SASKATOONEXPRESS - December 16-22, 2013 - Page 19
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The last time Honda made a hybrid this impressive was more than a decade ago with the original Insight.
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also beats out both the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima hybrid models that are rated at 5.4/4.9. The secret to the Accord Hybrid is what Honda calls its Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive, or i-MMD. The system consists of two electric motors that are serviced by a lithium-ion battery pack plus a 141-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. One 166-horsepower electric motor serves as the Accord’s primary powerplant and principally drives the front wheels, while the other motor acts as a fixed-ratio direct-drive continuously variable transmission (referred to by Honda as an e-CVT). The gasoline engine functions exclusively as a generator for much of the time (sort of like the Chevrolet Volt) by supplying power to the drive motor as well as helping to recharge the batteries. But at cruising speeds above 70 km-h, it seamlessly connects to drive the front wheels, with or without electric-motor assist, depending on the load (accelerating and or heading uphill). In these instances, the system’s 195 net total horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque come into play. The reason the Accord’s city fuel economy is so impressive is that at speeds below 70 km-h, and under light-load conditions, only the electric drive motor is functioning to power the front wheels, or while the batteries have sufficient juice. The entire drivetrain is cradled in a weight-saving
What you should know
all-aluminum sub-frame that replaces the steel and aluminum one installed in regular Accords. Additionally, an aluminum rear bumper beam replaces the steel version. The weight savings help partially offset the battery pack that’s packaged behind the rear seat and reduces trunk space by about 25 per cent. Visually, the Accord Hybrid lacks the more radically different nose that has been assigned to its Plug In counterpart, but it does feature a blue-accented grille, headlights and running lights, plus unique 17-inch wheels. The taillights are also blue-accented and a trunk spoiler and special lower body panel improve vehicle aerodynamics (to help reduce fuel consumption) Accord Hybrid pricing begins at $31,300, including destination charges for the base model, which includes a wide assortment of content. The Touring trim level adds forward collision and lane departure warning safety systems, moonroof and a premium sound package along with LED headlights, adaptive cruise control (which keeps you following at a safe distance) and a navigation system. Without question Honda has become a technological leader in gasoline-electric propulsion. Whether the company can trade on the Accord’s already rousing success and convert new buyers would seem to be a foregone conclusion. Why? It’s the hybrid that everyone knew Honda could build.
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
Type Four-door, front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan Engines (hp) 2.0-litre DOHC I4 (141) and a 166-horsepower electric motor (195, net) Transmission Continuously variable Market position Honda’s first full hybrid models (both regular and plug-in) have allowed the automaker to catch up, and
possibly surpass its mid-size sedan competition in terms of technological achievement and fuel efficiency.
By MALCOLM GUNN
w w w. w h e e l b a s e m e d i a . c o m
W
hen a new hybrid sedan is called for, it appears that Honda is finally prepared to step up and deliver. But instead of just one version of the Accord, there are two to consider: the Accord Plug-In that might possibly come to Canada (it’s now available stateside); and another with less battery juice that you don’t plug in. Both hybrids can operate on battery or gasoline power independently or together in combination. It’s the type of system commonly used in the Toyota Camry,
Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima duo. Up to now for Honda, the electric motor operated only in tandem with the gas engine (referred to as a partial or mild hybrid). That makes for good, but not exactly leading-edge fuel economy, and Honda has come up short in challenging Toyota and others for its rightful share of the expanding hybrid market Until now, that is. Honda claims it has leap-frogged the pack with a class-leading 3.7 l/100 km in the city and 4.0 on the highway. The top-selling Toyota Camry Hybrid is rated at 4.5/4.9 and the Ford Fusion at 4.0/4.1. The Accord
Points
☛ Advanced
Safety
Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.
hybrid design allows a wide window for electric-only propulsion. ☛ Impressive fuel-economy numbers if they can actually be achieved in real-world driving conditions. ☛ Too bad Hybrid doesn’t share Plug In’s more expressive grille accents. ☛ Well equipped, even in base trim. ☛ Will the technology spread to other Honda models?
L/100 km (city/hwy): 3.7/4.0
Base price (incl. destination): $31,300
By comparison Ford Fusion hybrid
Base price: $30,400 Attractive, well-priced and efficient models, including plug-in hybrid.
Toyota Camry hybrid
Base price: $29,500 Popular sedan has proven technology, reliability on its side.
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You Could WIN a
2014 TUNDRA 5.7L V8 4X4 Double Cab±
Completely Redesigned For 2014
Kia Optima hybrid
Base price: $31,750 Upstart model uses a six-speed automatic to earn impressive mpg numbers.
Bring a non-perishable food donation into your Saskatchewan Toyota dealer between December 3rd and January 7th for a chance to win.
winatundra.ca
| IIHS Top Safety Pick*
The best-selling car in the world just got better. With a sporty new look, tons of new and innovative standard features, and award-winning safety, the 2014 Corolla is the smart choice for smart Prairie drivers.
2014 COROLLA CE A/C PACKAGE – WELL EQUIPPED
89 2.9
$
†
SEMIMONTHLY STRETCH LEASE
%
FOR 64 MONTHS APR
ONLY $2,399 DOWN PAYMENT $20,088 MSRP INCLUDES $1,788 FREIGHT & DELIVERY, PDI & BLOCK HEATER
Lease, finance plans, cash incentives & promotions from Toyota Financial Services (TFS) OAC for qualified retail customers on select new unregistered Toyota models sold and delivered between December 3, 2013 & January 2, 2014. Lease a 2014 Corolla CE A/C Package (BURCEP BA) model only: for †$89 semi-monthly with $2,399 down payment. Security deposit is waived. Based on vehicle price of $20,088 and 2.9% lease APR. Total lease obligation is $13,702; lease end value is $8,321. Lease End Value is for Personal Use Only. In addition, Dealer Lease End Option Fee of $300 will be added. Example based on 64-month (includes 4-month Stretch Lease extension period) walk-away lease with 112,500 km. Additional km are not available for the 4-month extension period. MSRP includes a maximum of $1,788 for freight and delivery, block heater charge and air conditioning tax, and excludes license, insurance, PPSA, registration fees and all other taxes and levies. If km are exceeded, additional km charge of $0.07/km will apply. First semi-monthly payment due at lease inception and next monthly payment due approximately 15 days later and semi-monthly thereafter throughout the term. Toyota Financial Services will waive the final payment. Semi-monthly lease offer can be combined with most other offers excluding the First Payment Free and Encore offers. Down payment or equivalent trade, lien registration fee and applicable taxes are due on delivery. Dealer may sell for less. See your participating Saskatchewan Toyota dealer for details. All offers subject to exclusions and may change without notice. Some conditions apply. ±Enter by no later than 11:59:59 PM MST on January 7, 2014. Prize may not be exactly as shown. Some conditions apply. No purchase or donation required. Skill testing question required. One (1) Grand Prize (model number: UY5F1T A), approximate retail value: $38,880 plus tax. Must be a resident of the Prairie Zone (as defined by Toyota Canada Inc.) and over age of majority with a valid driver’s licence. See www.winatundra.ca for details and complete contest rules and regulations. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. A maximum of 75,000 unique PIN codes will be available. S model shown. *IIHS.org.