A Review of the Honda Accord Hybrid April 2005

Accord Hybrid a remarkable piece of magic
Acceleration, power without the gas bill

I have seen the near future and it works. The eco-friendly gas-electric powered Honda Accord Hybrid sedan is undoubtedly the new benchmark for a technology that should serve us well in the near future, until replaced by the promising zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell in five years or so -- he said optimistically.

If you were led blindfold into the driver's seat and handed the keys I doubt -- once the blind is removed -- that you would notice any difference between this version and its purely gas-powered V6 sibling. Interestingly, it actually has more horses and is faster off the mark.

But the real story is the miserly fuel consumption: The Hybrid's fuel economy for city driving is almost 30-per-cent better than that offered by the regular V6. And if that doesn't impress, consider this: The Hybrid stops for gas fewer times than the 2.4-litre model, which is about 20-per-cent thirstier. Over the same distance, it even consumes a spoonful or two less than its smaller cousin, the 1.7-litre Civic.

A similarly equipped regular V6 model will set you back around $33,600, but you will pay a premium of about $3,330 for the green machine.

The new B.C. $2,000 tax credit against the PST will reduce that premium considerably, but for most drivers, that mark up will still take a few years to retrieve through decreased gas bills. However, skyrocketing fuel prices are shortening the amortization period considerably.

How does the hybrid engine work? Who cares? Well, bear with me for a few paragraphs of A Simpleton's Guide to Honda Hybrid Techno Wizardry, because it is awe-inspiring.

Firstly, behold the world's first V6-powered hybrid vehicle. It uses Honda's third-generation Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system in combination with Variable Cylinder Management.

Simply put, the high-output, electric motor contributes a bunch more power to the V6 engine during hard acceleration and recaptures energy generated during deceleration and braking, which it stores in the battery pack.

When cruising at steady speeds where less engine power is required, the VCM deactivates the V6 engine's rear bank of three cylinders to reduce fuel consumption.

During slight acceleration while cruising -- passing the wiener who won't move over -- the electric motor supplies that little extra needed, without the other cylinders kicking back in.

When coming to a stop, the engine cuts out at speeds below 16 km/h to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. When the brake pedal is released, the gas engine fires up . . . gently.

THE DRIVE:

On the highway, this car has all the power you need - 255 horses compared with 240 for the regular V6.

I defy you to notice the transition from six to three cylinders at cruising speed and the seamless transition back to the full six when necessary.

Part of this is due, not to the feel, but the sound during the switch, or lack thereof. Active Noise Control reduces the booming sound created inside engines with cylinder deactivation.

It uses microphones in the cabin to monitor the low-frequency "booming" noise, then sends a counter-cycled sound wave through the audio system that cancels the boom. Magic.

By the way, the five-speed auto transmission is as smooth as silk.

In town, this is a very quick motor. The engine cutout is a bit eerie initially, but you soon get used to it.

THE LOOKS:

Other than what's under the hood, there's not much more than the badge to make it look different from the regular Accord. Closer inspection reveals a rear deck lid spoiler and specially designed alloy wheels, both contributing to improved aerodynamics.

THE INSIDE:

Inside offers more clues to the differences: The instrument panel incorporates a display showing the state of the IMA battery charge, the level of electric motor assist or charge, and a light to indicate when the car is in stop mode. The novelty of observing the aforementioned soon wears off and the silence of the engine is a quicker clue to whether or not you are in the stop mode!

There is also an "ECO" light to indicate that the vehicle is achieving a high level of fuel economy and the VCM is operating in three-cylinder mode. Whoop-de-doo. For me, the better indicator is the need to stop at fewer gas stations.

The Hybrid also comes equipped with a high level of premium features and equipment including leather interior, dual zone automatic hybrid climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, and six-disc CD changer.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

On the safety front, it has dual front and side air bags, first and second-row side-curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and a Traction Control System.

New is the car's Instant Mobility System, which replaces a traditional spare tire with a flat-tire repair kit. That's a fancy name for a modern version of a good-old fashioned flat-repair kit featuring a super-sealant. The elimination of a spare tire provides an extra covered storage compartment within the car's trunk.

THE SCORE:

This car delivers amazing fuel savings and a performance that outpaces most of its V6 rivals.

Read more about getting more out of a hybrid vehicle in Keith Morgan's Driving Concerns column on Friday in Driving.

kmorgan@png.canwest.com

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THE SPECS: 2005 HONDA ACCORD HYBRID

Trim levels: One

Sticker price: $36,990

Power: 3.0-litre, 255-h.p. V6, with VCM and IMA electric motor

Transmission: Modified five-speed automatic

Fuel consumption: 7.9/5.9 L/100 km (city/highway)

Basic warranty: Three years/60,000 km

Powertrain: Five years/100,000 km

Rust: Five years /unlimited km

SOURCE: Canada.com

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