Honda Accord Hybrid promises 4.8L/100km

Honda have unveiled their 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid for the US market, which boasts a 4.8L/100km fuel economy – making it one of the most frugal cars to hit the market.

The fuel figure is just 0.9L/100km more than the most economical Toyota Prius model. However, Honda have given no indication yet that we’ll see it as a contender against the Prius here.

The new Hybrid, revealed in California for the US market, is being considered by Honda Australia, but no decision has been made.

“The Accord Hybrid is under consideration for Australia however we have no time frame,” said Honda Australia spokesperson Melissa Cross.

Honda however have announced the hybrid for the Japanese market, meaning that there will be a right-hand drive model manufactured.

So prospective Australian customers have to wait, but the car’s reveal gives us a peek into what Honda have in store.

Both the US and Japanese Hybrid’s will sport a 5-star safety rating, super low fuel economy and a comprehensive line up of interior technology as standard.

The Accord Hybrid features the same styling as the standard Accord Sedan, but has an added unique hybrid badge, blue-accented light lenses and grille, LED daytime running lights, a unique wheel design and a spoiler.

The Honda Accord Hybrid has the new two-motor Hybrid powertrain, which we have already seen in the Accord Plug In, released earlier this year. The Accord Hybrid has an added ‘Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive’ powertrain, which allows the car to move through three driving modes.

‘EV Drive’ is for off the line starts and normal cruising. ‘Engine Drive’ is for high speed cruising on the highway. ‘Hybrid Drive takes charge of the 124-kW electric motor, and a 2-0 litre DOHC i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine, while remaining efficient in stop-start situations. Honda say the result is smooth, powerful acceleration.

Honda have introduced more tech to its already long list, with instantaneous fuel economy and energy flow information joining Honda’s LaneWatch, lane departure warning and forward collision warning on an 8-inch colour display.

Interior comfort hasn’t been withheld, with HondaLink and Aha radio making its way into this Honda after its 2013 debut. The technology allows you to browse Facebook, News, Twitter and more content in your car – while it’s not moving we hope. ‘Aha’ radio from Harman brings your favourite music content to you on the go, syncing up with your phone for your favourite tracks, playlists and stations.

As well as being economical, the Accord Hybrid is also safe. It boats a 5-star NCAP Safety rating, due to its ‘ACE’ body structure which debuted in the 2013 Accord, along with Honda’s new ‘SmartVent’ airbags.

The Accord Hybrid goes on sale in the US in October 2013, with no word yet on an Australian release time frame.