And the verdict please
The Accord Hybrid is an impressive example of how good cars can be made even better; better for the pocketbook and better for our precious, at-risk planet. It's too bad that choosing what's good generally costs more. In the case of the Accord, a loaded hybrid (which is the only way it comes at present) will add nearly $4,000 to an equivalent non-hybrid model; that's in spite of heavy subsidization by the industry. Irrespective of the numbers, doing the right thing can be "priceless."
I enjoyed this week's tester immensely. Honda has breathed a little more life into the Accord while elevating its efficiency and retaining its operational spit and polish. Given the vehicle's size and power output, I found it economical to operate.
I must say though, with so much fuel-saving technology onboard, I expected slightly better fuel economy than 9.4 litres per 100K, even taking into account my heavy foot and perpetual city driving. Nevertheless, that's significantly better than the 11.5 litres per 100K that Honda rates its conventional V6-powered Accord at when it comes to city driving.
While I watch the pump price increase on a near-daily basis, two or so fewer litres consumed for every hundred kilometres of motoring takes on greater meaning. Hybrid ownership is making more and more sense--and the Accord Hybrid is a fine example of that important technology.
Highly refined hybrid drivetrain
Ultra-low emissions
All the goodness of an Accord and more
Attractive fuel economy
Slight shudder upon engine activation
Unable to propel on electrical output alone
None
photo:Rob Rothwell
The Accord Hybrid is an impressive example of how good cars can be made even better; better for the pocketbook and better for our precious, at-risk planet. It's too bad that choosing what's good generally costs more. In the case of the Accord, a loaded hybrid (which is the only way it comes at present) will add nearly $4,000 to an equivalent non-hybrid model; that's in spite of heavy subsidization by the industry. Irrespective of the numbers, doing the right thing can be "priceless."
 |
| The Accord Hybrid: A good car made better for a $4,000 premium. |
I enjoyed this week's tester immensely. Honda has breathed a little more life into the Accord while elevating its efficiency and retaining its operational spit and polish. Given the vehicle's size and power output, I found it economical to operate.
I must say though, with so much fuel-saving technology onboard, I expected slightly better fuel economy than 9.4 litres per 100K, even taking into account my heavy foot and perpetual city driving. Nevertheless, that's significantly better than the 11.5 litres per 100K that Honda rates its conventional V6-powered Accord at when it comes to city driving.
While I watch the pump price increase on a near-daily basis, two or so fewer litres consumed for every hundred kilometres of motoring takes on greater meaning. Hybrid ownership is making more and more sense--and the Accord Hybrid is a fine example of that important technology.
 |
Ultra-low emissions
All the goodness of an Accord and more
Attractive fuel economy
 |
Slight shudder upon engine activation
Unable to propel on electrical output alone
 |
None
photo:Rob Rothwell
Article Gallery