Well, Honda’s done it again. With the introduction of the new and improved 2014 Accord Hybrid sedan, they’ve gotten the folks at Toyota’s Prius division tearing their hair out at this well-wrought hybrid’s performance attributes and class-topping gas mileage. Unlike the previous Accord Hybrid, which ran from the 2005 to the 2007 model years and sported a hefty pricetag but virtually no improvement in mileage over the non-hybrid Accord, the present iteration touts up to 50 mpg city, with at least one test drive showing a truly impressive 55.4 mpg in downtown driving. This vastly improved 5-passenger gas-electric family and commuter car 4-door, though still pricy, is expected to quiet the grumbles of Honda dealers who were stuck with thousands of unsold first-gen Accord Hybrids. According to nearly all the major reviews, this next-generation Accord Hybrid has the power, the mileage numbers and the panache to give Ford’s Fusion Hybrid and Nissan’s Camry Hybrid, not to mention the industry-standard Prius, some capable competition. Look for 3 trims, the Base, EX-L and Touring to comprise the Accord Hybrid lineup for 2014, with all versions sporting the stylish exteriors and premium interiors of their non-hybrid kinfolk. Be advised, however, that where the non-hybrid Accord boasts 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space, the state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack in the Accord Hybrid, though a bit less bulky than the old nickel-metal hydride batteries, still cuts trunk space to 12.7 cubic feet. Anyhow, powering all Accord Hybrid trims is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.0-liter hybrid inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine that mates with a 124-kilowatt electric motor for a total of 195 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. Unlike yesteryear’s Accord Hybrid, this present iteration carries a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to handle power management responsibilities, with EPA-estimated mileage running 50 mpg city/40 highway. Of course, this hybrid sports auto engine stop-start technology to save on gas, as well as the ability to accelerate from a stop on electric power alone. Finally, one test had the newest Accord Hybrid scooting from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds, which isn’t at all bad for a family-oriented hybrid commuter car. Furthermore, standard features packed into the debuting 2014 Accord Hybrid Base include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and heated power-adjustable mirrors outside, and cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, full power accessories and simulated alloy cabin accents inside. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering of course adorn this entry-level trim, as do a rear-view camera and dual-zone auto climate control. Bluetooth hands-free calling, meantime, is complemented by a 160-watt audio system boasting a single-CD player and 6 speakers. The EX-L adds a power sunroof, leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats with driver's memory settings and a 360-watt stereo with 7 speakers and satellite radio. Additionally, this midlevel trim flaunts the Japanese automaker’s touted HondaLink smartphone apps. Moving up to the top-shelf 2014 Accord Hybrid Touring gets you such standard extras as adaptive cruise control, a remote garage door opener, LED headlights and hard-drive-based navigation with real-time traffic. Accessories for all trims, meanwhile, include underbody spoilers and upgraded exterior moldings. Finally, the brand-new Accord Hybrid comes with standard 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control and, in a nod to modern trends, a standard blind-spot monitor. The standard front and rear head airbags, meantime, are complemented by front side-mounted airbags, while LED running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm also come delivered on each trim.