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Automobile October
29 , 2002 |
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Honda Hybrids Outdistance Competition In 2003 Fuel Economy Ratings
All-New Accord Also Best In Class |
TORRANCE,
Calif., October 29, 2002 --- The Honda Insight leads the automotive pack as the most fuel-efficient vehicle
sold in America as Honda gasoline-electric powered hybrid models claimed four
of the top five spots in the U.S Department of Energy's "Fuel Economy Guide for
Model Year 2003" report released today. In addition, the all-new 2003 Honda Accord
earned the title of most fuel-efficient in the "Midsize Cars" category.
The Honda Insight, equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, earned estimated
fuel economy ratings of 61mpg city and 68 mpg highway according to the U.S. Department
of Energy. The Insight with an advanced automatic continuously variable transmission
(CVT) earned an EPA rating of 57 mpg city and 56 mpg highway.
The Insights were joined in the top five by the Civic Hybrid, which went on sale
in March. The Civic Hybrid with an automatic CVT earned an EPA city / highway
ratings of 48/47 mpg and 46/51 when equipped with a 5-speed manual
transmission.
Honda's exclusive Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system used in both the
Insight and Civic combines a lightweight gasoline engine with a thin, lightweight
electric motor for enhanced efficiency and additional power when needed. The IMA
system automatically recharges its battery pack and never needs to be "plugged
in" for recharging.
The all-new Accord, outfitted with a 5-speed manual transmission and 2.4-liter,
4-cylinder engine, increased fuel economy to an EPA estimated 26 mpg city and
34 mpg highway, from 26/32 in 2002, to top the midsize class. For 2003, the Accord
underwent the most dramatic change in its 27-year history and boasts a larger
4-cylinder engine with 7 percent more horsepower and 6 percent more torque, as
well as class-leading low emissions levels.
For the first time, the mileage guide also contains a category for fuel cell vehicles.
The Honda FCX is the lone entry as the only fuel cell vehicle certified by the
EPA. Mileage figures are pending. |
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