Honda Accord Hybrid on test
WHAT’S NEW?
After updating the regular Accord earlier this year with mild cosmetic tweaks and upgraded features, Honda has done the same for the semi-electric Accord Hybrid.
But unlike the pure petrol 2.0 and 2.4 models, the Accord Hybrid sees some technical changes to improve performance yet maintain the same levels of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The lithium-ion battery pack, for one has been made lighter and smaller than in the pre-facelift model thanks to more efficient modules. The power control unit is also less heavy than before.
As a result, combined power rises from 199hp to 215hp. The 23.8kpl fuel economy and 99g/km CO2 ratings have managed to keep the Accord Hybrid’s excise tax burden at 10% under new rules applied this year, unlike the Toyota Camry Hybrid (see sidebar) which now faces 20%.
The revised Accord Hybrid also sees some modifications made to the dampers, brakes and steering in a bid to improve the driving characteristics.
The most notable interior upgrade is the infotainment that can now take Apple CarPlay. And aside from black leather, buyers can now opt for beige or brown colour. The price has been set at 1.659 million baht for the basic version and 1.849 million baht for the so-called Tech trim, which sees new 18-inch wheels and the usual driving aids like collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and active cruise control.
WHAT’S COOL?
Ever since the Accord Hybrid was launched in its current generation three years back, it still stands out against the Camry Hybrid with a smooth, punchy hybrid system.
Despite some elastic feel when pushed, the electronically controlled CVT automatic transmission still helps yield a reasonably responsive performance. Engage the Sport mode and use the paddle shifters, and the driving experience becomes livelier.
Due to the improved electric components, you can now drive in EV mode at speeds of up to 120kph.
And when the 2.0-litre petrol engine comes into life, you hardly notice the transition (if you don’t glance at the indicator on the instrument panel).
It’s easier to achieve 20kpl-plus figures in the Accord Hybrid than it is in its Toyota nemesis, meaning that the Honda manages to blend a good combination between performance and economy.
While it wasn’t that easy to detect the improvements in the steering, the brakes seem to have a more natural pedal action than before. Overall, the driving manners lean on the comfortable side of things, just like before.
WHAT’S NOT?
Despite having a wider all-electric EV driving range, you can’t have a heavy foot at speeds between 60-120kph.
Otherwise, the petrol engine reigns in. And although Honda claims better damping from the suspension, the ride can still feel soft at high speeds and a little harsh over rough road surfaces. As driver assist technologies cost money, the Tech package is 190,000 baht more than the regular model and isn’t something Honda is willing to absorb.
Lastly, the battery pack is smaller, but it still robs some usable space in the boot. Perhaps, it might be nice to see it vanish from the eyes of users in the next-generation model (due around 2018).
BUY OR BYE?
If you fancy a reasonably big saloon that isn’t priced lavishly as those offered by premium brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the Accord Hybrid is a very decent choice despite not having plug-in capability yet.
As said earlier, the Accord Hybrid manages to mix performance and economy well, especially over its arch-rival from Toyota. In other words, traditional V6 power properly meets Ecocar Phase II efficiency.
And when both cars are priced identically (spare the kit count), we’d easily recommend potential buyers say bye-bye to the Toyota and buy the Honda instead.
WHAT’S NEW?
Our first outing with BMW’s second-generation X1 earlier this year was in sDrive18d form. It had a 150hp 2.0-litre diesel-turbo engine driving just the front wheels (as the sDrive moniker indicates) via an eightspeed automatic transmission.
Now, there’s an 18i petrol version that can be had for 2.29 million baht — 200,000 baht less than the 18d in X Line trim. The 18i comes with a 136hp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-turbo engine but with an older sixspeed automatic.
Eagle-eyed punters will note that the previous X1 in entry-level form had prices starting from 1.99 million baht. BMW Thailand say the new X1 has more standard features including 8.8-inch control display with navigation and parallel parking assist. Hence, the 300k price premium.
The closest rival to the 18i is the Mercedes-Benz GLA200, which comes with a 156hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrolturbo engine and costs 2.09 million baht. Both the GLA and X1 are assembled here in Thailand.
WHAT’S COOL?
One of the biggest failings in the previous petrol-powered X1 was its engine was a naturally aspirated 2.0litre engine that felt mostly gutless on the move and thirsty on fuel as well.
It appears than the new 1.5-litre motor has helped iron out some deficiencies at low to medium speeds.
With the presence of a turbo, the 18i lurches forward with less throttle effort than in the old 20i model, thus promoting fuel economy in the process, as well. Because the 18i has 136hp, it’s possible to achieve 15kpl under the right circumstances.
Honda’s semi-electric saloon not only comes with a facelift but with more power than before
This was something you could hardly do in the outgoing 20i. Moreover, the modest amount of power means that the front-wheel-drive chassis won’t be overwhelmed when the driver pushes the car around corners. The decision to make those aforementioned features standard across the range is quite useful due to the nature of potential buyers of the X1.
The navigation/infotainment system, in particular, is very relevant today. As well, the parking aid takes some stress away from placing bulky vehicles next to the kerb. And if you happen to be eyeing the Mercedes GLA, be reminded that it doesn’t have an airy or practical package as the X1. It appears that the X1 is a more proper SUV than the GLA, which still looks like a jackedup A-class hatchback.
WHAT’S NOT?
Despite being bolted with a turbo, the three-cylinder engine feels quite weak outside the city. Floor the throttle and oomph continues to flow casually rather than with more commitment.
And just because BMW has been a little more generous this time with more features doesn’t mean that the X1 has the same level of driver assistance systems as in the Volvo V40 Cross Country, a nearby rival which also aims to attract people needing a higher-riding body than a hatchback.
BUY OR BYE?
The X1 has always been in a unique position in the Thai luxury car market by being the only one (Audi’s ultra-rare Q3 aside) to offer a true SUV package, that is, spacious and practical interior, commanding driving position and high-riding body.
And if you had already made up your mind about going out and purchasing the X1, the only question remaining is the engine. Is it worth saving 200,000 baht for the 18i if your life is not just about counting beans?
To us, the answer is no. There are two simple reasons.
First, the 18d performs with much more conviction, be it during the daily school run or when vacationing over a holiday weekend.
Second, if you’re planning to go for a premium SUV (which could get you two mass-market ones for the same price), you’d really want to have a satisfying driving experience.