In these days of high gas prices, a fuel-efficient hybrid car seems like a good idea, but not all are intended to just boost mileage.

A hybrid is essentially a vehicle with two forms of propulsion, a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Early versions introduced by Toyota (Prius) and Honda (Insight) used a small gas engine assisted by a powerful electric motor. This offered much better city mileage with the electric motor and regenerative braking doing most of the low speed work, and better highway mileage with the smaller gas engines.

2006 Honda Accord Hybrid

With the new Accord, Honda has forsaken significant fuel economy improvements in favor of better performance. This version of the Accord has the same 240 hp, V-6 engine found in the non hybrid model. Only it is paired with a 15 hp electric motor adding some oomph, propelling the car to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Not bad.

In the city, drivers will experience modestly better gas mileage. When cruising on the highway, the system shuts down three of the six cylinders to save fuel. (You really can’t tell when that happens.)

Auto testers generally believe the EPA ratings for hybrids are much farther off the mark than those for nonhybrid vehicles. In the Accord, this tester experienced a combined city/highway mileage of 26 mpg. Consumer Reports reported 25 mpg and Edmunds.com 23.4 mpg. The EPA rates the car at 29 city and 37 highway.

It is unfortunate Honda does not offer a moonroof and the price tag is $3,300 more than the otherwise identical, moonroof-equipped gas-only model. Earning back those bucks with fuel cost savings will be a long haul. If the hybrid gets five extra miles to the gallon, and assuming 15,000 miles per year using $3-a-gallon gas, it will take 120,000 miles and eight years.

This fully equipped Honda Accord rivals many luxury cars with its quiet leather-cosseted interior, heated seats, premium stereo, navigation system, smooth firm ride, competent handling and, in hybrid form, aggressive power. This is a fine car by any standard. (See July 2004 Road Test for a full review of the gas-powered Honda Accord.)

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.