Honda Accord Tourer

The advert says 'isn't it nice when things just work?', and the latest Accord does just that. Honda have mixed mix business with pleasure and moved the Accord closer to exec spec that's sharp enough to impress clients but sporty enough to please you. It's certainly a quality package, not one that comes cheap but one that is well-specced and expertly screwed together. But, executive aspirations take away some of the versatility expected in this sector (no hatchback) and it's a bit small compared to rivals. The diesel engine impresses even the harshest oil-burning critic.

VTEC, SE, CTDI, SPORT, EX

There are four trims in the Accord line-up: SE, Sport, Executive and Type-S. All cars get dual front, side and curtain airbags, remote central locking, dual-zone climate control and electric windows. Sport adds 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps, while Executive gets High Intensity Discharge headlights, six CD autochanger, DVD sat-nav and electric front seats. Type-S specification is similar to that of Sport, but available only for the 2.4-litre engine. The Tourer estate is available with a few gadgets unavailable on the saloon, like a keyfob-operated tailgate easy-fold rear seats that create a large, flat loadspace.

2.4i VTEC