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Honda Accord Hybrid falls well short of 47 mpg, says Consumer Reports [w/video]

Do not poke Consumer Reports with the hybrid fuel economy stick. That seems to be the lesson illustrated here yet again. The Honda Accord Hybrid is the latest to arouse the ratings bear, returning "just" 40 combined mpg in CR testing. Even so, that makes it "a class leader for fuel economy among midsized sedans," besting even the Civic Hybrid in CR testing, but that's still a lucky roll of the dice short of its EPA rating of 47 mpg. Remember, it was back in December 2012 that CR knocked the Ford Fusion and C-Max hybrid models for the exact same failing: certified with an EPA-rated 47 mpg but delivering "just" 40 mpg.
Beyond that, while the Accord Hybrid earned a lower overall score than the traditional gasoline Accord because of its ride, handling and refinement issues, it gets unqualified applause from the institute for its "very impressive hybrid system."
It will be interesting to see if CR's findings will negatively impact the model's sales, which to this point have been impressive enough that demand is outstripping supply. In the meantime, you can check out CR's brief video review of the Accord Hybrid below, and check out the magazine's press release chiding its mpg rating.

FIA levels F1 playing field for Honda

Formula One may place a high emphasis on technical innovation, but it also demands an equal playing field. So after the FIA regulations handed Mercedes a technical advantage for next season, a loophole was opened up to allow Ferrari and Renault to update their engines throughout the year. That left engine-supplier-to-be Honda in the dust, but now the motorsport governing body has awarded the Japanese automaker the same courtesy. As is often the case, the issue revolves around the specific wording of the regulations. Ferrari and Renault successfully argued that, contrary to its spirit, the letter of the law (or regulations, in any event) didn't actually specify when existing engine suppliers had to complete their revisions for the upcoming championship. The thing is that the rules were more clear when it came to new suppliers, so Honda was told that it would have to complete its design before the start of the season – unlike Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes, which would be allowed to continue development (albeit on a limited basis) throughout the year. Recognizing the inherent injustice of the resulting regulations, the FIA has consented to Honda's request that it be afforded the same opportunities as its rivals. The Japanese manufacturer, which returns to the paddock this season with McLaren, will therefore be allowed to make adjustments to its engines as its first season back on the grid progresses, just like the other engine suppliers. News Source: AutosportImage Credit: McLaren Motorsports Honda McLaren F1 fia regulations

Honda City Adventure off-road scooter concept shown at EICMA

Set aside the cars and trucks for a minute and you'll see that Honda still builds a huge variety of machinery: everything from power equipment to jets to robots – and a whole lot more in between. But what's caught our attention today is a motorcycle... of sorts. Headlining the Japanese company's lineup at the EICMA motorcycle show this week is the City Adventure concept. Though little in the way of details were released, the vehicle seeks to blend the go-anywhere capability of an endurance off-road motorcycle with the convenience and versatility of an urban scooter. That means chunky off-road tires, disc brakes, shielded handlebars, and a movable windscreen, among other elements. The result is a concept for now, but Honda says it foreshadows "a new development direction for adventure-focused machines." If reception is positive enough, Honda might put something like this into production. While the City Adventure concept is surely the most unusual of the motorcycles Honda brought to the Milanese expo this year, it's not the only one. Alongside it, the company is showcasing the new CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike, a range of new 500cc bikes, a trio of 750cc New Concept bikes with dual-clutch transmissions, a revised version of the Integra maxi scooter, and new colors for a host of other models as well. Scope out the full details in the press release below. New City Adventure concept revealed alongside CRF1000L Africa Twin and six heavily revised mid-sized machines - City Adventure concept indicates a new development direction for adventure-focussed machines - European show debut for CRF1000L Africa Twin - Range of rider-focussed upgrades for A2 licence-friendly CB500F, CB500X and CBR500R - Revised looks and added practicality for NC750X, NC750S and Integra - New functionality for unique Dual Clutch Transmission technology - New paint options for VFR1200X Crosstourer,, CB650F, CBR650F, CBR300R and SH125i Honda today reveals its full 2016 motorcycle line up at the EICMA show in Milan, comprising six mid-sized capacity machines with a range of significant updates, and the return of one of motorcycling's most illustrious names in the form of the CRF1000L Africa Twin. With an eye to the future, Honda has also revealed its new City Adventure concept machine, offering a unique new interpretation of the idea of adventure on two wheels.