Honda Accord New Review

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Performance 4 star rating

Honda's Accord has two petrol engines, a two-litre with 153bhp and a 2.4 with 187bhp. Both are powerful and rev freely, making them a relaxed drive. The 138bhp 2.2 diesel is refined with lots of mid-range punch for overtaking.

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Driving 4 star rating

The handling is sharp and positive and body roll has been kept to a minimum making the Accord a quick car through the corners. It can feel too hard at times with the road imperfections being transmitted into the cabin.


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Space 3 star rating

The Accord is a roomy saloon, although its rear legspace isn't on a par with other large saloons such as the Citroen C5 for example. It's also not the widest car so three adults in the rear might be a squeeze. However, its boot is cavernous at 427 litres and it has a large opening for easy access. The Accord estate is like estates of old and doesn't have a sloping roof (such as the Renault Laguna Sport Tourer) that hinders loadspace. Instead it's tall with a steeply angled roofline at the rear aiding its practicality, so, with the seats folded over, it makes the boot a decent size at 1,707 litres.

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Build Quality 5 star rating

Honda's reputation for reliability is second-to-none so there's no reason why the Accord should be any different. The interior is classy and well-built although some of the plastics can look and feel on the cheap and shiny side.

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Equipment 3 star rating
Every model has climate control, remote central locking, a CD player and four electric windows. The Sport trim adds alloy wheels and cruise control, and the Executive model has leather seats, but only the 2.4-litre version gets satnav as standard. An automatic gearbox is an option except on the 2.2-litre diesel.

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Safety 4 star rating

Every Honda Accord has six airbags and anti-lock brakes while the Executive and Type-S models get traction control. It also has Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The LKAS system applies steering torque to ensure the Accord remains safely in the centre of a road lane. A tiny camera positioned near the rear-view mirror monitors the road markings and steers the car if it drifts toward the edge of a lane, thereby reducing the burden of motorway (or main road) driving and enhancing driver comfort and safety. ACC uses a radar to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and maintains a set speed.

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Owning 3 star rating

The Accord's fuel figures are good as are the insurance groups, but on the downside, the petrol models have reasonably high tax liabilities ratings: the 2.4-litre is rated at a whopping 29 per cent. Residuals aren't anywhere near as good as cars with a similar price tag.

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Value 3 star rating

Honda has tried to make this generation of Accord more upmarket. It's not, so it looks to be on the expensive side.

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Verdict 4 star rating
A modern, refined and capable saloon that's nice to drive and be driven in. Its comfort levels are high and its build quality levels are meticulous. The Accord's only downfall is the high price - Honda is being optimistic if it thinks this is a 3-Series alternative.
Fancy something bigger?
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Accord Tourer 3 star rating

Not the best looking of the bunch, but let the slightly contrived estate styling grow on you and you're left with one of the most versatile and reliable cars in class. Honda in Europe is a force to be reckoned with now, and the German monopoly is over.