Click Thumbnails to Enlarge
Honda Accord (2008) spied
By
Ben Pulman
Spy shots
26 September 2007 11:00
So how does Honda expect to take on the Germans?
By being more sporty. Even Lexus, which has ploughed its own route as a luxury and comfort brand, has felt the need to launch a performance model, the IS-F, but Honda arguably has a stronger sporting history with its Type-R brand and F1 racing pedigree. And despite hints of Ford Mondeo estate in the side profile, and hints of Hyundai Genesis at the front end, the Accord concept looked very smart at Frankfurt. Our spy pictures show these proportions should be carried over to production with only major changes - such as the addition of more realistic door handles, door mirrors and wipers.
What else should I know about the Honda Accord?
To start with the Accord will offer two petrol engines and a new version of its acclaimed 2.2-litre diesel. The oil burner gets Honda’s new NOx reduction technology for even cleaner running. The system uses ammonia in the catalytic converter which causes the NOx to change into harmless nitrogen, subtly different to Mercedes' Bluetec system. In the meantime, the Tokyo Motor Show next month will see the launch of the new Jazz, though that’ll be the Japanese spec Fit model. We won't see the new Jazz in the UK for at least 12 months. Also on the way is a new hybrid model - showcasing Honda's latest hybrid technology in a new package, rather than adapting an existing platform like today's Civic IMA.
