Skip to content
Honda models, news & reviews
3
Handling
4
Performance
Usability
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
By the CAR road test team
First Drives
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 – eighthgeneration – 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 wheelarches 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 newheadlights.Click 'Next' to find out why the Honda Accord Tourer has taken a step back...
Add your comment
Sign in You must be signed in to submit a comment.
Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT (2008) CAR review
Subject
Your comment
By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions
Cancel
You must be logged in to subscribe to a topic
Login or register now
moffmeister says
RE: Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT CAR review
My dad recently had to trade his previous-gen Accord in and did so for a Mazda 6 in top-of-the-range sport luxury trim. Although not as dynamically accomplished as the Honda, the high kit levels, improved refinement and better looks make it a winner. For me though, the new Accord in-top-of-the-range EX trim remains a temptation.
24 January 2009 10:00
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 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 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 says
Trade Up!
Trade your 9yr old Bimmer for a 3 to 4yr old Bimmer!
16 April 2008 22:20
Upload stories, photos or videos direct to the site, or email newsdesk@carmagazine.co.uk.
Alternatively, call 01733 468 485 (+ 44 1733 468 485)
Seen a secret new car, fabulous exotic or have news we should publish? Then get in touch now.