Honda Accord Hybrid
I tried the Honda Accord V-6 Hybrid the other night.
Very strong acceleration, well beyond needs. What was cool: -stop at a light, engine shut off; let go of brake, engine starts smoothly and immediately. -cruise at 120 km/h, three cylinders shut off (little light on dash "ECO" turns on). -let off gas during cruise and you could feel the electic motor "drag" as it generated electricity for the battery. -apply brakes, and even more energy was diverted to the motor/generator. (There's a little meter bar that shows when the battery is discharging or recharging) What was not cool: - automatic transmission - ... and not so well programmed at that - 3 litre engine - no fold down rear seats (the battery is there) - 253 total HP.... what's economical about that? - does not qualify for the Quebec hybrid rebate (misses the mileage goal) -stopped the car in "D", engine stops. Shifted to "P" and the engine started up again. Should have remained off, IMO. I guess it's the way this is mechanized that allowed the engine to restart. - price ($39,400 in Canada, $31,000 in the US). The CAD $ is running 89 - 90 cents these days... I could probably talk them down a couple K on the car; and up a couple K on the trade in, but it's still not worth it to me. I take it that they put in a 6 banger in order to get 3 cylinder cruise on the highway, and that this might not have worked well with a 4 banger. Why not a 5 banger? Why not a smaller displacement 6 banger? I simply can't believe that a Honda Accord really needs 200 HP, never minf 253 with the assist. Any Canadians here who can explain the price differential (US / CAD) that is way beyond the exchange rate? Cheers, Alan FreeLunch. |
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