2016 Honda Accord Hybrid review, test drive

What’s it like to drive?

We are now used to the silent way hybrid cars start off, or should we say switch themselves on. It’s only when you prod the throttle pedal that you know the Accord is ‘alive.’ It’s ultra-responsive from the get-go and power builds up in a seamless way. In pure EV mode, the Accord Hybrid has a range of around just 2km after which the engine kicks in. Sport mode is particularly nice, especially from low revs, as all the torque of the electric motor pulls the car forward effortlessly. And as long as you don't keep your foot flat on the floor, the strong responses are delivered without delay. There's a level of  effortlessness that gels perfectly with the relaxed demeanour of the car, and it's also nice that the Accord Hybrid can gather a fair bit of speed, even when driven in a relaxed manner.  

Pin the throttle to the floor, however, and things quickly so south. Engine revs soar to a preset limit and are held there, and the disconnect between engine speed and acceleration is so clear, it feels like there's a CVT gearbox somewhere in there. Yes, performance does increase when the Accord is driven in this manner and you can feel the car accelerating faster too, but you feel so removed from the experience, it isn't really enjoyable. A 215hp Honda, honestly, should really be a lot more fun and the overall driving experience is quite lacklustre.

In fact, the Accord Hybrid isn’t a sporty sedan and nowhere near as entertaining as its high-revving petrol sibling but then it doesn’t pretend to be. The suspension too has been set up for an effortless and stress-free driving experience, rather than engaging the driver. Yes, the steering is accurate and nicely weighted, the Accord has a fair amount of grip and stability at speed is decent too. It's just that handling in general feels a bit soggy and on uneven roads, it tends to bounce around a bit, especially at the rear.