The BYD Atto 3 SUV was one of the fastest growing electric models here last
year, sales growing by 422 percent to 11,042 units. However, sales have slowed
this year, down 39 percent in the first half. The BYD Atto 3 has just been updated
with new features and technology, gaining a larger touchscreen, higher quality
Continental tyres replacing the sub-standard Atlas Batman tyres, new BYD
badging instead of the “Build your Dreams” script on the rear, a new Cosmos
Black exterior colour and new Blue/black interior trim. The good news, price
drops of $3,512, the standard range model, rated to deliver 345kms, now starts at
$44,449 plus on-road costs, the Atto 3 extended range variant with 420km on offer
from $47,449. Both models feature synthetic leather trim, heated power front
seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. I’m David Berthon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Honda’s new hybrid sedan, the 11 th generation e-HEV RS at $64,900 drive-
away. A premium sedan with an interesting hybrid system that it is very fuel
efficient – combining a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle petrol engine
with two electric motors mounted side-by-side – the electric motors do most of
the work while the petrol engine constantly charges the battery but under heavier
driving load can also power the front wheels. It’s a clever hybrid system that
works just so well, switching between electric, hybrid or petrol engine mode
seamlessly while there are six levels of deacceleration available, activated by
steering wheel mounted paddles, which dictate different levels of regenerative
charging. In my week of driving the new Honda Accord hybrid never looked like
running out of electric charge. With the RS tag suggesting a sportier image it
handles sharply and has four available drive modes. It can feel a little harsh on a
rough surface but as a rule is comfortable aided by very well-padded seats.
Sedans may not be in vogue these days, but the Accord is still a big seller in the
U.S. and as such its styling and features are very much skewed that way. Overall,
though, a very interesting and efficient hybrid addition. I’m David Berthon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go back 30 years and the Honda Accord was a very popular model on the
Australian market – it first arrived here in 1977 and was a very popular upmarket
sedan. Of course, SUVs have since taken over the world and in recent years
Accord sales slowed to a trickle. However, the 11 th generation Accord sedan has
arrived – the Accord e-HEV RS – just one hybrid variant at a national $64,900
drive-away price. A much more technically advanced sedan to the previous model
that finished here last year – the hybrid sitting on the same wheelbase but now
75mm longer overall, 2mm wider and 1mm lower. The fourth generation Honda
hybrid system in the Accord is interesting – a front wheel driver with a 2.0-litre
naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine mated to two electric motors
mounted side by side – the combined output 152kW. The electric motors do most
of the work, the internal combustion engine charging the battery almost
constantly although when the going gets a little tough the petrol motor can also
power the front wheels. Built in Thailand this new Accord is roomy with leather
seats, well equipped and nicely finished as a premium sedan but misses out on
some touches like an electric boot release. Drive details next segment. I’m David
Berthon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.