Honda Announces Pricing for Redesigned 2006 Accord Hybrid [2.1.6]

[T Mac]

Honda Announces Pricing for Redesigned 2006 Accord Hybrid

High performance hybrid provides lower emissions with new features and additional refinement for 2006

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2006 – The redesigned 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid is debuting at dealerships nationwide with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $30,990, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Accord Hybrid receives an extensive face lift for 2006 as well as a host of new features and enhancements, highlighted by a better emissions rating (now AT-PZEV/Tier-2 bin2, previously ULEV-2/Tier-2 bin5), new exterior and interior styling, a power moonroof and more.
Now in its second year, the Accord Hybrid gains the same improvements as all 2006 Accords and more exclusive features that help to further differentiate it from other Accord models. Additionally, several new standard features have been added including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and a temporary-use spare tire.
The Accord Hybrid utilizes Honda’s third-generation of the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system in combination with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology to deliver high levels of fuel efficiency for a V6 engine – on par with a 4-cylinder mid-size sedan – along with highly responsive and powerful V6 performance. The 3.0-liter V6 engine with IMA is rated at 253 horsepower (SAE net rev. 8/04*) and achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25/34 city/highway miles per gallon.
“We’ve listened to our customers and added the features they told us they wanted,” said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. “The Accord Hybrid is unique in that it delivers performance and environmental responsibility without compromising one for the other.”

Safety for Everyone
In keeping with Honda's industry-leading 'Safety for Everyone' initiative, all Accord Hybrids also come equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features including dual-stage, dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Like all V6-equipped Accords, the Accord Hybrid receives Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) for the 2006 model year.

Exclusive Exterior
New for 2006, the exterior of the Accord Hybrid has several enhancements that further distinguish it from other Accords. A rear deck lid spoiler and specially-designed alloy wheels are unique to Accord Hybrid and contribute to its improved aerodynamic performance. Other unique features include heated side mirrors with built-in turn signals, antenna, and an exclusive taillight design with an upper clear lens.
Two exclusive exterior colors are available: Silver Frost Metallic and Premium White Pearl.

Premium Interior
The Accord Hybrid comes equipped with a high level of premium features and equipment including a leather interior with heated front seats, dual zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver's seat, XM® Satellite Radio® (includes free activation and 3 months free service, excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and a 6-disc CD changer. New for 2006, a power moonroof is standard equipment on all Accord Hybrids. The Accord Hybrid's instrument panel incorporates an exclusive meter display that shows key operating indicators of the IMA system, including the state of the IMA battery charge, the level of IMA motor assist or regeneration, and a light to indicate Idle Stop mode. An "ECO" light indicates when the vehicle is achieving a high level of fuel economy.

Lightweight and Efficient Construction
To assist with overall fuel efficiency and maintain precise and responsive handling, the Accord Hybrid utilizes a number of exclusive weight saving features including a lightweight aluminum hood and bumper beams (front and rear), along with a magnesium engine head cover and dual-stage intake manifold. Other fuel saving features include an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system and an efficient dual scroll "hybrid" air conditioning compressor.

High Performance Hybrid Powertrain
The 3.0-liter V6 engine with IMA is rated at 253 horsepower (SAE net rev. 8/04*), which is 9 more horsepower than the gasoline-only 3.0-liter V6 Accord and 87 more horsepower than a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Accord. Meanwhile, the Accord Hybrid’s EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/34 miles per gallon city/highway is similar to a 4-cylinder Accord and 5 miles per gallon better in both city and highway driving than the gasoline-only V6 Accord. In addition to being the most powerful and fuel efficient Accord available, the Accord Hybrid also has the added distinction of being among the cleanest Accords ever, achieving California Air Resources Board AT-PZEV certification and EPA Tier-2 bin2 certification.
The Accord Hybrid produces 253 horsepower* at 6000 rpm and 232 lb-ft. of torque* at 5000 rpm. The IMA system's 12-kilowatt, high-output, electric motor contributes torque during hard acceleration and recaptures kinetic energy generated during deceleration and braking for storage in the advanced nickel-metal hydride battery pack. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Pricing Details
Pricing starts at $30,990 for the Accord Hybrid. Models equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation have a suggested retail price of $32,290. Destination and handling charges for all 2006 Honda vehicles are $550.

[denvrfan]

Just pulled up Honda's web site. Subtle styling changes to be sure. However, love the side mirrors with the integrated turn signals. And it looks like you can get a sunroof now. I believe the first generation did not have this feature due to the efforts to keep the curb weight down to help with gas mileage. With the changes, maybe we'll start seeing some on the road. Accord Hybrid sightings are few and far between.