Honda Grace

The Honda Grace occupies a quiet but confident corner of the compact sedan segment. Sold primarily in Asian markets, including Sri Lanka, the 2017 model pairs a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain with a practical four-door body — making it a common sight on routes from Colombo to the highlands and beyond. If you are weighing the Grace as a hire car, a personal vehicle, or simply researching what to expect on a Lakpura-arranged road trip, this guide covers the essentials.

What does the Honda Grace look like?

The Grace follows Honda's sensible-sport design language. Its low roofline and tapered tail give it an aerodynamic profile that reads as more premium than its price bracket might suggest. The front fascia features a bold grille flanked by LED projector headlights, while LED taillights wrap cleanly around the boot lid. Available 16-inch alloy wheels fill the arches well and sharpen the car's stance without tipping into aggressive territory.

Interior dimensions are generous for the class. Rear headroom benefits from a packaging trick Honda uses across several hybrid models — the battery sits beneath the rear seats rather than eating into boot space, so both luggage capacity and passenger comfort are preserved.

How does the Honda Grace perform on Sri Lankan roads?

Sri Lankan roads vary enormously — from smooth expressways to potholed rural lanes — and the Grace's suspension calibration handles the contrast reasonably well. The front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam are tuned toward comfort rather than sport, absorbing surface irregularities without transferring excessive harshness into the cabin.

Steering is light and direct, which suits the stop-start nature of Colombo traffic and the switchback bends encountered on roads to Ella or the hill country. The turning radius is tight enough for urban manoeuvring, and visibility from the driver's seat is clear in all directions — a practical advantage when sharing narrow lanes with tuk-tuks and buses.

What engine and fuel system does the Grace use?

The 2017 Grace pairs a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) mild-hybrid system. In this arrangement, a compact electric motor mounted between the engine and gearbox provides torque assistance during acceleration and recuperates energy under braking. The result is fuel economy that typically outperforms comparable non-hybrid sedans of the same displacement.

Power output is modest — the hybrid system is designed for efficiency rather than performance — but combined torque delivery feels responsive from low speeds, which matters more on congested Sri Lankan roads than peak horsepower figures do. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) keeps engine revs in an efficient band across a range of driving conditions.

What technology and safety features does the 2017 Grace include?

Honda equipped the 2017 Grace with a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, and automatic climate control in higher trim levels. Active safety features vary by market specification, but many units sold in Asia include:

• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Hill-start assist
• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution
• Multiple airbags (driver, passenger, and side curtain depending on grade)

The hybrid battery pack carries a separate warranty provision under Honda's standard coverage, and authorised service centres in Colombo stock the relevant components for routine maintenance.

How does the Grace compare with other sedans in its segment?

The Grace sits closest in character to the Toyota Axio Hybrid — both target buyers who want hybrid economy without moving to a larger, more expensive platform. The Grace's slight edge lies in interior refinement and its more contemporary exterior design, while the Axio has the advantage of a wider parts network in some regions.

Is the Honda Grace a good choice for touring Sri Lanka?

For leisure travellers, the Grace works well on longer transfers — Colombo to Kandy, Kandy to the south coast, or airport runs that span several hours. The rear seat is comfortable enough for two adults, and the boot accommodates a pair of full-size suitcases alongside smaller bags. Fuel stops are less frequent than with older non-hybrid sedans, which is a practical benefit on routes through areas where petrol stations are spaced further apart.

Lakpura operates a fleet of private vehicles for chauffeur-driven tours across Sri Lanka. If you prefer the flexibility of self-riding on two wheels, the taxis and private driver page outlines the full range of transfer options available, including sedan and SUV choices suited to different itineraries.