Honda’s 2017 Accord Hybrid Might Come To Malaysia

Honda will bolster its Accord offering soon with a hybrid powered version. This time with a more powerful and efficient second-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain that has the highest EPA fuel economy ratings of any executive/family hybrid sedan and delivers the most power. With improved production methods and supplies of hybrid components, Honda is anticipating significant growth in sales of Accord Hybrid globally. Malaysia could be receiving this Accord hybrid if all goes well and local assembly could be possible if the right tax incentives are given.

So what is exciting with this Accord? In addition to its more powerful and fuel efficient hybrid powertrain, this Accord Hybrid carries the substantial upgrades made to the entire Accord lineup for model year 2016. This includes the latest technology Honda has to offer, including the available Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, to be offered as standard equipment.

Hybrid-exclusive design features include a special aluminum hood and wheels, blue highlighted LED headlights and taillights and “Hybrid” exterior badging. A more compact hybrid battery pack increases trunk capacity to a midsize hybrid class-leading 13.5 cu.-ft.

Combining the next generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid system with an ultra-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine, this Accord Hybrid powertrain will achieve peak combined output of 212 horsepower, the highest of any family/executive hybrid sedan and up 16 horsepower over the previous 2015 Accord Hybrid. EPA fuel economy ratings of 49/47/48 (city/highway/combined) put the Accord Hybrid at the top of the class for ratings.

The Accord Hybrid’s two-motor hybrid powertrain takes an elegant and innovative approach to hybrid power, eliminating the need for a conventional mechanical transmission. The Accord Hybrid’s powertrain seamlessly transitions between three operations:

• EV Drive – using its electric propulsion motor and lithium ion battery pack drives the front wheels for short distances under light loads (with the engine turned off)
• Hybrid Drive – the electric propulsion motor drives the front wheels while the gasoline engine powers a second motor/generator to supplement electrical current drawn from the battery pack
• Engine Drive – using a lock-up clutch mechanism to connect the engine and propulsion motor, the front wheels are driven by both the motor and petrol engine.