My boyfriend works for Honda's corporate office and is circulated through a new Honda or Acura each week as his company car. He came home with the new Accord Hybrid last night and we took it for a cruise.

This car out-accelerates my 6MT 8, and it's an automatic. Of course, 255 HP helps. That electric motor assist really dumps in a shot of torque right when you need it! So, fellow RX-8 drivers, do not accept any stoplight challenges from little old ladies driving Accord Hybrids, ok? You'll get spanked.

Starting the car is a very quiet procedure -- the electric assist motor acts as the starter, so there's no "cranking" -- the engine just purrs to life. The cabin is scarily quiet while driving, even though the V6 shuts down three of the cylinders once you reach cruise speed, and at idle the gasoline engine shuts down completely until you move again. There's a very cool little graphic indicator below the speedo that lets you know when the electric motor is recharging (like when you're coasting downhill). Leather seats, Dual zone climate control and XM satellite radio are included.

I'm just bedazzled by the technology in this vehicle - and yet it still remains the friendly, unintimidating Accord we all know and ... appreciate. Honda has a huge hit with this one, I'm predicting -- especially if Hybrid owners get the OK from the state of California to drive solo in the carpool lanes. By the way: EPA estimated CITY gas mileage is 30mpg, and 37mpg highway.... with 255 HP. Tough to beat.

Here's a link for more info: http://automobiles.honda.com/info/ne...=Accord+Hybrid

 

That sounds pretty nice. How does it handle? Also, what's the slated price?