Inside, you'll have to know exactly what you're looking for to spot any major differences. The standard gauges and instrumentation are slightly

Here, Honda's engineers have taken a regular, well-established motor and have improved it with new technologies in the quest of reducing fuel consumption. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

rearranged, but for the most part stay the same, aside from the green central IMA logo. Instead, the hybrid's lifeline is read out through a set of tiny, minimized LEDs. Where in the Civic and Insight, one third of the instrumentation informs the driver, the Charge/Assist function is displayed horizontally. The battery's overall state is displayed in an undersized LED stack, overshadowed by the easy to read electroluminescent gauges.

Where all past Honda hybrids have used purpose-built engines for maximizing fuel consumption, the Accord's ethos is a bit different. Here, Honda's engineers have taken a regular, well-established motor and have improved it with new technologies in the quest of reducing fuel consumption. This time, the motor in question is Honda's 3.0-litre V6 engine which is an Accord specialty. Power is definitely not lacking in this

When the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) is operating, a little 'Eco' light shines green in the bottom quarter of the instrument panel. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

hybrid, the gas motor is triple the size of the Insight's and with 230-hp and 217 lb-ft of torque only larger sport utility-based hybrids offer more power.

But add the term "hybrid" and expect the unexpected, even in unrelated areas; even the staple 3.0-litre V6 hasn't been overlooked. Added to this motor is the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) cylinder deactivation system that effectively 'shuts off' the rear bank of the engine. On the rearmost three cylinders, the valves (but not the spark plugs) are deactivated under light loads or when coasting. When it's operating, a little 'Eco' light shines green in the bottom quarters of the instrument panel. At a constant speed of 100 km/h, it's easy to keep the sign constantly lit, however, at higher speeds - 120 - 130 km/h, encountering foothills or passing boots the other three cylinders back to life, to help maintain a constant pace.