Honda Accord Euro

Our verdict The new Honda Accord is a highly accomplished sedan, blessed with Honda’s usual bombproof build quality and a little bit more flair than previous models. But it is a bit pricey for a Honda.

• Comfort

  Although impressively refined and insulated from engine and wind noise, the Accord rides quite hard, like so many Japanese cars used to better road surfaces. It's not a deal breaker, but worth being aware of.

  

• Performance

  Of the two petrol engines available in the Accord, neither is a bad apple. They're both quiet, punchy and economical to boot.

  

• Cool

  The Accord is a more modern and individual proposition than all those old Civics you see doing 70km/h on the freeway every Sunday.

  

• Quality

  This is what Honda does best. The Accord is mechanically indestructible and its interior, although perhaps not as luxurious as European tastes tend to demand, will age far better than you will.

  

• Handling

  The Accord is a positive drive, feeling sharp and responsive through corners even if it lacks some steering feel. It's not the driver's car that the BMW 3-Series is, but it does a reasonable job of keeping you interested.

  

• Practicality

  The sedan doesn't offer quite as much rear space as recent arrivals like the Citroen C5, and is narrower too, meaning get three abreast in the back can be cosy.

  

• Running costs

  Although not as cheap to buy as you might expect from a manufacturer without the brand kudos of some of its European rivals, the Accord won't be expensive to run. It doesn't tend to go wrong for starters, and insurance is low.