2014 Honda Accord Hybrid makes Thai debut, Honda Malaysia studying possible Malaysian launch

accord hybrid 01

Honda Thailand has launched the new Accord Hybrid in the Kingdom, and the Thai-assembled car is available in two grade levels, a baseline Hybrid and a higher-specification version called the Hybrid Tech.

Both are powered by a Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system consisting of a 2.0 litre i-VTEC four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine offering 141 hp (143 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 165 Nm at 4,500 rpm, a pair of electric motors – one for traction and the other for generation – and a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The two electric motors work together to act as an e-CVT transmission, which is not a CVT gearbox per se but a package of various components acting together to work like a CVT. The traction motor part of the e-CVT package is rated at 166 hp (124 kW) and 307 Nm with a maximum speed of 12,584 rpm. The other motor acts as a generator, turning the combustion engine’s motion into electricity.

Under normal driving, the combustion engine only drives the generator motor, which produces electricity. This electricity is used to recharge the lithium-ion battery as well as provide power to the 166 hp, 307 Nm traction motor. The traction motor uses this power to drive the front wheels.

honda-accord-plugin-hybrid

However, a clutch allows the engine to drive the wheels directly. The system’s software only does this under scenarios where it determines an engine driving the wheels mechanically would be more fuel efficient, which is usually at highway speeds. Because of that, the engine is connected to the wheels with a single ratio that is similar to a Honda automatic gearbox’s highest gear.

So essentially, there are three modes – an EV mode where the traction motor is powered by the battery, a hybrid mode where the traction motor is powered by electricity produced by the combustion engine driving the generator motor, and an engine drive mode where the engine drives the wheels directly.

Electric-only operation is possible up to speeds of 100 km/h, as was seen when the i-MMD system was sampled at the ‘2012 Honda Meeting – Earth Dreams Technology’ showcase in Japan.

Exterior highlights for the 4.89 metre-long hybrid include blue-tinted covers for the head/ tail lamps and a blue-shaded radiator grille to denote the type. For wheels, the Hybrid is equipped with 17-inch alloys and 225/50 series tyres, while the Hybrid Tech wears 18-inch units, wrapped with 235/45 profile rubbers.

accord hybrid 02

In terms of equipment, the car features LED-equipped headlamps and taillights, cruise control (Adaptive on the Hybrid Tech variant), dual-zone air-con, memory seats, a Smart Key System with push-start ignition and Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID).

On the base Hybrid, the system has a 7.5-inch TFT screen, complete with Advanced Touch, Siri voice command, HDMI connection, twin USB ports, paired with a six-speaker audio system. The Hybrid Tech, meanwhile, gets an eight-inch TFT screen and HDD Audio as well as a seven-speaker Premium audio system with subwoofer, but loses one USB port and the HDMI. It also gets a sunroof.

Standard safety equipment common to both versions includes six airbags (front, i-Side and side curtain), VSA, ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill-start assist, a multi-angle rearview camera and the company’s LaneWatch blind-spot detection system.

The Hybrid Tech variant adds on Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), which uses a radar to detect moving and stationary vehicles some 100 metres ahead of the vehicle.

accord hybrid 05

The CMBS has three stages of operation – three seconds before impact, the driver is alerted by warnings. Two seconds before impact, three sharp tugs are given on the seat belt and the car starts to apply some braking automatically. If a collision is unavoidable, the system tightens the front seat occupants’ seat belts and applies a high level braking force.

In Thailand, four exterior colours are available for the Accord Hybrid, these being two pearl shades called Crystal Black Pearl, White Orchid Pearl and two metallic ones, Modern Steel and Alabaster Silver.

As for the interior, the base Hybrid comes with a black interior while the Hybrid Tech features a beige-themed one. A Modulo accessories package is also available to dress up the car, with the usual garnish and add-on bits to be found.

accord hybrid 10

Last September, it was reported that ASEAN assembly of the car was being studied, with probable markets for it being Thailand and Malaysia, a point that was reiterated at KLIMS13 when the Accord Plug-in Hybrid was showcased at the exhibition.

Now that series production in Thailand is a reality and retail there has begun, the question is whether or not the Accord Hybrid will find its way here. Our sources in Honda Malaysia say that the company is still mulling the idea of bringing the car in, but don’t hold your breath to it happening anytime soon.

Word is that the hybrid focus this year on smaller cars will be retained (the soon-to-be launched third-gen Jazz should have a hybrid version to replace the current one built here, and there’s the confirmed City Hybrid), so even if it happens, it won’t happen in 2014.

honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-klims 143
Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid showcased at KLIMS13 – we won’t get the plug-in version

Meanwhile, UMW Toyota is already preparing the launch of a hybrid offering in the D-segment market in the form of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which was sighted at JPJ Putrajaya recently (the car was registered); UMW Toyota is aiming for the Camry Hybrid to be priced close to the RM200k mark, just above the Camry 2.4.

How much would an Accord Hybrid be priced in Malaysia? In Thailand, the Accord Hybrid is set very close to the Accord 2.4, no doubt thanks to government incentives. The base Accord Hybrid goes for 1,659,000 baht (RM164,100), while the Accord Hybrid Tech retails for 1,899,000 baht (RM187,800).

The Accord 2.4, meanwhile, ranges from 1,549,000 baht (RM153,200) for the base model up to 1,799,000 baht (RM178,000) for the range-topping Accord 2.4 Tech, so in terms of local rates, would we be looking at the Accord Hybrid being priced accordingly (ha ha) higher than the RM168k Accord 2.4 VTi-L here?

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Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • Vader (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 6:18 pm

    Excise duty exemption will be the only way we can get the car with reasonable price.
    Bolehland policy for tax exemption is the engine should be lower than the 2.0 litre, right?
    And this car should have 1.9XX litre.. hehee..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 14
    • Based on the above assumption, the Accord Hybrib is ~RM18xk if it comes to bolehland.

      Hehe.. Camry u r in big trouble!

      Sell RM200k for Camry Hybrib? U got to wait long looooooong…….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 33 Thumb down 0
      • Pondana on Jul 03, 2014 at 8:31 am

        Proton Accordana Hybrid should be a bit lower price too…to those Proton macai macai, must buy it lah…tak beli, nanti penasihat marah.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 13
        • Same L0r on Jul 03, 2014 at 11:48 am

          Proton is known with its latest issue called “EGO” that they are willing to
          1. Make loss
          2. Beg for government fund
          3. Continue poor sales
          4. Pay the teen to design the car
          5. Let new cars parked under sun for UV test more than 6 months

          Rather than rebadging models which is known for reliability, save more on R&D and make more profit.

          They are so keen with their own powerless and noisy engines, rather than hearing what Malaysians truly need – Reliable and Cheap car.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 8
        • Low Budget on Jul 03, 2014 at 12:03 pm

          This is the quickest way for Proton to achieve World Class standard and spend less money on ‘Research & Development’ too. Just like P2, only need to research on new bumpers and front grills.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • kzm (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 8:47 pm

      thai not cheap..u think it will cheap in boleh?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 11
      • by rite it should be same price or else lower than thai price since it is exempted from duties and taxes.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
      • Pondana on Jul 03, 2014 at 1:56 pm

        AFTA said no more car import taxes between ASEAN countries.

        The only cost must be paid is the transport cargo charges from Thailand to Malaysia.

        Anything else must be Bolehland extra hidden cheating taxes imposed on poor rakyat.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
        • kzm (Member) on Jul 03, 2014 at 7:20 pm

          u forget…service tax

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
        • drMpower on Jul 06, 2014 at 12:50 am

          so since no difference in prices, then why cant u pondan guy explain why it must be higher price than thai? or how malaysia got cheaper version?

          all your replies all pondan type. must be ball not same size.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • start-a-fight on Jul 03, 2014 at 9:40 am

      update urself bro.
      tax exemption is now not limited to engine capacity.. take a look at S400L hybrid..

      need to be CKD.. then the car get tax exempted.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • sudonano (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 6:22 pm

    No need to study, CKD it and it will sell like hot cakes.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 2
    • normal_user on Jul 02, 2014 at 7:50 pm

      Agree. Honda Malaysia should consider it being CKDed here considering the EEV incentives & rebates. It even makes sense to price it lower than 2.4L thus making it the cheapest D segment hybrid.. until if proton does come up with its own Accordana hybrid at 90k of course… *dreaming*

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
      • sudonano (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 8:42 pm

        2.0 l engine makes it super competitive actually. Imagine only over 300 ringgit + for road tax instead of 800+ being paid (if I am not mistaken) by all those 2.4 Accords and 2.5 Camrys.

        Once you pay 2.0 taxes for 2.5 power you will never go back!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
    • kzm (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 8:44 pm

      CKD quality suck..many tikus sound after several month. oni fatting crony…better CBU high quality…

      hehe

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 20
      • Aaron on Jul 03, 2014 at 1:34 am

        CKD or CBU same la.. My Prius C CBU more noise than my CKD Vios ! Totally sucks ! Made it Japan.. Hmph..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 1
        • Obama (Member) on Jul 03, 2014 at 11:40 am

          Judging by the road condition in Msia, regardless of what car you drive, after 1 year…sound everywhere in your car.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
          • Same L0r on Jul 03, 2014 at 12:06 pm

            It is all about the driving style. Proton should grab this point for marketing:-

            After a year or two, we are just same as other foreign cars. So why bother spend more money?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
        • Low Budget on Jul 03, 2014 at 12:08 pm

          There is a difference-lah bradder.
          CBU do not leak water in heavy rain, for CKD, chances are high that water will leak into the boot or tail lamps when heavy rain. This is because local assembly workers have ‘tidak apa’ attitude and QC is quite lax.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
  • CKD it and sell it at 90k! Macam durian runtuh!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
  • heybadigol on Jul 02, 2014 at 6:59 pm

    Had to read the article a few times to understand how the hybrid system works. That is quite complicated to be honest. Just wondering, is the Thai Accord Hybrid made in Thailand or imported?

    A local production would bring price down, but considering the complexity, would still cost a lot more than the petrol 2.4. But would still be nice to have a hybrid Accord here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • kzm (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 8:52 pm

      local assembly in thai…if thai import they have to pay import tax of 80% flat

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • kadajawi (Member) on Jul 03, 2014 at 12:38 am

      If I read that correctly it is the same system that Toyota uses in the Prius, except for the addition of a clutch to connect the engine directly to the wheels.

      So that would be pretty good, the Toyota system is excellent. Very reliable and efficient, there is no torque converter or even a clutch in the system (except for one used in emergency situations to protect the engine).

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • kcng (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 7:08 pm

    Put a Proton badge instantly drop below RM100k

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 4
  • psycho1 on Jul 02, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    fugly rim

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 14
  • Jebonr on Jul 02, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    I’ll buy one. If it’s priced below 100k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
    • AVH (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 8:30 pm

      It’ll be badge as a proton thou.
      With a 2.0l CFE and special motors running on pure government support.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
    • kzm (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 8:53 pm

      check thai price..is it below rm100k?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 8
  • AVH (Member) on Jul 02, 2014 at 8:28 pm

    In any case, this is more of an EV than Prius like hybrid, I initially thought it was a more complicated engine-bias hybrid running on CVT, sort of a beef up IMA of hybrid Hondas of past. The electric motor is quite interesting too, 166hp and 307Nm are figure higher than even the 2.4l Accord and given that this is an electric motor, maximum figures for both power and torque are available at Zero! Which makes me really curious on its performance. I am however also curious on the choice of the petrol engine…..why 2,0 and not downsized to 1.8?

    The last time I asked, the only hybrids coming this year are the Jazz and City hybrid and both will be CKD with Paultan confirming the City will be had with a I-DCD torque-converter 7-speed dual clutch(Honda seems to like to for torque converter in all kinds of gearbox even their CVT). It’s a real shame as during KLIMS 13′, a SA said HM was very keen to bring the accord hybrid in provided if the government continue with the now defunct hybrid-tax-reduction. It would be a helluva car if it’s brought here, even priced around the 2.4l. The Accord’s hybrid tech are years ahead of what Toyota dumped in the Camry. CKDing it will be tricky as the tech in the Accord hybrid is not something Honda can easily CKD it nor is there a market around SEA large enough that Honda will just plonk a large amount if cash in building a new dedicated production line for it. but I do wish they do, and given how Merc invested to bring in the S-class hybrid, who knows.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
    • heybadigol on Jul 02, 2014 at 9:55 pm

      Its quite decent. Doing 0-60mph in 7.5 secs. More importantly, you get more than 300NM of torque from standstill. This is one Honda you won need to redline at all.

      Its also faster and more fuel efficient (21km/l in town driving) than the Camry Hybrid. If only they can bring it here priced well below RM200k. RM180k might get a few buyers. Anything above that, nobody’s gonna buy it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
      • TreeHugger on Jul 03, 2014 at 1:03 am

        In fact, you can’t redline this car because there simply is no tachometer to indicate where the redline is (check out the photo showing the meter cluster). The traction motor can rev in excess of 12k rpm (that’s higher than regular motorcycles’ rpm) but it’s not that high for the petrol engine – hence they couldn’t decide which should be displayed by the tachometer if they were to put one. And putting more than one tachometer would not be a good idea either. So, no tachometer – easy. After all, the software will automatically switch between the 3 modes based on your pedal input and the car speed such that you will never redline any of the power sources.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • 166hp!!!!a 2.0L Hybrid,Good deal.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Bataman on Jul 02, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    This year Honda seems like on a roll…non-stop releasing new models…fuiyo…and i meant really new models…not just another facelift with 15 years old engine and gearbox ala VIOS.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Jul 03, 2014 at 12:08 am

    http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/printthread.php?t=48581&pp=50

    Honda should consider an estate model accord for practicality reasons…

    or dump the powertrain into the CRV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • kadajawi (Member) on Jul 03, 2014 at 12:41 am

    Nice car, nice tech and features. Honda could CKD it in Malaysia, and with the tax exemption for locally produced hybrids make it the only Accord offered, because the regular versions don’t make much sense anymore.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Denaihati on Jul 03, 2014 at 12:54 am

    bring 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid here, with CKD for better price. i believe still higher but should be absolutely satisfactory with its technology, make it steps ahead to it competitor.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Doker on Jul 03, 2014 at 2:16 am

    Please be cheaper here. please please please

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • heybadigol on Jul 03, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Alex Dykes on Youtube has a very good explanation (with graphics) on how the hybrid system works. Do check it out, cos its really smart.

    Basically, below 44mph, the car runs only on motor generator powered by the combustion engine mode, which develops 166bhp. No transmission at all required as motors produce max torque and power at 0 rpm. Above 44 mph, clutch engages which combines all the engine/motor generator, the other motor, and battery pack which gives the car full power of 195bhp & 306NM of torque. Im still getting my head around how this works. But thats the basic concept.

    The ACURA RLX Hybrid in the US uses a similar system, but has even more motors which also power the rear wheels, essentially making the car AWD. And when car is cornering, one side of the rear wheels brake and power is pushed to the other wheel that needs traction more. Giving more grip when cornering. Power will always be available as one wheel is powering the other wheel. Brilliant!

    With all these high tech stuff, cant wait for the new Honda NSX to come out, which will be the RLX backwards as its mid engined.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Joker on Jul 03, 2014 at 11:25 am

      Yeah giv us the NSX!!!
      Imagine the amount of traction it has on fast sweeping corners..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • macromedia on Jul 03, 2014 at 10:15 am

    Whatever you guys comment about hybrid ka apa ka… it is still a fugly car. So pls do not bring it here. My eyes

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 18
    • AVH (Member) on Jul 03, 2014 at 3:34 pm

      Sigh, I really do live in a overly narcissistic world, where looks are everything. Like in America how people are generating charitable cash for bailing out a weapon smuggling criminal……just because he looks good.

      This is why Aliens won’t talk to us.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • limahpek on Jul 03, 2014 at 11:19 am

    I’m driving a prius.. And if honda decides to bring in Accord hybrid with full specs and features,i’ll definitely buy one… My real aim is awaiting the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, that is a good family car! Accord Hybrid is almost on par to Prius in term in FC yet offers better comfort and luxury…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Josh Ling on Jul 03, 2014 at 11:21 am

    can we have the very cool grille and bumper like the one shown on KLIMS13 when the Accord Hybrid makes its way here?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • khairil on Jul 03, 2014 at 3:24 pm

    Im still waiting for civic facelift…anybody have any info about it?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Sam Loo (ori) on Jul 03, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    As long as its not a kimchi, it will have RV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
 

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