Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC ES

Sep 12 2008 Mike Torpey

MOST folk fancy a bit of social climbing and, these days, car manufacturers are ultra keen to help us do it.

With every new launch comes a pledge to leave a model?s previous generation behind and break into the class above.

And there?s no more competitive area of the market than the family car sector ? or should that read executive class?

Cars like the latest Ford Mondeo have cast off the repmobile image to challenge the prestige German marques, while the likes of the new Renault Laguna and Citroen C5 have also moved noticeably more upmarket.

So it comes at no surprise to learn that Honda used the BMW 3-Series as its benchmark for the new Accord and views high spec versions of that car along with the Audi A4 as its main competitors.

Evolution rather than revolution was the aim of the new Accord?s development team, who have retained and developed key aspects of the popular outgoing car while introducing a sportier design, more involving drive and higher quality interior.

Upshot of this is an increase in price, the tested Accord 2.0 ES costing £19,300 while saloon flagship the 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol is £23,260, with an extra £1,300 for automatic transmission.

That said, Honda is quick to point out that the additional refinement and equipment along with a significant rise in residual values ? 43 per cent on the ES GT model predicted to be the best seller ? represents serious value for money.

The new Accord is a more sporty looking car than before, with more muscular wheel arches, sharper lines and a wider, lower slung body.

Inside, the car has a cockpit feel, the dash and centre console wrapping themselves round the front occupants, even the entry level model is well kitted out, with the likes of an arrow indicator telling when to change gear - proving an aid to economy.

And while the sculpted nature of the rear squab favours two passengers, the slightly perched centre position is still quite comfortable for a third. Head and legroom is adequate all round, the boot a premium saloon best-in-class of 467 litres, though access to it is narrow.

The 2.0-litre petrol can?t match the 2.2 i-CTDi diesel for fuel figures but it?s a sweet unit to drive, with ample punch, a slender easy-shift six-speed gearbox and the capability of getting close to the claimed 39.2 miles per gallon.

Those opting for models higher up the Accord range also have the option of adding advanced safety features like a Collision Mitigation Braking System, a lane-keeping assist set-up which uses a camera inside the upper front windscreen to recognise which lane you are travelling in and adaptive cruise control, which will automatically decelerate the car if you get too close to the one in front.

That little lot adds another £2,000 to the price, but showcases the strides Honda have made in its safety technology.

There?s no doubt the Japanese company has upped the ante with the latest Accord saloon ? and the Tourer estate model looks better still. It?s a force to be reckoned with.

FAST FACTS

Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC ES 4dr

Price : £19,300

Mechanical : 154bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 133

0-62mph : 9.3 secs

Combined mpg : 39.2

Insurance group : 10

CO2 emissions : 170g/km

BiK rating : 21%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 90,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust