Your 52 MPG Accord Is On Its Way

By Matthew Keegan

The 2008 Honda Accord has arrived and with this next generation model buyers are finding a car that is bigger and wider than any previous Accord model made. Indeed, the Accord is slightly larger than its bitter rival, the Toyota Camry, itself elongated as of the 2007 model year.

The Hybrid Accord Bites The Dust
What you won't find on this year's model is a hybrid model. According to Honda officials, the company admits that their hybrid technology works better on smaller models. Yes, the V6 hybrid Accord only got four miles more to the gallon than the gas-powered I4, not necessarily bad but not something consumers were interested in.

The 2009 Honda Accord Diesel
Although the news that the most fuel efficient Accord isn't part of the automaker's current model year offerings, Honda fans who are willing to tarry one more year are likely to find that their wait has been well worth it. A 2.2L four cylinder diesel, now available in Europe, will make its way to the U.S. market for the 2009 model year. According to Autoblog Green, the Honda diesel will be able to attain 52 mpg on the highway, putting the Honda's mid-size offering in a class all of its own.

Honda Will Have The Cleanest Diesels On The Market
For enthusiasts who remember yesterday's diesel technology with its attendant smoke and racket, today's diesels must be rigorous EPA requirements in order to be certified for the US market. In addition, today's diesel technology has delivered an engine that is a lot quieter than earlier generation bangers.

Volkswagen and Mercedes with their jointly developed BLUETEC technology will be able to meet strict environmental requirements, but an additive called urea will need to be included to bring emissions output down to acceptable levels. Honda's diesels -- according to the company -- will be as clean as the gasoline engines they now sell.

Copyright 2007 - For additional auto articles from Matthew C. Keegan, please visit his The Auto Writer blog.