Never mind the fact that it's the quickest Accord sedan in production, shaving a half second off its 0-100 km/h time of just seven and a half

Seeing the tailpipes and lights of this one will be an increasingly popular sight. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

seconds. It's only edged out by the more powerful, six-speed manual EX-V6 Coupe, but still, seeing the tailpipes and lights of this one will be an increasingly popular sight.

As you know, batteries and densely coiled wire aren't light, the IMA system, components amassed together weighs approximately 129 kg (285 lbs). With excess weight being the mortal enemy to performance machines and fuel-savers alike, Honda's engineers cleverly pared out weight by sorting through its material parts list. Amazingly, two thirds of this mass has been negated by revisions elsewhere in the car. Lightweight aluminum is used on the hood, the bumper beams, suspension components, wheels and non-supporting components of the chassis, not to mention a few nips and tucks that reduce weight elsewhere. All in all, the Hybrid weighs about 54 kg (120 lbs) more than a regular automatic V6 Accord for a curb weight of 1,599 kg (3,525 lbs).

In the week when the Accord Hybrid was in my possession, I made a quick road trip down to Detroit, Michigan. Essentially a non-stop journey, the Accord Hybrid was an effective long-distance cruiser, swallowing highway

This Accord looks no different than any other plain-clothes model; the changes made are even subtler than that of the Civic Hybrid. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

mileage without guzzling gas. The entire trip, including mulling about in Ann Arbor, a total of close to 1,400 km of driving used a tank and a quarter. The proof really is in the pudding; hybrid technology has very useful applications in areas you'd have never thought.

While the Accord remains a popular choice with Americans, fending off other sedans challenging it for first place, I didn't spot a single hybrid model on the trip, but then again, there's nothing eye-catching to help. This Accord looks no different than any other plain-clothes model; the changes made are even subtler than that of the Civic Hybrid. Mods are limited to a decklid spoiler, aero antenna, charcoal-coloured grille, and larger but more aerodynamic 215/60 R 16 wheels. The biggest clue is still the Hybrid badge, but you'll have to squint to see it. At the same time, the plain-Jane black Accord didn't attract any unwanted attention too. With the upcoming 2006 facelift, expected to arrive early next year, the Hybrid will most likely become even more inconspicuous.