The hybrid system combines a highly efficient and responsive 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and high-output motor. A high-level balance between smooth, direct driving performance and excellent fuel economy has been enabled by effectively combining a highly responsive engine, bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery with enhanced battery performance, and hybrid system control with revised drive force characteristics. On AWD models, E-Four, a motor-driven AWD system, uses various sensors to determine when drive force is needed in the rear, such as during start-up or normal driving, and precisely controls the front-rear torque distribution between 100:0 and 20:80. It efficiently uses the battery power to drive the front and rear motors, contributing to fuel economy as well as delivering excellent start-off and driving performance.