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Honda Accord Hybrid Review: Difference between revisions
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==Interior and Comforts== | ==Interior and Comforts== | ||
Leather-trimmed heated seats, climate control, [[Anti-Lock brakes]] (ABS), traction control, and side curtain airbags are all standard. The Accord Hybrid also has extra noise-damping equipment, to combat the intrusions from the [[Integrated Motor Assist | Leather-trimmed heated seats, climate control, [[Anti-Lock brakes]] (ABS), traction control, and side curtain airbags are all standard. The Accord Hybrid also has extra noise-damping equipment, to combat the intrusions from the [[Integrated Motor Assist]] (IMA) powerplant. | ||
The only option on the [[Honda Accord Hybrid]] is a touch-screen satellite-linked navigation system. It offers voice-operated commands, just like in the Acura TSX. One switch left blank is that for the power glass sunroof (on Accord EX V6). This item was stripped from the options list, to help kept the curb weight down. | The only option on the [[Honda Accord Hybrid]] is a touch-screen satellite-linked navigation system. It offers voice-operated commands, just like in the Acura TSX. One switch left blank is that for the power glass sunroof (on Accord EX V6). This item was stripped from the options list, to help kept the curb weight down. | ||
Revision as of 20:24, 5 July 2006
When the engine is running, the belts operate the 4.6 cubic inch compressor, but when youre sitting still in traffic or at a stop light in idle stop mode, it switches over to a smaller 0.9 cubic inch electric compressor. Warm or humid air from surroundings continues to be chilled, backed only by the silence-breaking hum of the compressor, helping you keep your cool.
Under braking and coasting, the IMA system also works as a generator to recharge 144-volt battery pack thats comprised of 120 Sanyo Nickel-Metal Hydride cells. While hybrids havent been around long enough to call this system age old, its standard fit in all hybrid vehicles. Innovation in this department comes in the form of improved efficiency; the Accord Hybrid posts a segment-leading 95.2 percent regenerating efficiency, increased from the Civics 93.5 percent. Aside from a slightly grabby brake pedal which starts the process, this is yet another one of the many non-intrusive features of the IMA hybrid system.
The Accords IMA system, in combination with additional economy-minded tailoring, makes for some eyebrow-raising math. Take for example the city rating, which is 30 mpg; 25 percent of the reduced figure can be accounted for by the Idle-Stop system. Cylinder-deactivation lops off another 15 percent from the city figure, and a massive 57 percent when cruising on the highway, which is an impressive 40 mpg.
High Points
- Powerful acceleration
- Additional torque provided by the electric motor
- Nearly seemless operation
Low Points
- Lackluster mileage (for a Hybrid)
- Costly (the Hybrid trim is comparable to an Accord EX V6 with leather)
- No Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offered (at the expense of economy)
Performance and Handling
Most of the weight of the hybrid system is over the front wheels. Honda has adjusted the Accords suspension to compensate for this additional weight. The front springs and dampers were given a slightly firmer rate, even though these changes are difficult to notice from driving a regular V6 powered Accord. The electric motors ability to provide 90 percent of its 100 lb-ft peak torque at lest than 4,000 rpm, has notable effect on the feeling you get when you plant the accelerator pedal. Slightly wider tires do not aid traction but, do aid in the economy effort.
The Integrated Motor Assist IMA acts as both a generator (for the battery pack) and a power booster. It captures wasted heat energy caused from braking and stores it as electricity in the small nickel-metal hydride battery pack. When you call for more power (by pressing down on the accelerator pedal), the electric motor (mounted between the gasoline engine and the five-speed automatic transmission) provides its 16 hp and 100 lbs-ft of torque.
The low rolling resistance tires clearly point to economy but seem out of place with the performance offered in the Accord Hybrid. They have difficulty providing traction on wet roads. Torque steer, combined with a switch to an electric power assist makes for numb steering. Performance minded drivers will be let down.
Gas Mileage
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Trim |
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FWD Automatic |
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Engine |
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3.0L V-6 w/IMA |
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MPG (City/Highway) |
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25/34 |
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Safety
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- 4 wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
- Front, dual stage airbags (SRS)
- Front side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSA®)
- 5 Star National Highway Traffic Safety Agency NHTSA crash test rating
Reliability and Maintenance
Interior and Comforts
Leather-trimmed heated seats, climate control, Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and side curtain airbags are all standard. The Accord Hybrid also has extra noise-damping equipment, to combat the intrusions from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) powerplant.
The only option on the Honda Accord Hybrid is a touch-screen satellite-linked navigation system. It offers voice-operated commands, just like in the Acura TSX. One switch left blank is that for the power glass sunroof (on Accord EX V6). This item was stripped from the options list, to help kept the curb weight down.
Exterior
Honda has kept the Accord Hybrid understanded and uncluttered in the styling department. This is "par for the course" in terms of Honda and body styling. This is not to say that the car is unattractive. Truth is, the Honda Accord Hybrid is virtually indistinguishable from a conventional V6 Honda Accord sedan, something many buyers could find appealing. Detailing on the Accord Hybrid is limited to a hybrid badge, unique wheels, trunk-mounted lip-spoiler and tailights. Adding up all these aerodynamic aids, the lightweight alloy wheels, lip-spoiler, front diffuser and whip antenna, the reduction in coefficient of drag (Cd) drops from 0.30 to 0.29. That little reduction is good enough to slim highway fuel consumption by 5 percent.
Styles and Options
The Honda Accord Hybrid comes in one four door sedan bodystyle. The only option remains a satellite-linked navigation system ($2000).
