As
we are using up fossil fuel reserves at a rapid pace,
let's figure that every little bit of oil conservation
is going to help. While there are no perfect technologies
in place yet, the hybrid automobile concept is a baby
step in the right direction. As drivers we are directly
linked with oil consumption, contributing to the greenhouse
effect and slowly proceeding to mess up our environment.
That's what makes this new model from Honda—with
its affordability, accessibility and very low emissions—so
essential.
You have heard of the hybrid concept
that traps energy in deceleration and braking, which
is then stored in batteries and used for power in different
ways. In the case of the Accord, that stored energy
is used when more power is required. So you get a more
powerful engine that uses less fuel and pollutes less.
You
could get involved in all the price discussions and
comparisons, but we felt that for what you get, the
Accord is a good deal and you can drive around with
a better conscience.
As
far as the basic look, feel and components, the hybrid
is quite similar to the gas-only powered vehicles in
the Honda line-up. Even a look under the hood might
not reveal too much. The Hybrid denomination on the
rear will set it apart, however, and the gauges let
you know that something different is going on. Start
the car and as you get going, you’ll start picking
up on a few idiosyncrasies. One notable peculiarity
is how the gas engine shuts off when the brake is depressed
and the car is at full idle. With 255 horsepower (240
gas and 15 electric), it actually goes faster than the
regular V6.
In
this green car you get all the creature comforts that
a gas model has, such as heated leather seats, great
sound components, a comfortable ride and good distribution
of space, and you score points with your environmentally-conscious
neighbors. Surely you will save gas and pollute very
little, as it meets the strict ULEV-2 emission standards.
Two
details of note: there is no sunroof available, and
you’ll have to think about battery replacement.
To
combine all of these technologies in a smooth, quiet
environment is a great achievement for the engineering
team. If you were to brake down all of the concepts,
parts and systems assembled here (24-Valve SOHC iVtech®,
drive-by-wire throttle system, idle stop, Variable Cylinder
Management, Active Control Engine Mount System, Active
Noise Cancellation), you’d wonder how they were
able to keep the price so low. Bravo! 
For more information on the Honda
Accord Hybrid, click here.
Honda
is set to introduce a fully redesigned Accord
in the Fall of 2008, and they have confirmed
that there will not be a hybrid version in the
line-up. In addition to the award-winning Civic
Hybrid which will remain in production, Honda
plans to introduce a smaller hybrid model in
2009. To check out other fuel-efficient
cars, click
here. |
Warranty/Service:
3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, battery pack comes
with an 8-year/80,000-mile warranty.
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