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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Assam's Foreigner Expulsion Drive: A New Phase in the Citizenship Crisis
Published : Jun 25, 2025 07:43 IST - 12 MINS READ Over the last one month, India has sent hundreds of supposed 'illegal immigrants' across the border into Bangladesh. Exact figures are hard to come by, but media reports from Bangladesh claim that India has so far forcibly pushed 1,200 people into the country through the borders in Assam and West Bengal. The BJP-led Assam government has taken on a frontal role in this endeavour, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing the so-called operation in a press briefing on May 11. As part of this campaign, the Assam Police, in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), has rounded up hundreds of individuals, mostly Bengali Muslims, from across the State and dropped them off at various points along the militarised India-Bangladesh border. According to Sarma, Assam has so far sent 303 'foreigners' to Bangladesh. Among them are a special category of people known as 'Declared Foreign Nationals', who are long-term residents of Assam but who have been deemed 'illegal immigrants' by one of Assam's 100 Foreigners Tribunals (FTs). This inhumane campaign of forced transfer of people, undertaken with alarming swiftness and secrecy, marks a whole new turn in a decades-long project of disenfranchisement, confinement, and expulsion of entire groups of people marked out as 'foreigners' in Assam. The project began almost six decades ago as a social movement of the Assamese-speaking elite and has now been sucked into a Hindutva whirlpool of anti-Muslim politics. It is important, therefore, to place the recent events in a historical continuum. In 1985, six years after Assamese nationalists launched an intense anti-foreigner movement, the Central government, then led by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, signed what is known as the Assam Accord with the influential All Assam Students' Union (AASU). The very first line of the agreement spelt out its raison d'être: 'Government have [sic] all along been most anxious to find a satisfactory solution to the problem of foreigners in Assam.' The word 'anxious' offers a striking peek into the ideology around the Accord. It reveals the psychosocial, rather than purely political, nature of the 'problem of foreigners in Assam'. It forever transformed the dominant Assamese society's image of itself into one under siege. In fact, this fear psychosis found a macabre expression even before the Accord was signed, when members of the dominant Assamese and other ethnic communities brutally slaughtered some 2,000 Bengali Muslims around the central Assam town of Nellie in February 1983. Also Read | Assam citizenship crisis: 19 lakh people continue to face uncertainty over cut-off dates In the years following, the so-called 'problem of foreigners in Assam' quickly became a Damocles' sword hanging over the heads of Assam's Bengali-speaking minorities. 'Foreigners', or 'bidexi' in Assamese, soon transcended its legal meaning and became a broader metaphor for the racial other. In becoming so, it perpetuated not just racist hatred against Bengali-speaking minorities but also a multipronged system of political disenfranchisement and legal exclusion. Accord and Section 6A The Accord created a permanent hierarchy of belongingness in Assam. It accepted those who came to Assam before the first day of 1966 as direct claimants to Indian citizenship and those who entered between 1966 and March 24, 1971—two days before Bangladesh was born out of East Pakistan—as conditionally eligible for citizenship. But those who came after that date were to be 'detected, deleted and expelled in accordance with law'. Months later, this stratified classification became law when Parliament inserted Section 6A, a special Assam-specific clause, into the Citizenship Act. But, unlike the Accord, Section 6A remained silent on the legal status of those who came after 1971. This critical gap has allowed the State to play fast and loose with legal norms and, in the process, push Assam's Bengali minorities deeper into a precarious zone of abstraction, marginalisation, and, eventually, statelessness. To compensate for the absence of a legal regime for post-1971 migrants and assuage Assamese nationalists, the State relied on two dangerous substitutes to 'detect and delete the foreigners'. ECI and immigrants First, the 'Doubtful (D-) Voter' system, introduced by the Election Commission of India in 1997, summarily struck people off voter lists in Assam on the basis of mere suspicion that they were illegal immigrants. Second, the FTs, created through an executive order in 1964, served as an institutional framework to identify 'illegal Bangladeshis'. In 2005, the Supreme Court gave a booster shot to this regime by shifting the burden of proof of proving one's citizenship from the state to the accused, while calling the supposed influx of foreigners into Assam an 'external aggression'. Since then, identifying—some would say, manufacturing—'illegal Bangladeshis' has become a cottage industry in Assam. Anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant must prove generational links to the State going back before 1971—before tribunals whose constitutionality is in question and which are often staffed by mid-level bureaucrats with little or no judicial training. This was a big ask for members of marginalised communities, many of whom who did not possess official land documentation or birth certificates. The entire system is particularly threatening for the poorest among the Bengali minorities with no safety net. They often find themselves dragged to the tribunals by the Assam Police's border wing on unverified complaints or mere suspicion. The wing's modus operandi mirrors that of the notorious Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the US. The FTs' adjudication process itself has become increasingly opaque over the years, as poorly trained tribunal members arbitrarily reject documentary evidence and declare people 'illegal immigrants', sometimes even in their absence. As the case of Manowara Bewa shows, the FTs even de-nationalised people on the basis of minor spelling errors in documents. Women, who often moved from one village to another on account of marriage or widowhood, were the worst affected by this unjust system. This arbitrariness reflects the profound violence of Assam's citizenship determination regime, which has torn apart and pauperised hundreds of families that have had to part with their lives' savings to establish their Indian-ness. Yet, even the tribunals could not placate the Assamese nationalist lobby. The State, after all, had failed to fulfil one last promise of the Accord: to 'expel' the 'illegal Bangladeshis' back to their country. Since Dhaka never officially accepted the presence of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals in Assam, this final step was always a problem. The other obvious reason was that most of the declared foreigners were, in reality, Indian citizens who simply fell through the crevices of the pedantic tribunal system. Once again, the State relied on a poor substitute. Since it could not deport the 'declared foreigners', the government confined them in squalid detention centres like petty criminals for years on end without any prospect of trial or release. 'Foreigner' detection scam Only in 2020 did the Supreme Court order their conditional release to decongest the facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years later, Assam's largest detention facility, a 16 acre, Rs.64 crore facility with towering walls, opened in Matia in Goalpara district. Detainees from across the State were hauled into this new, heavily guarded compound located in a nondescript nook of western Assam. In essence, Assam has created a legally sanctioned regime of forced confinement designed to segregate ethno-linguistic minorities under the guise of 'foreigner' detection. While prolonged detention is a sordid punishment for its victims, the dominant political and intellectual discourse in Assam frames it as part of a 'routine' bureaucratic process of immigration control. In fact, the Assam government calls the Matia detention facility a 'transit camp', a term generally used to designate a place where individuals awaiting deportation are held. But, in Assam's case, it is a misnomer. Most of the people held in Matia can never be deported simply because they are not actually Bangladeshis (at least, until now). In 2013, unsatiated by the tribunal and detention regimes, the Assamese nationalist lobby managed to convince the Supreme Court to order an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the State so that the exact number of 'illegal Bangladeshis' in Assam could be identified. The court did so without deciding the legal contours of the 'Assamese identity', which allowed authorities in Assam to conjure a vague category of privileged citizens called 'original inhabitants' to ensure that no one from the dominant Assamese communities was excluded from the NRC. While the category was later discarded, it revealed how a supposedly neutral headcount exercise had started to look more like a racial segregation project. 2019 NRC After putting minorities through intense harassment, the Assam government released the final draft of the NRC in 2019. The list excluded some 19 lakh people, effectively marking them out as 'illegal immigrants'. But, instead of ending the issue, the final NRC revived the numbers game. While Assam's liberal political class, including some minority representative groups, accepted the NRC's final iteration, the staunchest among the Assamese nationalists rejected it, believing that it had undercounted the number of illegal immigrants in Assam. The 19 lakh figure betrayed their numerical fantasies about an alleged deluge of immigrants, despite the BSF itself stating in 2018 that illegal migration to Assam had reduced by 90 per cent 'in the past few years'. Also, the Muslim-majority districts bordering Bangladesh threw up lower numbers of NRC exclusions compared with those in the deeper hinterlands, busting a long-held myth that the continued influx of illegal Bangladeshis had boosted the Muslim population of Assam. These fantasies have a history. In 1992, the then Assam Chief Minister, Hiteshwar Saikia, declared that Assam had 30 lakh illegal immigrants. Two days later, he announced that there were none. A 1998 issue of India Today put the figure at 40 lakh. The same year, the then Assam Governor, S.K. Sinha, in a report rife with factual and statistical inconsistencies, summarily concluded that 'large-scale infiltration of Bangladeshis was taking place in Assam'. The Supreme Court, in a 2005 judgment, rehashed Sinha's ill-conceived report and again cited unverified numbers. In 2016, the Central government went one step further, announcing that there were 50 lakh illegal immigrants in Assam. The 2019 NRC was supposed to put an end to this numbers frenzy. Instead, the Assamese nationalists began to demand a complete reverification of the list. Once again, the game of counting (and recounting) illegal immigrants came back into the mainstream like an annual ritual. Interestingly, the NRC put even the BJP government in a spot as most of those excluded turned out to be Bengali Hindus, a key vote bank of the saffron party. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 fixed this glitch for the BJP by granting Bengali Hindus immunity from disenfranchisement. But this angered the traditional Assamese nationalists who sought the expulsion of all immigrants, both Hindus and Muslims. While the Sarma government managed to tactically defuse this opposition, it needed an effective tool to mollify the dominant Assamese voter base. Statewide detentions This is where the most recent forced transfer of Bengali Muslims comes in. The latest statewide detentions, coupled with the forced transfer to Bangladesh of Bengali Muslims, including those with appeals pending before the Supreme Court, are perhaps the most perverse manipulation of Assam's foreigner detection regime in recent memory. While the process may not, at the outset appear, legal or constitutional, the Sarma government has fished out a 75-year-old law, known as the 1950 Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, to justify it, not unlike US President Donald Trump's evocation of a 1798 wartime authority to deport 'aliens'. During a special Assembly session on June 9, Sarma cited a 2024 Supreme Court judgment upholding the legality of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955 to argue that his government had 'sweeping powers' to deport illegal immigrants. This is to be done, he asserted, by giving carte blanche to District Commissioners across the State to identify illegal immigrants and 'evict' them without even referring them to the tribunals. Himanta Biswa Sarma's mission Sarma's draconian reading of the 1950 Act portends a dark future for minorities. It allows the bureaucracy to take on the role of both judge and executioner. The Supreme Court's callous representation of Assam's citizenship determination regime in the 2024 judgment is equally questionable, as it has given the Assam government an opportunity to justify a new regime of forced expulsion that bypasses existing institutions and processes, including the FTs and the NRC. This new approach uses the law to subvert the law. Yet, for those watching closely, Sarma's renewed onslaught has its roots in the fateful events of the early 1980s. The Assam Accord's grim proclamation to 'detect, delete and expel' the post-1971 immigrants had already set the stage for a blanket offensive against Assam's Bengali Muslims. The rise of Hindutva politics has added a sharper edge to this insidious project of 'deleting' them, not just from voter rolls but also from society. In fact, Sarma seems to have quietly dropped the final part of the Assam Accord's proposition to expel post-1971 migrants—'in accordance with law.' In doing so, he is able to fulfil the unfulfilled promise of the Accord but on his own terms. Also Read | CAA: The north-eastern quagmire Moreover, there is little doubt that the BJP sees this project of expelling supposed 'foreigners' as a force multiplier for next year's Assembly election in Assam. In fact, it helps the party kill two birds with one stone: bolster the caste Hindu Assamese and tribal vote banks and appease Bengali Hindus by keeping the 2019 NRC in abeyance. But the effects of this political-ideological project on Assam's Bengali Muslims have been devastating. As media reports indicate, people are being picked up at random, and many are still missing. Some were also reportedly assaulted and threatened at gunpoint before being dispatched across the border into no man's land. Unfortunately, the judiciary continues to watch from the wings as the Assam government, in cahoots with the Centre, perfects a new form of legal lawlessness. The political opposition, much like Assam's liberal intelligentsia, continues to offer only meek resistance by insisting on the infallibility of the NRC and the Assam Accord without offering any real alternative to these regimes of exclusion or the BJP's chauvinistic politics. If this hysteria over so-called foreigners is not stopped at this point, the State will end up wrecking many more vulnerable families with impunity while normalising a new culture of anti-minority violence. And soon, the 'Assam model' will be replicated in other BJP-ruled States. Angshuman Choudhury is a researcher and writer, currently a doctoral candidate in Comparative Asian Studies jointly at the National University of Singapore and King's College London.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Aurum Alumni to invest ₹1,100 crore in two residential projects along Yamuna Expressway
NEW DELHI: Aurum Alumni plans to invest ₹1,100 crore to develop two residential projects - Aurum Alumni Accord and Aurum Alumni Bliss along the Yamuna Expressway . A third project with an investment of 600 crore is also under planning and will be launched soon. Spread across three acres, Accord comprises five high-rise towers, each with 21 floors and will feature 210 4BHK units. Set across seven acres, Bliss will feature nine towers ranging from 28 to 33 floors, offering a total of 528, 3 and 4 BHK apartments. Expected possession timelines for Accord is July 2028 and for Bliss is September 2029.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS review
Honda Accord Pros Honda Accord Cons Darwin's theory of evolution doesn't just apply to the natural world. You can also use its basic principle of 'only the toughest survive' against the rapid changes across the automotive landscape too. A perfect case study is the latest, 11th-generation Honda Accord and how it has weathered the erosion of the traditional mid-size sedan segment against the rising tide of SUVs, which have taken over as the default choice for modern family cars. The Accord has been a mainstay of Honda's local lineup for nearly 50 years, beginning its life as a smaller, affordable, and more efficient alternative to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But today, the Accord is playing a different role for Honda. It is now the Japanese brand's flagship – and most expensive – model that challenges the ground floor of the luxury market including established European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and more. So, how has Honda Accord evolved and is it tough enough to survive? Let's find out… Honda Australia only offers a single specification of the latest Accord – the fully loaded e:HEV RS you see here, which costs $64,900 drive-away. That's a fair chunk of change and positions it above the small group of conventional mid-size sedans that still remain available from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Sonata N Line ($55,500), Mazda 6 Atenza ($52,590), Skoda Octavia RS ($59,990) and its most direct rival, the Toyota Camry SL ($53,990). It does, however, put it in a white space between entry-level luxury sedans like the new Audi A5 (from $79,900), BMW 3 Series (from $92,900), Genesis G70 (from $87,114) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $89,900). To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There's a lot to like about Honda Accord's cabin, as it nails the fundamentals and feels genuinely luxurious without any pomp or pretence. It's not overly flashy or modern, with a monotonous dark grey colour palette only broken up by the contrasting red stitching, aluminium-look highlights and subtle LED ambient lighting strips throughout the cabin. But it does feel exceptionally well built, with good quality materials and tactile surfaces and switchgear. The only unconventional elements are the honeycomb grille that runs across the middle of the dashboard with protruding joysticks to change the direction of ventilation from the air vents, and the round digital multi-function screen in the centre of the dash. Otherwise, it's fairly conservative with a large centre console that features a decent-size tray with a wireless phone charger at the front, two large cupholders next to the 'normal' gearlever and drive mode selector switch in the centre, and a large covered bin between the seats. There are, of course, twin digital screens including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen unit for the infotainment, both of which are crisp and bright – although prone to glare in harsh sunlight. The infotainment system is easy to use with a logical menu structure and large widgets for each of its functions, as well as a host of convenient shortcut buttons on the right-hand side for quick access to the home screen, the embedded Google Assistant, smartphone mirroring and radio. Its split-screen layout also provides a clear display to the left of the temperature and fan settings, volume controls and current audio input. But there are also easy up/down toggles on either side of the rotary controller below to physically alter the temperature for each side of the cabin, which is nice. During our test period, we found the wireless smartphone mirroring to be quick to activate each time we started the car, but it did drop out occasionally while on the move. A common problem was if the system read out an incoming text message, the audio would disappear from whatever track was playing when the text was completed. To recover it, we had to switch off CarPlay in the phone settings and re-activate it each time, which was annoying. When it was playing, the 12-speaker Bose system was crystal clear with excellent staging through the surround sound and great depth. As for the rest of the package, the front seats are super comfortable and there is plenty of adjustment to find the right relationship between the steering wheel and pedals to suit all types, with great all-round vision. Even with the glass sunroof, the Accord has more than enough headroom in the front for tall drivers. For those in the back, there is acres of space with plenty of legroom – more than most mid-size SUVs – and a commanding view ahead. Plus, there are dual rear air vents, two USB-C power outlets, cupholders in the flip-down armrest, bottle holders in the door pockets and built-in sunshade blinds for the windows. It'd definitely a comfortable place for a long road trip. While there is room enough for three across the bench, the middle seat is higher and there's a tunnel through the centre on the floor, along with the extruding rear of the centre console, making it better suited for smaller kids or occasional use. But the boot is huge, with 570 litres of cargo space, cargo hooks on each side and a wide aperture for easy loading. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one variant to choose from, the Accord e:HEV RS is powered by a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is assisted by Honda's latest advanced hybrid system. This unique configuration sandwiches two electric motors into the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a small generator unit that is used primarily to recharge the 1.06kWh battery pack behind the seats, which in turn provides power to the larger traction motor in the back of the gearbox. The net result is decent – but hardly earth-shattering – outputs of 135kW and 335Nm. However, considering the advanced hybrid system can decouple the petrol engine while at cruising speeds, this Honda is all about efficiency. And, in that regard, its claimed average of 4.3L/100km is easily matched in the real world. It might not beat the Camry's lower claimed average of 4.0L/100km, but it is still remarkably efficient for such a large sedan. Plus, the engine is tuned to run on the most affordable 91RON standard unleaded, which counteracts its rival's potential advantage over a longer period of ownership. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Here's where the Accord can justify its pricetag. Put simply, this is a very, very nice car to drive. There's no fancy suspension or myriad of settings to fiddle with. Instead, it just rides beautifully by ironing out any road imperfections, with crisp and precise steering and a sure-footed balance between comfort and confidence-inspiring handling. Sure, it's not as fast or as exciting as its RS (presumably an acronmyn for Race Sport) badge suggests, but it is extremely well sorted and just as refined as any European alternative. It is clearly built by people that know what they're doing. The same goes for the hybrid powertrain. As you'd expect, the electric motors do most of the heavy lifting at low speeds and when moving away from a standstill, which makes it feel effortless and smooth to drive around town in heavy traffic. And it's barely perceptible when the engine kicks into life, with a seamless transition between EV and hybrid modes. Here, with all three motors providing maximum torque under heavy acceleration, the Accord feels more powerful than its numbers suggest, with almost no indication via tugging through the steering wheel that it is front-wheel drive. What's even more telling – especially compared to cars from newer brands – is the superb calibration of Honda's advanced safety systems, which never feel overzealous or hyperactive. They work, for sure, but more like they're guiding the driver rather than taking over the controls haphazardly. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one Accord grade, and a high sticker price, you'd expect to get the works, which you do… mostly. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS equipment highlights: Honda also offers a five-year Honda Connect connected services subscription, which includes: The one little luxury that's notably absent from that list, especially for the money, is heated and/or ventilated seats. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The latest generation Accord hasn't been given an independent safety score from ANCAP, but it does come equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance functions. Standard safety equipment includes: On top of that, the Accord is fitted with Honda Connect, the company's on-board telematics service with a free subscription for the first five years. This allows owners, through a smartphone app, to remotely access features such as lock/unlock the vehicle, and activate the climate control, lights and horn. Owners can also choose to use their phone as a digital key, search for its exact location, and set speed limit alerts and geofenced location alerts. In the event of the car being involved in a collision, the system will automatically detect an impact and contact the Honda call centre which can communicate with the driver or assist emergency services. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like all Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord e:HEV RS is covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance over the same period. This, however, can be extended by a further three years if the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed maintenance schedule within the Honda dealer network, and if it meets certain criteria. Honda requires the Accord to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km and subsidises the first five visits at just $199 each, which is one of the most affordable capped-price service schemes in the market. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The traditional three-box sedan might be a dying breed, but the Accord is an excellent choice for those who still want a 'proper' car. It is spacious, comfortable, quiet and ultra-efficient, and what it lacks in wow factor or brand cache it certainly makes up for with a level of refinement and build quality that matches even the best European brands. Interested in buying a Honda Accord? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Honda Accord showroom Content originally sourced from: Accord Pros Honda Accord Cons Darwin's theory of evolution doesn't just apply to the natural world. You can also use its basic principle of 'only the toughest survive' against the rapid changes across the automotive landscape too. A perfect case study is the latest, 11th-generation Honda Accord and how it has weathered the erosion of the traditional mid-size sedan segment against the rising tide of SUVs, which have taken over as the default choice for modern family cars. The Accord has been a mainstay of Honda's local lineup for nearly 50 years, beginning its life as a smaller, affordable, and more efficient alternative to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But today, the Accord is playing a different role for Honda. It is now the Japanese brand's flagship – and most expensive – model that challenges the ground floor of the luxury market including established European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and more. So, how has Honda Accord evolved and is it tough enough to survive? Let's find out… Honda Australia only offers a single specification of the latest Accord – the fully loaded e:HEV RS you see here, which costs $64,900 drive-away. That's a fair chunk of change and positions it above the small group of conventional mid-size sedans that still remain available from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Sonata N Line ($55,500), Mazda 6 Atenza ($52,590), Skoda Octavia RS ($59,990) and its most direct rival, the Toyota Camry SL ($53,990). It does, however, put it in a white space between entry-level luxury sedans like the new Audi A5 (from $79,900), BMW 3 Series (from $92,900), Genesis G70 (from $87,114) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $89,900). To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There's a lot to like about Honda Accord's cabin, as it nails the fundamentals and feels genuinely luxurious without any pomp or pretence. It's not overly flashy or modern, with a monotonous dark grey colour palette only broken up by the contrasting red stitching, aluminium-look highlights and subtle LED ambient lighting strips throughout the cabin. But it does feel exceptionally well built, with good quality materials and tactile surfaces and switchgear. The only unconventional elements are the honeycomb grille that runs across the middle of the dashboard with protruding joysticks to change the direction of ventilation from the air vents, and the round digital multi-function screen in the centre of the dash. Otherwise, it's fairly conservative with a large centre console that features a decent-size tray with a wireless phone charger at the front, two large cupholders next to the 'normal' gearlever and drive mode selector switch in the centre, and a large covered bin between the seats. There are, of course, twin digital screens including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen unit for the infotainment, both of which are crisp and bright – although prone to glare in harsh sunlight. The infotainment system is easy to use with a logical menu structure and large widgets for each of its functions, as well as a host of convenient shortcut buttons on the right-hand side for quick access to the home screen, the embedded Google Assistant, smartphone mirroring and radio. Its split-screen layout also provides a clear display to the left of the temperature and fan settings, volume controls and current audio input. But there are also easy up/down toggles on either side of the rotary controller below to physically alter the temperature for each side of the cabin, which is nice. During our test period, we found the wireless smartphone mirroring to be quick to activate each time we started the car, but it did drop out occasionally while on the move. A common problem was if the system read out an incoming text message, the audio would disappear from whatever track was playing when the text was completed. To recover it, we had to switch off CarPlay in the phone settings and re-activate it each time, which was annoying. When it was playing, the 12-speaker Bose system was crystal clear with excellent staging through the surround sound and great depth. As for the rest of the package, the front seats are super comfortable and there is plenty of adjustment to find the right relationship between the steering wheel and pedals to suit all types, with great all-round vision. Even with the glass sunroof, the Accord has more than enough headroom in the front for tall drivers. For those in the back, there is acres of space with plenty of legroom – more than most mid-size SUVs – and a commanding view ahead. Plus, there are dual rear air vents, two USB-C power outlets, cupholders in the flip-down armrest, bottle holders in the door pockets and built-in sunshade blinds for the windows. It'd definitely a comfortable place for a long road trip. While there is room enough for three across the bench, the middle seat is higher and there's a tunnel through the centre on the floor, along with the extruding rear of the centre console, making it better suited for smaller kids or occasional use. But the boot is huge, with 570 litres of cargo space, cargo hooks on each side and a wide aperture for easy loading. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one variant to choose from, the Accord e:HEV RS is powered by a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is assisted by Honda's latest advanced hybrid system. This unique configuration sandwiches two electric motors into the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a small generator unit that is used primarily to recharge the 1.06kWh battery pack behind the seats, which in turn provides power to the larger traction motor in the back of the gearbox. The net result is decent – but hardly earth-shattering – outputs of 135kW and 335Nm. However, considering the advanced hybrid system can decouple the petrol engine while at cruising speeds, this Honda is all about efficiency. And, in that regard, its claimed average of 4.3L/100km is easily matched in the real world. It might not beat the Camry's lower claimed average of 4.0L/100km, but it is still remarkably efficient for such a large sedan. Plus, the engine is tuned to run on the most affordable 91RON standard unleaded, which counteracts its rival's potential advantage over a longer period of ownership. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Here's where the Accord can justify its pricetag. Put simply, this is a very, very nice car to drive. There's no fancy suspension or myriad of settings to fiddle with. Instead, it just rides beautifully by ironing out any road imperfections, with crisp and precise steering and a sure-footed balance between comfort and confidence-inspiring handling. Sure, it's not as fast or as exciting as its RS (presumably an acronmyn for Race Sport) badge suggests, but it is extremely well sorted and just as refined as any European alternative. It is clearly built by people that know what they're doing. The same goes for the hybrid powertrain. As you'd expect, the electric motors do most of the heavy lifting at low speeds and when moving away from a standstill, which makes it feel effortless and smooth to drive around town in heavy traffic. And it's barely perceptible when the engine kicks into life, with a seamless transition between EV and hybrid modes. Here, with all three motors providing maximum torque under heavy acceleration, the Accord feels more powerful than its numbers suggest, with almost no indication via tugging through the steering wheel that it is front-wheel drive. What's even more telling – especially compared to cars from newer brands – is the superb calibration of Honda's advanced safety systems, which never feel overzealous or hyperactive. They work, for sure, but more like they're guiding the driver rather than taking over the controls haphazardly. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one Accord grade, and a high sticker price, you'd expect to get the works, which you do… mostly. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS equipment highlights: Honda also offers a five-year Honda Connect connected services subscription, which includes: The one little luxury that's notably absent from that list, especially for the money, is heated and/or ventilated seats. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The latest generation Accord hasn't been given an independent safety score from ANCAP, but it does come equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance functions. Standard safety equipment includes: On top of that, the Accord is fitted with Honda Connect, the company's on-board telematics service with a free subscription for the first five years. This allows owners, through a smartphone app, to remotely access features such as lock/unlock the vehicle, and activate the climate control, lights and horn. Owners can also choose to use their phone as a digital key, search for its exact location, and set speed limit alerts and geofenced location alerts. In the event of the car being involved in a collision, the system will automatically detect an impact and contact the Honda call centre which can communicate with the driver or assist emergency services. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like all Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord e:HEV RS is covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance over the same period. This, however, can be extended by a further three years if the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed maintenance schedule within the Honda dealer network, and if it meets certain criteria. Honda requires the Accord to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km and subsidises the first five visits at just $199 each, which is one of the most affordable capped-price service schemes in the market. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The traditional three-box sedan might be a dying breed, but the Accord is an excellent choice for those who still want a 'proper' car. It is spacious, comfortable, quiet and ultra-efficient, and what it lacks in wow factor or brand cache it certainly makes up for with a level of refinement and build quality that matches even the best European brands. Interested in buying a Honda Accord? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Honda Accord showroom Content originally sourced from: Accord Pros Honda Accord Cons Darwin's theory of evolution doesn't just apply to the natural world. You can also use its basic principle of 'only the toughest survive' against the rapid changes across the automotive landscape too. A perfect case study is the latest, 11th-generation Honda Accord and how it has weathered the erosion of the traditional mid-size sedan segment against the rising tide of SUVs, which have taken over as the default choice for modern family cars. The Accord has been a mainstay of Honda's local lineup for nearly 50 years, beginning its life as a smaller, affordable, and more efficient alternative to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But today, the Accord is playing a different role for Honda. It is now the Japanese brand's flagship – and most expensive – model that challenges the ground floor of the luxury market including established European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and more. So, how has Honda Accord evolved and is it tough enough to survive? Let's find out… Honda Australia only offers a single specification of the latest Accord – the fully loaded e:HEV RS you see here, which costs $64,900 drive-away. That's a fair chunk of change and positions it above the small group of conventional mid-size sedans that still remain available from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Sonata N Line ($55,500), Mazda 6 Atenza ($52,590), Skoda Octavia RS ($59,990) and its most direct rival, the Toyota Camry SL ($53,990). It does, however, put it in a white space between entry-level luxury sedans like the new Audi A5 (from $79,900), BMW 3 Series (from $92,900), Genesis G70 (from $87,114) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $89,900). To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There's a lot to like about Honda Accord's cabin, as it nails the fundamentals and feels genuinely luxurious without any pomp or pretence. It's not overly flashy or modern, with a monotonous dark grey colour palette only broken up by the contrasting red stitching, aluminium-look highlights and subtle LED ambient lighting strips throughout the cabin. But it does feel exceptionally well built, with good quality materials and tactile surfaces and switchgear. The only unconventional elements are the honeycomb grille that runs across the middle of the dashboard with protruding joysticks to change the direction of ventilation from the air vents, and the round digital multi-function screen in the centre of the dash. Otherwise, it's fairly conservative with a large centre console that features a decent-size tray with a wireless phone charger at the front, two large cupholders next to the 'normal' gearlever and drive mode selector switch in the centre, and a large covered bin between the seats. There are, of course, twin digital screens including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen unit for the infotainment, both of which are crisp and bright – although prone to glare in harsh sunlight. The infotainment system is easy to use with a logical menu structure and large widgets for each of its functions, as well as a host of convenient shortcut buttons on the right-hand side for quick access to the home screen, the embedded Google Assistant, smartphone mirroring and radio. Its split-screen layout also provides a clear display to the left of the temperature and fan settings, volume controls and current audio input. But there are also easy up/down toggles on either side of the rotary controller below to physically alter the temperature for each side of the cabin, which is nice. During our test period, we found the wireless smartphone mirroring to be quick to activate each time we started the car, but it did drop out occasionally while on the move. A common problem was if the system read out an incoming text message, the audio would disappear from whatever track was playing when the text was completed. To recover it, we had to switch off CarPlay in the phone settings and re-activate it each time, which was annoying. When it was playing, the 12-speaker Bose system was crystal clear with excellent staging through the surround sound and great depth. As for the rest of the package, the front seats are super comfortable and there is plenty of adjustment to find the right relationship between the steering wheel and pedals to suit all types, with great all-round vision. Even with the glass sunroof, the Accord has more than enough headroom in the front for tall drivers. For those in the back, there is acres of space with plenty of legroom – more than most mid-size SUVs – and a commanding view ahead. Plus, there are dual rear air vents, two USB-C power outlets, cupholders in the flip-down armrest, bottle holders in the door pockets and built-in sunshade blinds for the windows. It'd definitely a comfortable place for a long road trip. While there is room enough for three across the bench, the middle seat is higher and there's a tunnel through the centre on the floor, along with the extruding rear of the centre console, making it better suited for smaller kids or occasional use. But the boot is huge, with 570 litres of cargo space, cargo hooks on each side and a wide aperture for easy loading. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one variant to choose from, the Accord e:HEV RS is powered by a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is assisted by Honda's latest advanced hybrid system. This unique configuration sandwiches two electric motors into the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a small generator unit that is used primarily to recharge the 1.06kWh battery pack behind the seats, which in turn provides power to the larger traction motor in the back of the gearbox. The net result is decent – but hardly earth-shattering – outputs of 135kW and 335Nm. However, considering the advanced hybrid system can decouple the petrol engine while at cruising speeds, this Honda is all about efficiency. And, in that regard, its claimed average of 4.3L/100km is easily matched in the real world. It might not beat the Camry's lower claimed average of 4.0L/100km, but it is still remarkably efficient for such a large sedan. Plus, the engine is tuned to run on the most affordable 91RON standard unleaded, which counteracts its rival's potential advantage over a longer period of ownership. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Here's where the Accord can justify its pricetag. Put simply, this is a very, very nice car to drive. There's no fancy suspension or myriad of settings to fiddle with. Instead, it just rides beautifully by ironing out any road imperfections, with crisp and precise steering and a sure-footed balance between comfort and confidence-inspiring handling. Sure, it's not as fast or as exciting as its RS (presumably an acronmyn for Race Sport) badge suggests, but it is extremely well sorted and just as refined as any European alternative. It is clearly built by people that know what they're doing. The same goes for the hybrid powertrain. As you'd expect, the electric motors do most of the heavy lifting at low speeds and when moving away from a standstill, which makes it feel effortless and smooth to drive around town in heavy traffic. And it's barely perceptible when the engine kicks into life, with a seamless transition between EV and hybrid modes. Here, with all three motors providing maximum torque under heavy acceleration, the Accord feels more powerful than its numbers suggest, with almost no indication via tugging through the steering wheel that it is front-wheel drive. What's even more telling – especially compared to cars from newer brands – is the superb calibration of Honda's advanced safety systems, which never feel overzealous or hyperactive. They work, for sure, but more like they're guiding the driver rather than taking over the controls haphazardly. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one Accord grade, and a high sticker price, you'd expect to get the works, which you do… mostly. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS equipment highlights: Honda also offers a five-year Honda Connect connected services subscription, which includes: The one little luxury that's notably absent from that list, especially for the money, is heated and/or ventilated seats. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The latest generation Accord hasn't been given an independent safety score from ANCAP, but it does come equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance functions. Standard safety equipment includes: On top of that, the Accord is fitted with Honda Connect, the company's on-board telematics service with a free subscription for the first five years. This allows owners, through a smartphone app, to remotely access features such as lock/unlock the vehicle, and activate the climate control, lights and horn. Owners can also choose to use their phone as a digital key, search for its exact location, and set speed limit alerts and geofenced location alerts. In the event of the car being involved in a collision, the system will automatically detect an impact and contact the Honda call centre which can communicate with the driver or assist emergency services. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like all Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord e:HEV RS is covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance over the same period. This, however, can be extended by a further three years if the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed maintenance schedule within the Honda dealer network, and if it meets certain criteria. Honda requires the Accord to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km and subsidises the first five visits at just $199 each, which is one of the most affordable capped-price service schemes in the market. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The traditional three-box sedan might be a dying breed, but the Accord is an excellent choice for those who still want a 'proper' car. It is spacious, comfortable, quiet and ultra-efficient, and what it lacks in wow factor or brand cache it certainly makes up for with a level of refinement and build quality that matches even the best European brands. Interested in buying a Honda Accord? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Honda Accord showroom Content originally sourced from: Accord Pros Honda Accord Cons Darwin's theory of evolution doesn't just apply to the natural world. You can also use its basic principle of 'only the toughest survive' against the rapid changes across the automotive landscape too. A perfect case study is the latest, 11th-generation Honda Accord and how it has weathered the erosion of the traditional mid-size sedan segment against the rising tide of SUVs, which have taken over as the default choice for modern family cars. The Accord has been a mainstay of Honda's local lineup for nearly 50 years, beginning its life as a smaller, affordable, and more efficient alternative to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But today, the Accord is playing a different role for Honda. It is now the Japanese brand's flagship – and most expensive – model that challenges the ground floor of the luxury market including established European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and more. So, how has Honda Accord evolved and is it tough enough to survive? Let's find out… Honda Australia only offers a single specification of the latest Accord – the fully loaded e:HEV RS you see here, which costs $64,900 drive-away. That's a fair chunk of change and positions it above the small group of conventional mid-size sedans that still remain available from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Sonata N Line ($55,500), Mazda 6 Atenza ($52,590), Skoda Octavia RS ($59,990) and its most direct rival, the Toyota Camry SL ($53,990). It does, however, put it in a white space between entry-level luxury sedans like the new Audi A5 (from $79,900), BMW 3 Series (from $92,900), Genesis G70 (from $87,114) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $89,900). To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There's a lot to like about Honda Accord's cabin, as it nails the fundamentals and feels genuinely luxurious without any pomp or pretence. It's not overly flashy or modern, with a monotonous dark grey colour palette only broken up by the contrasting red stitching, aluminium-look highlights and subtle LED ambient lighting strips throughout the cabin. But it does feel exceptionally well built, with good quality materials and tactile surfaces and switchgear. The only unconventional elements are the honeycomb grille that runs across the middle of the dashboard with protruding joysticks to change the direction of ventilation from the air vents, and the round digital multi-function screen in the centre of the dash. Otherwise, it's fairly conservative with a large centre console that features a decent-size tray with a wireless phone charger at the front, two large cupholders next to the 'normal' gearlever and drive mode selector switch in the centre, and a large covered bin between the seats. There are, of course, twin digital screens including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen unit for the infotainment, both of which are crisp and bright – although prone to glare in harsh sunlight. The infotainment system is easy to use with a logical menu structure and large widgets for each of its functions, as well as a host of convenient shortcut buttons on the right-hand side for quick access to the home screen, the embedded Google Assistant, smartphone mirroring and radio. Its split-screen layout also provides a clear display to the left of the temperature and fan settings, volume controls and current audio input. But there are also easy up/down toggles on either side of the rotary controller below to physically alter the temperature for each side of the cabin, which is nice. During our test period, we found the wireless smartphone mirroring to be quick to activate each time we started the car, but it did drop out occasionally while on the move. A common problem was if the system read out an incoming text message, the audio would disappear from whatever track was playing when the text was completed. To recover it, we had to switch off CarPlay in the phone settings and re-activate it each time, which was annoying. When it was playing, the 12-speaker Bose system was crystal clear with excellent staging through the surround sound and great depth. As for the rest of the package, the front seats are super comfortable and there is plenty of adjustment to find the right relationship between the steering wheel and pedals to suit all types, with great all-round vision. Even with the glass sunroof, the Accord has more than enough headroom in the front for tall drivers. For those in the back, there is acres of space with plenty of legroom – more than most mid-size SUVs – and a commanding view ahead. Plus, there are dual rear air vents, two USB-C power outlets, cupholders in the flip-down armrest, bottle holders in the door pockets and built-in sunshade blinds for the windows. It'd definitely a comfortable place for a long road trip. While there is room enough for three across the bench, the middle seat is higher and there's a tunnel through the centre on the floor, along with the extruding rear of the centre console, making it better suited for smaller kids or occasional use. But the boot is huge, with 570 litres of cargo space, cargo hooks on each side and a wide aperture for easy loading. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one variant to choose from, the Accord e:HEV RS is powered by a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is assisted by Honda's latest advanced hybrid system. This unique configuration sandwiches two electric motors into the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a small generator unit that is used primarily to recharge the 1.06kWh battery pack behind the seats, which in turn provides power to the larger traction motor in the back of the gearbox. The net result is decent – but hardly earth-shattering – outputs of 135kW and 335Nm. However, considering the advanced hybrid system can decouple the petrol engine while at cruising speeds, this Honda is all about efficiency. And, in that regard, its claimed average of 4.3L/100km is easily matched in the real world. It might not beat the Camry's lower claimed average of 4.0L/100km, but it is still remarkably efficient for such a large sedan. Plus, the engine is tuned to run on the most affordable 91RON standard unleaded, which counteracts its rival's potential advantage over a longer period of ownership. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Here's where the Accord can justify its pricetag. Put simply, this is a very, very nice car to drive. There's no fancy suspension or myriad of settings to fiddle with. Instead, it just rides beautifully by ironing out any road imperfections, with crisp and precise steering and a sure-footed balance between comfort and confidence-inspiring handling. Sure, it's not as fast or as exciting as its RS (presumably an acronmyn for Race Sport) badge suggests, but it is extremely well sorted and just as refined as any European alternative. It is clearly built by people that know what they're doing. The same goes for the hybrid powertrain. As you'd expect, the electric motors do most of the heavy lifting at low speeds and when moving away from a standstill, which makes it feel effortless and smooth to drive around town in heavy traffic. And it's barely perceptible when the engine kicks into life, with a seamless transition between EV and hybrid modes. Here, with all three motors providing maximum torque under heavy acceleration, the Accord feels more powerful than its numbers suggest, with almost no indication via tugging through the steering wheel that it is front-wheel drive. What's even more telling – especially compared to cars from newer brands – is the superb calibration of Honda's advanced safety systems, which never feel overzealous or hyperactive. They work, for sure, but more like they're guiding the driver rather than taking over the controls haphazardly. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one Accord grade, and a high sticker price, you'd expect to get the works, which you do… mostly. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS equipment highlights: Honda also offers a five-year Honda Connect connected services subscription, which includes: The one little luxury that's notably absent from that list, especially for the money, is heated and/or ventilated seats. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The latest generation Accord hasn't been given an independent safety score from ANCAP, but it does come equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance functions. Standard safety equipment includes: On top of that, the Accord is fitted with Honda Connect, the company's on-board telematics service with a free subscription for the first five years. This allows owners, through a smartphone app, to remotely access features such as lock/unlock the vehicle, and activate the climate control, lights and horn. Owners can also choose to use their phone as a digital key, search for its exact location, and set speed limit alerts and geofenced location alerts. In the event of the car being involved in a collision, the system will automatically detect an impact and contact the Honda call centre which can communicate with the driver or assist emergency services. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like all Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord e:HEV RS is covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance over the same period. This, however, can be extended by a further three years if the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed maintenance schedule within the Honda dealer network, and if it meets certain criteria. Honda requires the Accord to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km and subsidises the first five visits at just $199 each, which is one of the most affordable capped-price service schemes in the market. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The traditional three-box sedan might be a dying breed, but the Accord is an excellent choice for those who still want a 'proper' car. It is spacious, comfortable, quiet and ultra-efficient, and what it lacks in wow factor or brand cache it certainly makes up for with a level of refinement and build quality that matches even the best European brands. Interested in buying a Honda Accord? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Honda Accord showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS review
Darwin's theory of evolution doesn't just apply to the natural world. You can also use its basic principle of 'only the toughest survive' against the rapid changes across the automotive landscape too. A perfect case study is the latest, 11th-generation Honda Accord and how it has weathered the erosion of the traditional mid-size sedan segment against the rising tide of SUVs, which have taken over as the default choice for modern family cars. The Accord has been a mainstay of Honda's local lineup for nearly 50 years, beginning its life as a smaller, affordable, and more efficient alternative to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But today, the Accord is playing a different role for Honda. It is now the Japanese brand's flagship – and most expensive – model that challenges the ground floor of the luxury market including established European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and more. So, how has Honda Accord evolved and is it tough enough to survive? Let's find out… How much does the Honda Accord cost? Honda Australia only offers a single specification of the latest Accord – the fully loaded e:HEV RS you see here, which costs $64,900 drive-away. That's a fair chunk of change and positions it above the small group of conventional mid-size sedans that still remain available from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Sonata N Line ($55,500), Mazda 6 Atenza ($52,590), Skoda Octavia RS ($59,990) and its most direct rival, the Toyota Camry SL ($53,990). It does, however, put it in a white space between entry-level luxury sedans like the new Audi A5 (from $79,900), BMW 3 Series (from $92,900), Genesis G70 (from $87,114) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $89,900). To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What is the Honda Accord like on the inside? There's a lot to like about Honda Accord's cabin, as it nails the fundamentals and feels genuinely luxurious without any pomp or pretence. It's not overly flashy or modern, with a monotonous dark grey colour palette only broken up by the contrasting red stitching, aluminium-look highlights and subtle LED ambient lighting strips throughout the cabin. But it does feel exceptionally well built, with good quality materials and tactile surfaces and switchgear. The only unconventional elements are the honeycomb grille that runs across the middle of the dashboard with protruding joysticks to change the direction of ventilation from the air vents, and the round digital multi-function screen in the centre of the dash. Otherwise, it's fairly conservative with a large centre console that features a decent-size tray with a wireless phone charger at the front, two large cupholders next to the 'normal' gearlever and drive mode selector switch in the centre, and a large covered bin between the seats. There are, of course, twin digital screens including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen unit for the infotainment, both of which are crisp and bright – although prone to glare in harsh sunlight. The infotainment system is easy to use with a logical menu structure and large widgets for each of its functions, as well as a host of convenient shortcut buttons on the right-hand side for quick access to the home screen, the embedded Google Assistant, smartphone mirroring and radio. Its split-screen layout also provides a clear display to the left of the temperature and fan settings, volume controls and current audio input. But there are also easy up/down toggles on either side of the rotary controller below to physically alter the temperature for each side of the cabin, which is nice. During our test period, we found the wireless smartphone mirroring to be quick to activate each time we started the car, but it did drop out occasionally while on the move. A common problem was if the system read out an incoming text message, the audio would disappear from whatever track was playing when the text was completed. To recover it, we had to switch off CarPlay in the phone settings and re-activate it each time, which was annoying. When it was playing, the 12-speaker Bose system was crystal clear with excellent staging through the surround sound and great depth. As for the rest of the package, the front seats are super comfortable and there is plenty of adjustment to find the right relationship between the steering wheel and pedals to suit all types, with great all-round vision. Even with the glass sunroof, the Accord has more than enough headroom in the front for tall drivers. For those in the back, there is acres of space with plenty of legroom – more than most mid-size SUVs – and a commanding view ahead. Plus, there are dual rear air vents, two USB-C power outlets, cupholders in the flip-down armrest, bottle holders in the door pockets and built-in sunshade blinds for the windows. It'd definitely a comfortable place for a long road trip. While there is room enough for three across the bench, the middle seat is higher and there's a tunnel through the centre on the floor, along with the extruding rear of the centre console, making it better suited for smaller kids or occasional use. But the boot is huge, with 570 litres of cargo space, cargo hooks on each side and a wide aperture for easy loading. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? With only one variant to choose from, the Accord e:HEV RS is powered by a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is assisted by Honda's latest advanced hybrid system. This unique configuration sandwiches two electric motors into the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a small generator unit that is used primarily to recharge the 1.06kWh battery pack behind the seats, which in turn provides power to the larger traction motor in the back of the gearbox. The net result is decent – but hardly earth-shattering – outputs of 135kW and 335Nm. However, considering the advanced hybrid system can decouple the petrol engine while at cruising speeds, this Honda is all about efficiency. And, in that regard, its claimed average of 4.3L/100km is easily matched in the real world. It might not beat the Camry's lower claimed average of 4.0L/100km, but it is still remarkably efficient for such a large sedan. Plus, the engine is tuned to run on the most affordable 91RON standard unleaded, which counteracts its rival's potential advantage over a longer period of ownership. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool How does the Honda Accord drive? Here's where the Accord can justify its pricetag. Put simply, this is a very, very nice car to drive. There's no fancy suspension or myriad of settings to fiddle with. Instead, it just rides beautifully by ironing out any road imperfections, with crisp and precise steering and a sure-footed balance between comfort and confidence-inspiring handling. Sure, it's not as fast or as exciting as its RS (presumably an acronmyn for Race Sport) badge suggests, but it is extremely well sorted and just as refined as any European alternative. It is clearly built by people that know what they're doing. The same goes for the hybrid powertrain. As you'd expect, the electric motors do most of the heavy lifting at low speeds and when moving away from a standstill, which makes it feel effortless and smooth to drive around town in heavy traffic. And it's barely perceptible when the engine kicks into life, with a seamless transition between EV and hybrid modes. Here, with all three motors providing maximum torque under heavy acceleration, the Accord feels more powerful than its numbers suggest, with almost no indication via tugging through the steering wheel that it is front-wheel drive. What's even more telling – especially compared to cars from newer brands – is the superb calibration of Honda's advanced safety systems, which never feel overzealous or hyperactive. They work, for sure, but more like they're guiding the driver rather than taking over the controls haphazardly. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What do you get? With only one Accord grade, and a high sticker price, you'd expect to get the works, which you do… mostly. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS equipment highlights: 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels in Michelin e-Primacy tyres Tyre repair kit Tyre pressure monitoring Adaptive LED headlights Active cornering lights Rain-sensing wipers with integrated washer nozzle Power-folding exterior mirrors Keyless entry and start Remote start Alloy paddle shifters Economy, Normal, Sport and Individual drive modes 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster Head-up display 12.3-inch Google built-in touchscreen infotainment system Embedded Google apps including Maps, Assistant Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB+ digital radio 4 x USB-C outlets 12-speaker Bose sound system Wireless phone charger Active Noise Control Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment Ambient lighting 8-way power-adjustable front seats Fold-down rear centre armrest with cupholders Leather-appointed upholstery Leather-appointed dash, centre console and doors Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped shifter Honda also offers a five-year Honda Connect connected services subscription, which includes: Remote adjustment for climate control, locks, lights and horn Automatic collision detection Emergency call button Geofencing and speed alerts Vehicle diagnostics The one little luxury that's notably absent from that list, especially for the money, is heated and/or ventilated seats. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Is the Honda Accord safe? The latest generation Accord hasn't been given an independent safety score from ANCAP, but it does come equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance functions. Standard safety equipment includes: 8 airbags Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control with stop/go Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Driver attention monitoring Surround-view camera Front and rear parking sensors On top of that, the Accord is fitted with Honda Connect, the company's on-board telematics service with a free subscription for the first five years. This allows owners, through a smartphone app, to remotely access features such as lock/unlock the vehicle, and activate the climate control, lights and horn. Owners can also choose to use their phone as a digital key, search for its exact location, and set speed limit alerts and geofenced location alerts. In the event of the car being involved in a collision, the system will automatically detect an impact and contact the Honda call centre which can communicate with the driver or assist emergency services. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool How much does the Honda Accord cost to run? Like all Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord e:HEV RS is covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance over the same period. This, however, can be extended by a further three years if the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed maintenance schedule within the Honda dealer network, and if it meets certain criteria. Honda requires the Accord to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km and subsidises the first five visits at just $199 each, which is one of the most affordable capped-price service schemes in the market. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Honda Accord The traditional three-box sedan might be a dying breed, but the Accord is an excellent choice for those who still want a 'proper' car. It is spacious, comfortable, quiet and ultra-efficient, and what it lacks in wow factor or brand cache it certainly makes up for with a level of refinement and build quality that matches even the best European brands. Interested in buying a Honda Accord? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Pros Comfortable ride quality Spacious interior Efficient hybrid powertrain Cons Lacks brand cache No heated seats Conservative styling Top Line Specs Power: 108kW Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded/Electric Economy: 4.3L/100km CO2 Emissions: 98g/km
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Automotive
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2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS review
Darwin's theory of evolution doesn't just apply to the natural world. You can also use its basic principle of 'only the toughest survive' against the rapid changes across the automotive landscape too. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert A perfect case study is the latest, 11th-generation Honda Accord and how it has weathered the erosion of the traditional mid-size sedan segment against the rising tide of SUVs, which have taken over as the default choice for modern family cars. The Accord has been a mainstay of Honda's local lineup for nearly 50 years, beginning its life as a smaller, affordable, and more efficient alternative to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. But today, the Accord is playing a different role for Honda. It is now the Japanese brand's flagship – and most expensive – model that challenges the ground floor of the luxury market including established European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and more. So, how has Honda Accord evolved and is it tough enough to survive? Let's find out… Honda Australia only offers a single specification of the latest Accord – the fully loaded e:HEV RS you see here, which costs $64,900 drive-away. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert That's a fair chunk of change and positions it above the small group of conventional mid-size sedans that still remain available from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Sonata N Line ($55,500), Mazda 6 Atenza ($52,590), Skoda Octavia RS ($59,990) and its most direct rival, the Toyota Camry SL ($53,990). It does, however, put it in a white space between entry-level luxury sedans like the new Audi A5 (from $79,900), BMW 3 Series (from $92,900), Genesis G70 (from $87,114) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $89,900). To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There's a lot to like about Honda Accord's cabin, as it nails the fundamentals and feels genuinely luxurious without any pomp or pretence. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert It's not overly flashy or modern, with a monotonous dark grey colour palette only broken up by the contrasting red stitching, aluminium-look highlights and subtle LED ambient lighting strips throughout the cabin. But it does feel exceptionally well built, with good quality materials and tactile surfaces and switchgear. The only unconventional elements are the honeycomb grille that runs across the middle of the dashboard with protruding joysticks to change the direction of ventilation from the air vents, and the round digital multi-function screen in the centre of the dash. Otherwise, it's fairly conservative with a large centre console that features a decent-size tray with a wireless phone charger at the front, two large cupholders next to the 'normal' gearlever and drive mode selector switch in the centre, and a large covered bin between the seats. There are, of course, twin digital screens including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen unit for the infotainment, both of which are crisp and bright – although prone to glare in harsh sunlight. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert The infotainment system is easy to use with a logical menu structure and large widgets for each of its functions, as well as a host of convenient shortcut buttons on the right-hand side for quick access to the home screen, the embedded Google Assistant, smartphone mirroring and radio. Its split-screen layout also provides a clear display to the left of the temperature and fan settings, volume controls and current audio input. But there are also easy up/down toggles on either side of the rotary controller below to physically alter the temperature for each side of the cabin, which is nice. During our test period, we found the wireless smartphone mirroring to be quick to activate each time we started the car, but it did drop out occasionally while on the move. A common problem was if the system read out an incoming text message, the audio would disappear from whatever track was playing when the text was completed. To recover it, we had to switch off CarPlay in the phone settings and re-activate it each time, which was annoying. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert When it was playing, the 12-speaker Bose system was crystal clear with excellent staging through the surround sound and great depth. As for the rest of the package, the front seats are super comfortable and there is plenty of adjustment to find the right relationship between the steering wheel and pedals to suit all types, with great all-round vision. Even with the glass sunroof, the Accord has more than enough headroom in the front for tall drivers. For those in the back, there is acres of space with plenty of legroom – more than most mid-size SUVs – and a commanding view ahead. Plus, there are dual rear air vents, two USB-C power outlets, cupholders in the flip-down armrest, bottle holders in the door pockets and built-in sunshade blinds for the windows. It'd definitely a comfortable place for a long road trip. While there is room enough for three across the bench, the middle seat is higher and there's a tunnel through the centre on the floor, along with the extruding rear of the centre console, making it better suited for smaller kids or occasional use. But the boot is huge, with 570 litres of cargo space, cargo hooks on each side and a wide aperture for easy loading. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one variant to choose from, the Accord e:HEV RS is powered by a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is assisted by Honda's latest advanced hybrid system. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert This unique configuration sandwiches two electric motors into the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a small generator unit that is used primarily to recharge the 1.06kWh battery pack behind the seats, which in turn provides power to the larger traction motor in the back of the gearbox. The net result is decent – but hardly earth-shattering – outputs of 135kW and 335Nm. However, considering the advanced hybrid system can decouple the petrol engine while at cruising speeds, this Honda is all about efficiency. And, in that regard, its claimed average of 4.3L/100km is easily matched in the real world. It might not beat the Camry's lower claimed average of 4.0L/100km, but it is still remarkably efficient for such a large sedan. Plus, the engine is tuned to run on the most affordable 91RON standard unleaded, which counteracts its rival's potential advantage over a longer period of ownership. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Here's where the Accord can justify its pricetag. Put simply, this is a very, very nice car to drive. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert There's no fancy suspension or myriad of settings to fiddle with. Instead, it just rides beautifully by ironing out any road imperfections, with crisp and precise steering and a sure-footed balance between comfort and confidence-inspiring handling. Sure, it's not as fast or as exciting as its RS (presumably an acronmyn for Race Sport) badge suggests, but it is extremely well sorted and just as refined as any European alternative. It is clearly built by people that know what they're doing. The same goes for the hybrid powertrain. As you'd expect, the electric motors do most of the heavy lifting at low speeds and when moving away from a standstill, which makes it feel effortless and smooth to drive around town in heavy traffic. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert And it's barely perceptible when the engine kicks into life, with a seamless transition between EV and hybrid modes. Here, with all three motors providing maximum torque under heavy acceleration, the Accord feels more powerful than its numbers suggest, with almost no indication via tugging through the steering wheel that it is front-wheel drive. What's even more telling – especially compared to cars from newer brands – is the superb calibration of Honda's advanced safety systems, which never feel overzealous or hyperactive. They work, for sure, but more like they're guiding the driver rather than taking over the controls haphazardly. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool With only one Accord grade, and a high sticker price, you'd expect to get the works, which you do… mostly. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS equipment highlights: 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels in Michelin e-Primacy tyres Tyre repair kit Tyre pressure monitoring Adaptive LED headlights Active cornering lights Rain-sensing wipers with integrated washer nozzle Power-folding exterior mirrors Keyless entry and start Remote start Alloy paddle shifters Economy, Normal, Sport and Individual drive modes 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster Head-up display 12.3-inch Google built-in touchscreen infotainment system Embedded Google apps including Maps, Assistant Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB+ digital radio 4 x USB-C outlets 12-speaker Bose sound system Wireless phone charger Active Noise Control Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment Ambient lighting 8-way power-adjustable front seats Fold-down rear centre armrest with cupholders Leather-appointed upholstery Leather-appointed dash, centre console and doors Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped shifter Honda also offers a five-year Honda Connect connected services subscription, which includes: Remote adjustment for climate control, locks, lights and horn Automatic collision detection Emergency call button Geofencing and speed alerts Vehicle diagnostics The one little luxury that's notably absent from that list, especially for the money, is heated and/or ventilated seats. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The latest generation Accord hasn't been given an independent safety score from ANCAP, but it does come equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance functions. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: 8 airbags Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control with stop/go Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Driver attention monitoring Surround-view camera Front and rear parking sensors On top of that, the Accord is fitted with Honda Connect, the company's on-board telematics service with a free subscription for the first five years. This allows owners, through a smartphone app, to remotely access features such as lock/unlock the vehicle, and activate the climate control, lights and horn. Owners can also choose to use their phone as a digital key, search for its exact location, and set speed limit alerts and geofenced location alerts. In the event of the car being involved in a collision, the system will automatically detect an impact and contact the Honda call centre which can communicate with the driver or assist emergency services. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Like all Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord e:HEV RS is covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance over the same period. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert This, however, can be extended by a further three years if the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed maintenance schedule within the Honda dealer network, and if it meets certain criteria. Honda requires the Accord to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km and subsidises the first five visits at just $199 each, which is one of the most affordable capped-price service schemes in the market. To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The traditional three-box sedan might be a dying breed, but the Accord is an excellent choice for those who still want a 'proper' car. 2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS Credit: CarExpert It is spacious, comfortable, quiet and ultra-efficient, and what it lacks in wow factor or brand cache it certainly makes up for with a level of refinement and build quality that matches even the best European brands. Interested in buying a Honda Accord? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Honda Accord showroom Comfortable ride quality Spacious interior Efficient hybrid powertrain Lacks brand cache No heated seats Conservative styling Power: 108kW Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded/Electric Economy: 4.3L/100km CO2 Emissions: 98g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: Untested
