Honda Accord Tourer

A Honda Accord Type S. That means a fantastic Accord Type R must be coming. Er, no. The Type S is simply a misleadingly badged, more powerful diesel Accord.

It's the same basic unit that you get in the lower-powered diesel, but Honda has tweaked the turbo, cylinder head and intercooler to up the power and torque to 178bhp and 280lb ft. That's an improvement of 30bhp and 24lb ft. And all for a tiny (9g/km and 0.8mpg) trade-off in CO2 and fuel economy.

This is still a smooth diesel. The turbo kicks in low and plenty of power means neither overtaking nor refinement are ever problems. 

The issue comes with the badge and sporty pretensions. This is no BMW 3-Series rival. The ride is stiffer than a normal Accord, but not uncomfortably so, yet it doesn't transform it into a sporty car. 

Think of this as a faster Accord and you'll be there. Not bad, then, but not great. The fly in the ointment is a lack of any auto, tiptronic or otherwise. It's something that would suit this engine well and customers look for it. If Honda really is gunning for the 3-Series, that will need altering. 

Piers Ward