Honda Accord RS e:HEV Review: Polished and Fabulous

What we like:

Great dynamics and comfort

Superior drivetrain NVH and efficiency

Svelte looks

Well-designed interior

What we dislike:

Lacking some key features

At the Singapore Motorshow, talk around the new Accord surrounded its “above $300k” price tag. Even though the promotional price was $288,999 (and now even lower at $276,999 at press time), the “too expensive” chatter hung around like a clingy ex-girlfriend.

It’s understandable as its formidable competitor, the Toyota Camry, is asking for $258,888 - a price that’s already spicy to many. But operating at this quarter million dollar mark, I reckon buyers would not bat an eyelid over the $18k difference. They would just buy what they like.

And truthfully, the Accord in e:HEV hybrid trim has a lot going for it. In fact, a lot more than I had expected. In many ways, it has exceeded the already high standards set by the Camry. For example, there is half a litre less displacement in the Accord’s 2.0-litre engine, but it is significantly smoother and I reckon more enjoyable to rev out. It doesn’t feel short changed at all despite being a smaller engine, saving you some road tax too in the process. It’s very efficient too, easily returning 19 km/l. Honda’s famous reputation as an engine builder is proven yet again here.

Some of the drivetrain’s excellence has got to do with the CVT gearbox, which feels snappy and crisp - words that normally aren’t associated with a CVT. Gun it and the Accord feels quite brisk. Not instantaneous torque like from an EV, but progressive, which is actually a very good thing. In a luxury car you don’t want jerky progress.

The Accord’s interior also feels spot on. There isn’t the third-party infotainment screen here like you find on the Freed; Honda proprietary software is used and integrates perfectly with the logical and tactile switchgear. In fact, this is probably one of the most sensible and thoughtful interiors around. Anybody can jump into the Accord and figure out most of the functions within a minute. The materials also feel quite premium, but more like cool luxury rather than the warm tones of the Camry.

I was about to say it feels a little like an Audi - and it even looks like the A7 from some angles. The rear-biased roofline and short bootline creates a very sporty profile, almost like a four-door coupe of sorts. It’s a younger and edgier design compared to the Camry. However, it does mean that the boot opening is a tad narrow. There are also some tacky bits, like the blue backlit kick plates.

On a good road, the Accord is undoubtedly the more engaging one of the two to drive. Although the Camry drives better than any of its forebears that I can remember, the Accord just has sweeter steering, better balance and damping. Comfort is hardly compromised despite the impressive capabilities. I genuinely enjoy doing spirited driving on the Accord, while it feels more like a bonus on the Camry.

Even the safety systems demonstrate Honda’s deep experience as a car manufacturer. It is non-intrusive, yet alerting you just enough to keep you in the know. It might be the first car in a while where I didn’t feel a need to switch off the driver assistance systems.

The fly in the ointment is the lack of some key options on the Accord. For example, there aren’t massaging or ventilated seats. The rear seats aren’t electrically adjustable either like on the Camry. The Bose sound system doesn’t seem as impressive either. For creature comforts, the Camry is a clear winner here.

For keen drivers however, the Accord is a great choice. I can see why people would pay more for it - it is an excellent product, full stop.

Photos by James Wong

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