Comparatively speaking, there are even fewer sacrifices to be made with the Accord Hybrid as opposed to other hybrids. In fact, it

Comparatively speaking, there are even fewer sacrifices to be made with the Accord Hybrid as opposed to other hybrids. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

felt nearly identical to a regular Accord, which I have also driven. As was mentioned, there are no major noise or comfort penalties detectable, and there's certainly no loss of power. If any, the differences are minor and convenience-related. The rear arm rest doesn't have the pass-thru feature of regular Accords and you lose about 19% of storage space as the battery is mounted directly to the rear seatback. Also hope that you don't have any sidewall punctures, as there's no spare tire. Instead you get a much lighter and compact can of sealant.

Even if gas hit over $2.00 per litre, it would take a few year's worth of driving to recoup the extra $3,390 it takes to purchase the Hybrid version over the EX-V6, but there's much more going for this Hybrid than just excellent fuel economy, or a sense of satisfaction for purchasing a vehicle that's less wasteful on resources. On top of these attributes, this is the only family sedan that delivers sought-after extras like additional performance and luxury while minimizing the hybrid's impact on refinement and drivability. Foreseeable, this is the finest hybrid from Honda, until the technology infiltrates the Acura brand name. But, for the time well-being, consider the Accord Hybrid as self-rewarding, and its purpose becomes crystal-clear: save the planet - and be really comfortable while doing it.


Specifications (Accord V6 Hybrid):

Price Range (MSRP): $36,990
Price as Tested (MSRP): $36,990
Body Type: 4-door sedan
Layout: front engine, FWD
Gasoline Engine: 240 hp, 217 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L, 24-valve SOHC V6
Electric Motor: 16 hp, 100 lb-ft of torque, 13.8 kW AC Permanent Magnet
Engine (combined): 255-hp, 232 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L, 24-valve SOHC V6 Gasoline-Electric Hybrid
Transmission: 5-spd auto
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,813 / 1,814 / 1,449 / 2,740 mm (189.5 / 71.4 / 57.0 / 107.9 in)
Curb Weight: 1599 kg (3525 lbs)
Tires: 215/60R16
Trunk: 317 L (11.2 cu ft)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 7.9 / 5.9 L/100 km
Observed Fuel Economy: 6.7 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive, 60/100,000 powertrain
Competitors: Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius, VW Passat TDI
Website: www.honda.ca