Technical
The Accord Hybrid is delivered with only one engine. It begins with the SOHC 3.0L V6 which receives Honda's i-VTEC system. It is also equipped a variable cylinder management (VCM) program that deactivates 3 of the 6 cylinders when cruising at a constant speed. Added to it is a DC brushless type electric motor which develops just over 18 hp called Integrated Motor Assist. Together, they combine to put out 255 hp at 6 000 rpm and an interesting 232 lb/ft of torque at 5 000 rpm. They are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Steering duties are handled by a speed sensitive, electric variable power assisted rack and pinion. 4-wheel disc brakes do the stopping and a fully independent suspension works the corners.
The IMA system works in a fairly simple manner. Basically, when normally
taking off from a stop light or sign, only the gasoline engine will motivate the car. The moment more power is required as the gas pedal is depressed, the electric motor will provide supplemental assistance. In ordinary driving conditions, the gas engine functions on its own. Also, while cruising, the VCM system will shut off half of the cylinders. The only way to know that this is happening is by noticing the small green "ECO" indicator light up. When slowing down, the electric motor actually becomes a generator by recuperating kinetic energy; this could also be called regenerative braking. Once at a stop, the engine will automatically shut itself off.
On the road
The power from the IMA Hybrid powerplant is impressive. Thanks to the electric motor, the extra 20 lb/ft of torque over the regular 3.0L V6 are felt immediately. The car pulls quite hard from a standstill and will do so up to the redline. This iteration of the Hybrid engine is nothing like that of the Civic. Where the compact car is penalized by a reduced output, the Accord flies in front of the regular engine equipped Accord. The real beauty is that this extra power comes with the benefit of a lower thirst for fuel. I managed an average of 10.5L per 100 km. This number could easily drop to 9L or less in normal day-to-day driving.
The Auto Stop mode is a great idea to reduce fuel intake. What often occurred during the test is that the engine would shut off before the Accord would come to a full stop. What happens at this point is that braking assistance changes and more attention is required by the driver.
Similarly, if acceleration is required after slowing down for a red light that turns green, the Auto Stop mode will cause a slight jerk when the gas pedal is applied.
The ride is very satisfactory. It is controlled and very composed, even over rough roads. The car feels genuinely planted to the road, like the Coupe, although the drive is smoother. The fact that the Hybrid is shod with 16" wheels as opposed to 17s like the Coupe is a major factor.
The electrically assisted power steering is nice with a good weight and precision however it lacks the feedback of the Volkswagen Jetta's electromechanical steering by comparison. The brake pedal is firm, provides good response as the callipers clamp down firmly on the discs.
Safety
The Hybrid has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal impact and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the front passengers and 5 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category in frontal impacts and is rated "Good" in lateral impacts with side air bags.
The Accord Hybrid is delivered with only one engine. It begins with the SOHC 3.0L V6 which receives Honda's i-VTEC system. It is also equipped a variable cylinder management (VCM) program that deactivates 3 of the 6 cylinders when cruising at a constant speed. Added to it is a DC brushless type electric motor which develops just over 18 hp called Integrated Motor Assist. Together, they combine to put out 255 hp at 6 000 rpm and an interesting 232 lb/ft of torque at 5 000 rpm. They are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Steering duties are handled by a speed sensitive, electric variable power assisted rack and pinion. 4-wheel disc brakes do the stopping and a fully independent suspension works the corners.
The IMA system works in a fairly simple manner. Basically, when normally
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On the road
The power from the IMA Hybrid powerplant is impressive. Thanks to the electric motor, the extra 20 lb/ft of torque over the regular 3.0L V6 are felt immediately. The car pulls quite hard from a standstill and will do so up to the redline. This iteration of the Hybrid engine is nothing like that of the Civic. Where the compact car is penalized by a reduced output, the Accord flies in front of the regular engine equipped Accord. The real beauty is that this extra power comes with the benefit of a lower thirst for fuel. I managed an average of 10.5L per 100 km. This number could easily drop to 9L or less in normal day-to-day driving.
The Auto Stop mode is a great idea to reduce fuel intake. What often occurred during the test is that the engine would shut off before the Accord would come to a full stop. What happens at this point is that braking assistance changes and more attention is required by the driver.
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The ride is very satisfactory. It is controlled and very composed, even over rough roads. The car feels genuinely planted to the road, like the Coupe, although the drive is smoother. The fact that the Hybrid is shod with 16" wheels as opposed to 17s like the Coupe is a major factor.
The electrically assisted power steering is nice with a good weight and precision however it lacks the feedback of the Volkswagen Jetta's electromechanical steering by comparison. The brake pedal is firm, provides good response as the callipers clamp down firmly on the discs.
Safety
The Hybrid has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal impact and 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the front passengers and 5 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category in frontal impacts and is rated "Good" in lateral impacts with side air bags.