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.

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.

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.

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.

The Accord Hybrid comes equipped with a leather interior with heated front seats, dual zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver's seat, XM(R) Satellite Radio(R) (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.

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.