Under braking and coasting, the IMA system also works as a generator to recharge a 144 volt battery pack that's comprised of 120 Sanyo

Under braking and coasting, the IMA system also works as a generator to recharge 144 volt battery pack that's comprised of 120 Sanyo Nickel-Metal Hydride cells. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Nickel-Metal Hydride cells. While hybrids haven't been around long enough to call this system 'age old', its standard fit in all hybrid vehicles. Innovation in this department comes in the form of improved efficiency; the Accord Hybrid posts a segment-leading 95.2 percent regenerating efficiency, increased from the Civic's 93.5 percent. Aside from a slightly grabby brake pedal which starts the process, this is yet another one of the many non-intrusive features of the IMA hybrid system.

The Accord's IMA system, in combination with yet more economy-minded tailoring, makes for some eyebrow-raising math. Take for example the city rating, which is 7.9 L/100 km; 25 percent of the reduced figure can be accounted for by the Idle-Stop system. Cylinder-deactivation lops off another 15 percent from the city figure, and a massive 57 percent when cruising on the highway, which is an impressive 5.9 L/100 km. When adding up all the aerodynamic-minded

When adding up all the aerodynamic-minded additions like the wheels, spoiler and antenna, the 0.30 to 0.29 Cd helps slim fuel consumption by 5 percent on the highway. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

additions like the wheels, spoiler and antenna, the 0.30 to 0.29 Cd helps slim fuel consumption by 5 percent on the highway.

As the majority of the weight of the hybrid system is over the front wheels, Honda has adjusted the Accord's suspension, well... accordingly. Mildly upgraded are the springs and dampers which are given a slightly firmer rating to compensate, but the changes are difficult to notice, feeling mostly the same. With the electric motor's ability to provide 90 percent of its 100 lb-ft peak torque at lest than 4,000 rpm, there is a notable effect on the front wheels. Slightly wider tires attempt to assist, but the economy-built tires have difficulty coping, particularly in the wet. Torque steer, something unusual to hear in Accord sedans tugs away in corners, another unusual trait not normally found in Accords. Meanwhile, a switch to an electric power assist makes for light if not numb steering.