2019 Honda Accord Hybrid

Ah, the 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid. This is a car that, in many ways, represents the best of both worlds: the practicality and reliability Honda is renowned for, married with the kind of forward-thinking technology that gives a nod to the future. If the Accord were a book, the hybrid system would be its most exciting chapter—full of clever engineering and quiet confidence. Now, the first thing to understand about the Honda hybrid system is that it’s not just about saving fuel, though it does that with the sort of unobtrusive efficiency that makes you wonder why all cars don’t operate this way. This isn’t some gimmick or half-hearted attempt at being green. The Accord Hybrid employs a two-motor system that operates seamlessly, switching between electric power and gasoline power, or a combination of both, depending on what’s most efficient at the time. Imagine you’re gliding through city traffic—here, the electric motor takes the lead, providing a smooth, silent propulsion that’s as calm as a Sunday afternoon. It’s in these moments you truly appreciate the serenity of the hybrid experience. But should the need arise to stretch its legs on a motorway, the 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine comes into play, delivering a pleasingly brisk acceleration, with a satisfying hum that’s all the more enjoyable because it’s not laboured. It feels as if the car is giving a gentle nod of approval every time you ask it to go a bit faster. What’s particularly impressive is how Honda has managed to integrate this technology without compromising the space or comfort you expect from an Accord. The battery pack is neatly tucked away, so you still get a generous boot and rear seats that can actually accommodate adults—something that can’t be said for all hybrids. And then there’s the fuel economy. Honda claims a combined 48 mpg, and while these figures can sometimes be optimistic, you’ll find the Accord Hybrid to be remarkably frugal, offering you more miles for your money without the need for constant visits to the petrol station. In essence, the 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid is a car that quietly excels in all the ways that matter. It’s not shouting about its hybrid credentials, and it doesn’t need to. This is the Accord you know and love, just a bit cleverer, a bit more refined. And as you drive it, you get the feeling that you’re not just getting from A to B, but doing so with a touch of grace, a nod to modernity, and a small, satisfied smile that comes from knowing you’re driving a machine that’s just that little bit ahead of its time. Price excludes $399 processing fee