Honda Accord

Our verdict

The new Honda Accord is a highly accomplished saloon and estate, 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 and one diesel engine available in the Accord, none is a bad apple. They're all quiet, punchy and economical to boot. The diesel would be our choice, with its comparable acceleration and vastly better returns at the pumps.

Cool

Honda has a bit of retiree reputation in this country, but the Accord is a more modern and individual proposition than all those old Civic saloons you see doing 30mph on the dual carriageway 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 saloon 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. But in estate form the boot is vast with a huge and ingenious sliding load bay.

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.