Hi Fired_up:

___Although I do not share your view on leather interiors, I do think it is a very valid concern for many including yourself that may think similarly.

___With that, have you considered a PZEV based non-hybrid Accord LX or EX instead? They will not achieve quite the same FE as that of the AH but are pretty close (29/37 vs. 24/34 w/ Auto). These Accord’s in PZEV format are also cleaner (SMOG emissions wise) then your Escape HEV, the AH, and even a Prius II! Given these lesser trimmed Accord’s come equipped with cloth as standard and can be purchased for what I consider to be a song in today’s hyper-competitive new car sales market (< $18K / < $20K respectively), it might be just the thing you are looking for to round out your clean car purchases? The 06 Accord refresh is just a few months away and it is supposed to be an extensive update from what I have been reading?

___If a non-leather equipped hybrid is a minimum requirement; do not forget that the 06/07 Camry will be hybridized and available by mid 06 or thereabouts supposedly?

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net