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Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT CAR review

15 April 2008 18:21

Form versus function: it’s a perennial design battle and sums up the difference between the outgoing Honda Accord Tourer and the new – eighth
generation – model launching in September 2008. The old version was one of the most practical and innovative load carriers on the market, but frankly a little dull to look at. The new design is a more coherent form, but offers a lot less space and luggage functionality. Rob Peter, pay Paul.
 
So should I care about this new Honda Accord Tourer?

Yes and no. Fundamentally it looks more desirable, like a car that’s been designed to be an estate from the outset – not a saloon with a bigger end added afterwards. There were two independent design teams for the old saloon and Tourer. The new cars were designed by one team from the word go. It shows.

The new Tourer is 30mm lower with a curvier roofline and faster back featuring more distinctive taillights. Bolder side creases and flared wheel
arches banish the slab sides of old. Less classy is the gappy metal-effect slatted front grille that seems ill-fitting and cheap within the smart new
headlights.

Click 'Next' to find out why the Honda Accord Tourer has taken a step back...

Click Thumbnails to Enlarge

Statistics

How much? £26,210
On sale in the UK: September 2008
Engine: 4cyl turbodiesel, 2199cc, 148bhp @ 4000rpm, 258 lb ft @ 2000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Performance: 0-62mph 9.8sec, 130mph
How heavy / made of? 1702kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4740/1840/1470
Need to know

CAR's rating

Rated 3 out of 5

Handling

Rated 4 out of 5

Performance

Rated 3 out of 5

Usability

Rated 3 out of 5

Feelgood factor

Rated 4 out of 5

Readers' rating

Rated 2.5 out of 5

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Average rating: Rated 2.5 out of 5 (16 votes)

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Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT CAR review

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RogerG

RogerG says

New Accord Tourer

This is a real disppointment. I drive the current Accord Tourer 2.2CDTi EX spec, as a company car. I chose it over the Audi, BMW, Jaguar competition for the size of the boot space, the excellent engine and the spec of the EX when compared with the mid specs that I could have had from the other manufacturers. The review above suggests much less boot space, slightly less legroom in the rear(tight for my children in the existing model), and an uplift in prices that will probably take the top spec model out of my reach. Next we will learn that the boot is no long electric! I will look at the new car in the flesh when it arrives, but the new Mazda 6 in top trim, loaded with kit, a proper load bay and a sensible price looks more attractive at the momenet.

19 April 2008 20:35

jim

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jim says

dull as dishwater

and I thought Toyota used to build dull (but worthy) cars. My wife had a honda once and I hated from the first day,smooth engine and gearbox admittedly, but noisy,tinny and not as reliable as they make out.

17 April 2008 15:48

Batty

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Batty says

Pointless

It actually looks rather good from the rear 3/4 view, much better than the saloon. It means that you can't see the boring front. But surely a lifestyle estate which cramps your lifestyle more than the saloon is rather pointless. We must get used to seeing these Hondas however, as they make a great car that lasts for eons.

17 April 2008 00:44

JohnnyBimmer

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JohnnyBimmer says

Trade Up!

Trade your 9yr old Bimmer for a 3 to 4yr old Bimmer!

16 April 2008 22:20

jer

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jer says

this is what I want

9 years of E46 3 series Bimmers and I crave something different matching the following: at least 150 bhp/ton, great handling, great build, tax bearable, some brand credibility, combined at least 30mpg, some practicality. If Honda could just sharpen the first and second criteria.

16 April 2008 21:14

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