?2018 Honda Accord 2.0T Touring Sedan?
10th Generation Accord offers several consumer choices

For more than 41 years, the Honda Accord celebrates being America?s Best-Selling Car as it enters the 2018 model year offering an impressive and practically unbelievable host of choices for consumers. Among the choices, there are three engines: a new 1.5-liter Direct Injection VTEC Turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 192 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with 192 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,600-5,000 rpm (the most powerful base engine ever for Accord); a new 2.0-liter Direct Injected VTEC turbocharged 4-cylinder that delivers 252 horses at 6,500 rpm and 273 pound feet of torque from 1,500-4,000 rpm (the highest torque ever for Accord), and a third generation 2-motor Hybrid 2.0-liter Atkinson ICE + motors, with more than 40 percent thermal efficiency,(the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine), paired with two electric motors. All engines feature Honda?s ?Drive-by-Wire? throttle system.

Additionally, there are also three different transmissions: a 6-speed manual gearbox; a CVT, and a 10-speed Automatic. Touring trims and Sport trims with automatic transmissions for both the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines come with dual steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The Accord?s wheelbase has been stretched 2.16 inches, the overall height is lower (-0.59 in.), the body is wider by 0.39 inches, wheel tracks have been widened (+0.20 in. front, +0.79 in. rear), overall length is shortened (-0.39 in.) and the seating position is lower and sportier (-1.0 in. front, -0.79 in. rear). Cargo volume for all Accords is 16.7 cubic feet.

The 2018 Accord?s model lineup includes nine variations: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring, Sport 2.0T, EX-L 2.0T, Touring 2.0T and a Hybrid model available in EX, EX-L and Touring Trim. Base pricing for 1.5T-liter powered Accords will range from $23,570 for an LX model with CVT to $33,800 for a Touring also with CVT; and for 2.0T-liter propelled Accords from $30,310 for a Sport model with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or new 10-speed automatic to $35,800 for Touring trim Accords with the 10-speed automatic.

All Honda Accord variations are based on a new chassis design that delivers improved steering feel, reduced weight and a lowered center of gravity. Added value for 2018 includes: Honda Sensing?, standard on all trims with Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Assistive Support Info with a multi-angle rearview and dynamic guidelines, Driver Attention monitor, Straight Driving Assist and Auto High Beam headlights ? EX and higher trims will add Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor; HMI of Preventive Safety System, Collision Mitigation Braking System (FCW included), Road Departure Mitigation (LDW function included), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist System; LED exterior lighting; 1.9? added rear legroom; increased fuel economy; NCAP 5-star rating for all test modes; a new 8? Display Audio; a Digital Driver?s meter; and a Head Up Display.

1.5-liter engines will power LX, EX, EX-L Accord models with CVT transmissions and the 2.0-liter engine will propel the EX-L via the 10-speed automatic. As in the past, the Accord Hybrid?s two-motor system operates without the need for a conventional automatic transmission. Additionally, a new, more compact intelligent power unit (IPU) that contains the hybrid battery pack and its control systems, is now mounted beneath the rear floor rather than in the trunk, preserving both cargo space (16.7 cu.-ft.) and the flexibility of a 60/40-split and folding rear seat, which is standard on all Hybrid models and trims.

In terms of the new Accord?s visual appeal, all trim levels display an upscale and sophisticated, and sporty image with its wider stance, lower roofline and a dramatically longer, lower hood that helps it to achieve improved dynamics, a more comfortable interior and a more dramatic persona. Up front are Honda?s characteristic, chrome wing grille and streamlined wing-shaped headlights and aggressive air inlets with Active Grille shutters. Aggressive hood lines lend a bold look, while A-pillars are thinner and positioned rearward on the body, improving outward visibility for the driver.

In profile, the body sides are distinguished by pronounced wheel arches, a distinctive character line running the car?s length along the beltline, concave door panels, and bold, flowing lower sills.

Moving to the interior, the cabin is more spacious and streamlined than before, with a tapered rear section including longer and sleeker quarter windows that adds lightness, visibility and a sporty flair, to the new Accord, with a bright trim flowing front to rear above the windows adding a more aerodynamic look.

The rear features a brightly trimmed fascia mimicking the front end, with a slightly longer overhang than before. The tailored decklid helps air separate cleanly from the body, while bright trim adds a premium appearance, and dramatic light-pipe LED taillights finish the Accord?s new styling.

During the national press introduction, my driving partner and I were able to experience ride and drive time in Accord examples representing: Sport and Touring models as well an early pre-production Hybrid. All three engines as well as all three transmissions were put through their paces in various driving scenarios including urban stretches, freeways and scenic New Hampshire rural roads around Bretton Woods. Test vehicle exterior colors included San Marino Red metallic, Still Night Pearl and Kona Coffee metallic, while all interiors happened to be in Black leather. Most recently I acquired a 2018 Accord 2.0T Touring with a Crystal Black Pearl exterior finish and a Gray and Charcoal interior. Its base price was set at $35,800. It came completely loaded with features and equipment as standard fare, and the only extra expense was the Destination and Handling Charge, which brought the total to $36,690.

SUMMARY: If there happens to be an issue with the 2018 Honda Accord, it?s only in the selection process. The chassis dynamics are essentially the same across the board, but which engine and transmission are best? What represents the favored model ? Sport, Touring or Hybrid?

The six-speed manual gearbox is somewhat on the ?Notchy? side and the clutch takeup was near the top ? still in all the manual provided the most enjoyable grass roots driving experience. The CVT transmission performed well as CVT transmissions go, but would benefit from a stepped gear shift treatment. The new 10 speed is incredibly smooth providing admirable attributes.

The 1.5T engine?s power is obviously outclassed by the 2.0T for better acceleration. The Hybrid performs exceptionally well and is nearly indiscernible as a Hybrid.

Handling characteristics and roadability are exemplary, with instantly responsive steering for all variations tested and ride comfort is exceptional especially with the improved cabin ambiance and seating support.

Model choice is a singularly personal thing. ?Dyed in the wool? enthusiasts will likely opt for the 2.0T Sport with the manual gearbox, though the 10-speed auto was pleasurable. For those wanting the ?whole enchilada?, the 2.0T Touring model is recommended.

Bottom line, with all the various choices available, the 2018 Honda Accord is likely to provide the just right vehicle for nearly anyone. Essentially, there is no wrong selection to be made from the new lineup of this newest iteration Accord that?s smaller on the outside but larger on the inside featuring the latest in state of the art technology for driving application, infotainment and connectivity available including: Auto Phone Pairing, Wireless charging, Honda?s next generation HondaLink? Assist with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.? all are winners sure to perpetuate the Accord?s continued legendary sales success.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T Touring Sedan

Base Price: $35,800.
Price as Tested: $36,690.

Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve, Di VTEC turbocharged inline four-cylinder

Horsepower (bhp): 252 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 273 @ 3,500 rpm

Transmission: CVT.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Front wheel drive.

Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut with tubular stabilizer bar.
Rear ? Multi-Link with solid stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, EBB, EBD, BA, VSA with Traction Control and Agile Handling Assist.

Tires: Michelin MXM4 235/40 R19 96V mounted on 5-?Blade ?spoke? noise reducing alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 111.4 inches
Length Overall: 192.2 inches
Width: 73.3 inches
Height: 57.1 inches
Curb Weight: 3,138 lbs. to 3,428 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.1 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 14.8 gallons ? all but Hybrid which is 2 gallons less.
EPA Mileage Estimates: 30 mpg city / 38-mpg highway 1.5-liter / 23/24-2.0-liter
Drag Coefficient: Not listed
0 – 60 mph: Not tested

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.