: a conventional automatic transmission, a new one with 10 actual gears. The smaller base engine comes with a continuously variable automatic.
It may be among the best of that breed but, to this driver, the 10-speed wins hands down, not only for performance but also for the sound.
It helps that the engine it is paired with is a slightly detuned version of that featured in the company’s hot rod — the Civic Type R. In the Civic, this engine produces 306 horsepower. It has been civilized for duty in the Accord, dropping 58 horsepower in the process. The 10-speed has been accurately programmed for this occasion, downshifting when necessary to put the engine in its sweet spot.
Use the sport button on the console and things get even more interesting as the throttle and transmission respond more aggressively, the adaptive shock absorbers firm up and the steering quickens.
This is one of those rare cases where there is a discernible difference between normal and sport modes. In this instance, there are two distinct personalities. You can have a quiet, smooth and luxurious four-door or one that begs you to put on your enthusiast suit.
The Touring 2.0 trim lies atop the Accord hierarchy. It is a fullyloaded four-door sedan with lots of room fore and aft.
In addition to the larger engine and 10-speed transmission, it comes with perforated leather upholstery covering heated and ventilated seats up front.
The rear seats are heated as well as the steering wheel. There are nice touches like a heads-up display, wireless phone charging and a near-field communication device.
On the passenger side of the dash you will see a stylized “N” that stands for Near-Field Communications. Without getting too technical, this is much like the system that allows you to tap and pay at retail checkouts.
Tap the logo with your smart phone and an NFC device manager appears on the nearby touchscreen. Press Connect Device to Vehicle Bluetooth and you are ready to go.
The 2018 Accord has a bolder, more aggressive look, new features, more interior room, improved fuel efficiency and increased safety.
The price of the Touring 2.0T may be near that of the established European marques — until you compare equipment levels.
Those base prices rise dramatically when you start adding features.
There are ample reasons the 10th-generation Accord has been named North American Car of the Year, especially when equipped with the larger engine.