Wider, lower and sportier?
Accord MK8 is wider, lower and Honda think it's sportier enough to tempt buyers away from top-end rivals such as the Audi A4. Previous generations of the Accord have built a reputation for the direct steering and composed handling. But, despite being good to drive, the last Accord didn't have Senior Managers trading in their BMW's.
More evolution than revolution
On sale now with prices starting from £19,260, Accord MK8 stands out with its bold styling cues on the exterior and interior. On the outside, the four-door saloon and five-door hatch are identified by the muscular detailing around the wheel arches, bumpers, grille, and bonnet. Overall, I think the new-look is more evolution than revolution. My particular favourite is the Tourer, which despite being less practical and roomy than the version it replaces, looks far more elegant.
21st Century interior
The inside of the Accord MK8 is equally 21st Century. The new dashboard architecture is attractive, with its large centre console and the high quality plastics. Other interior highlights include the excellent driving position, comfy, supportive seats, Mercedes-like floating needles for the speedo and the sporty little leather and aluminium gearknob on manual models.
New technologies
Honda is debuting new technologies in the latest Accord. Possibly the most important kit is the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). LKAS uses images from a camera mounted inside the upper front windscreen to recognise which lane the car is travelling in. If the car begins to cross the lane markings without driver input on the steering and indicators, it calculates the optimum steering torque to keep the car in the centre of the lane. Other 'clever kit' that works particularly well with the LKAS system is the adaptive cruise control and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
On the road
We drove the 148bhp 2.2i-DTEC ES GT diesel and the 198 bhp, 2.4 i-VTEC petrol. Out of the two engines we tried, the most appealing has to be the diesel. Top speed is 130mph with the sprint to 60mph covered in 9.6 seconds (9.8 for the Tourer). It's surprisingly refined, with plenty of mid-range torque and goes well in every gear. We're also big fans of the manual gearbox; it's light, precise and a pleasure to use. On the move you notice the precise steering, with more feel on previous models. The new cars lower centre of gravity results in more agile, better balanced handling. And the ride is good, soaking up all but the worst road imperfections.
It's not all good news though; despite the high quality interior finish, the centre console is over-complicated, button heavy and fussy. The Accord is more spacious in the back than an Audi A4, but it's still not likely to be comfortable on long trips. The boot is compromised by the rear suspension.
Tiscali verdict: The latest Accord is a quiet, refined, well-built and refined car. A great all-rounder, but it's no class-leader.
Fancy a closer look? Check out our New Honda Accord gallery
