The mid-sized 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will be launched in October 2013. It will be assembled in Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant, and it will share its design with the limited-market plug-in Accord, except for hybrid badging, blue accents to the grille, light lenses, daytime running lights, its own wheel design and a decklid spoiler.

According to reports, the hybrid model will be able to achieve a “class-leading” 49 mpg city fuel economy rating, and preliminary estimates are its numbers will be 49 city, 45 highway, and 47 combined.

Three drive modes available for its two-motor hybrid system shared with the plug-in are EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.

In “EV Drive” mode, it uses its lithium-ion battery to run in electric-only mode at lower speeds and in medium to high speed cruising.

Under “Engine Drive” mode the Accord Hybrid sends the engine power from its 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder directly to the front wheels like a regular gas car.

The “Hybrid Drive” mode relies on the gas engine paired with a 124-kw electric motor, and its lithium-ion battery.

Functionally, the inside of the car is all Accord, plus (of course), energy flow information is displayed as per usual hybrid car practice. It will make available a number of safety technologies that some have applauded and others have less flatteringly described as “nannies” to protect drivers from themselves.

These include Honda’s LaneWatch blind-spot display, first debuted on the Accord last fall, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

Infotainment will feature an 8-inch color i-MID display with loads of connectivity and flexible features including Pandora and XM radio. Seats will be perforated leather trimmed and a multi-angle camera system will also add to the convenience and safety of what promises to be a well-appointed mid-level car.

Underlying the safety aspect is the inherent crash-worthiness of Honda’s Accord body structure, which Honda says it expects will earn – as did the 2013 model – an NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Pricing has not been set yet, and a Honda media rep told us only that “it’s safe to say” it will be less than the $39,780 plug-in Accord – and no doubt consumers will say hopefully it will cost much less, but this remains to be seen.

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