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Honda Cars India has confirmed that it will bring in its Honda Accord Hybrid, the full-sized saloon to the Indian market in 2017. Similar intentions have been revealed by Volkswagen, where the car maker is readying its Passat GTE for a launch that’s due before the end of 2017. We compare the specifications of both these segment contenders to give you a bird’s eye view of what to expect from these hybrids.
Dimensions
The Honda Accord hybrid is clearly the larger car here and a quick assessment on the measurements front put a few things in perspective. Honda’s hybrid saloon is much longer, slightly wider and taller than the Volkswagen Passat GTE by 122.5mm, 17mm and 9mm respectively. On the other hand, it needs your attention that the VW Passat GTE’s wheelbase is longer by 15mm.
Equipment
While both cars come equipped to the brim, the Honda Accord gets one-touch power moonroof with tilt function, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking system and road departure mitigation system to name a few. The Passat will feature a panorama sunroof, predictive pedestrian protection, trailer and park assist and traffic jam assist. Also seen is a 360 degree camera view, a 12.3 inch TFT display that replaces the standard instrument cluster and a heads up display in addition to the segment regulars.
Engine
Honda’s hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre inline four cylinder gasoline engine that makes 141bhp and 165Nm of torque and is coupled with an AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor. A combined system output of 196bhp is unleashed to the wheels through a CVT gearbox. The VW Passat GTE, on the other hand, uses a 1.4-litre TSI engine that has a claimed combined power output of 218bhp and 400Nm of torque, and uses a six-speed DSG transmission.
Price
The Honda Accord Hybrid and the Volkswagen Passat GTE are going to be launched in 2017, and these vehicles should sport a price tag ranging from Rs 32 lakh to Rs 34 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
