Honda claims that its new Accord will provide a strong challenge to the traditional premium manufacturers in the D-sector. The car comes with new sporty styling, greater refinement and excellent driving dynamics. Honda says that all engines in the new line up will be Euro 5 emissions compliant, and the model will feature a sector-leading package of safety systems.

Honda will launch the new Accord models in Ireland in the coming weeks. Prices are not yet available for the new higher specification new-look car.

The new Accord is significantly wider and slightly lower than its predecessor. It adopts a 'sharp-edged' design with muscular wheel arches to emphasise the car's wider track. The more sporty approach to exterior design is perhaps best expressed in the new Tourer or estate model.

Making its debut in Accord is Honda's second-generation diesel engine, the new i-DTEC, which builds on the qualities of the award-winning i-CTDi unit. Not only is the new diesel more powerful, offering 150bhp at 4,000 rpm, it also offers cleaner emissions and is claimed to be smoother to drive.

Like its predecessor, the new i-DTEC engine is compact, lightweight, refined and quiet in operation. It employs the latest piezoelectric multi-stage fuel injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for significantly reduced emissions. Peak torque is now 350 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

The 2.0-litre petrol i-VTEC offers 156bhp at 6,300 rpm, and improves on its class-leading fuel economy. Key technological changes include increased diameter intake valves, further optimised valve lift and timing and increased inlet and exhaust air flow volumes.

Meanwhile, the 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine is more powerful, delivering a respectable 200bhp at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 233 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Behind the figures are a compression ratio increased from 10.5 to 11.0:1, larger valves, revised valve timing and reduced exhaust system pressures.

All three engines are matched to a 6-speed manual transmission, while both petrol engines have the option of a 5-speed automatic. An automatic gearbox for the i-DTEC engine will be launched in early 2009.

Manual models feature a Shift Indicator Light, which appears in the centre of the rev counter. 'UP' or 'DOWN' graphics are displayed to advise the driver of the optimum point (in terms of best fuel economy) at which to change gear. Honda tests have demonstrated fuel savings of as much as five per cent by following these commands.

The new Accord boasts an array of systems designed to deliver even greater security. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard across the range and is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required.

The new Accord also features a new system that utilises both VSA and the car's Electric Power Steering. Called Motion Adaptive EPS, it detects instability in slippery conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed to prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction.

Another feature of Honda's VSA is Trailer Stability Assist, which by using a combination of reduced engine torque and selective braking, ensures the vehicle is slowed to a safe and stable speed if snaking should occur while towing.

The new Accord will be available in Ireland in the coming weeks. Prices have not yet been released prior to its arrival. Expect that the new diesel powered models will be competitive with their low CO2 emission engines.

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