Honda’s all-new Accord will provide a strong challenge to the traditional premium manufacturers in the D-sector, with sporty styling, greater refinement and excellent driving dynamics. All engines in the line up will be Euro 5 emissions compliant, and the model will feature a sector-leading package of safety systems.

The new Accord’s styling is an evolution of the current model, although it’s significantly wider and slightly lower than its predecessor, and adopts a ‘sharp-edged’ design with muscular wheel arches to emphasise the car’s wider track.

The more sporty approach to exterior design is perhaps best expressed in the new Tourer, which still offers incredible versatility and practicality, but a mix of curves and crisp lines at the rear give the estate a more stylish overall appearance.

Three advanced, low emission engines
Making its debut in Accord is Honda’s second-generation diesel engine – the i-DTEC – which builds on the outstanding qualities of the award-winning i-CTDi unit. Not only is the new diesel more powerful – offering 150 PS at 4,000 rpm – it also offers cleaner emissions and is smoother to drive.

Like its predecessor, the new i-DTEC engine is compact, lightweight, refined and quiet in operation. It employs the latest piezoelectric multi-stage fuel injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for significantly reduced emissions. Peak torque is now 350 Nm (258 lb.ft) at 2,000 rpm.

The 2.0-litre petrol i-VTEC offers 156 PS at 6,300 rpm, and improves on its class-leading fuel economy. Key technological changes include increased diameter intake valves, further optimised valve lift and timing and increased inlet and exhaust air flow volumes.

Meanwhile, the 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine is more powerful, delivering a respectable 200 PS at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 233 Nm (187 lb.ft) at 4,500 rpm. Behind the figures are a compression ratio increased from 10.5 to 11.0:1, larger valves, revised valve timing, and reduced exhaust system pressures.

All three engines are matched to a 6-speed manual transmission, while both petrol engines have the option of a 5-speed automatic. An automatic gearbox for the i-DTEC engine will be launched in early 2009.

Manual models feature a Shift Indicator Light which appears in the centre of the rev counter. ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ graphics are displayed to advise the driver of the optimum point (in terms of best fuel economy) at which to change gear; Honda tests have demonstrated fuel savings of as much as five per cent by following these commands.

Agile, secure handling
To create a more involving, communicative drive, the Accord development team used the highly-rated BMW 3 Series as a benchmark, and enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the new car’s greater agility. A lowered centre of gravity, a wider track and the all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity mean that the Accord more readily reacts to driver input. Handling is more responsive and confidence-inspiring and body roll has been reduced.

Speed sensitive electric power steering is standard on all models and the new axial system features a high output, low inertia brushless motor which provides excellent steering feel at higher speeds for a sense of stability and confidence. A quicker steering ratio has also been adopted in keeping with the Accord’s more agile chassis characteristics.

Comprehensive safety package
As well as a host of passive safety features, the new Accord boasts an outstanding array of dynamic systems delivering even greater security. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard across the range and is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required.