Honda has released the first pictures and video of the new Accord, but while the photos only offer us a tantalising glimpse, the accompanying short film shows nearly every exterior detail of the new Accord Tourer (nee estate).
The Tourer appears to have changed little from the concept that was shown at Frankfurt in 2007. The profile remains the same, and apart from a switch to production lights, wheels, grille, mirrors and door handles the exterior has kept most of the concept’s flavour.
The interior is still hidden however, with only glimpses of the dials and the boot, which appears to have a load area free from any wheelarch intrusion. Honda claims the interior will offer an ‘outstanding standard of fit and finish’ while it is also ‘characterised by a strong feeling of personal space for both the driver and passengers’.
The Accord will offer two petrol engines (2.0 and 2.4 litres) and the company’s new 2.2-litre diesel. As well as a particulate filter the engine will offer Honda’s answer to Audi’s AdBlue and Mercedes’ Bluetec exhaust systems, reducing NOx emissions. This will help make sure all the engines will meet Euro 5 emissions regulations, while Honda claims each engine also offers more power and better fuel economy.
Honda is keeping the technical details under wraps for now but claims the Accord will offer ‘a unique package of passive and active safety features to deliver even greater confidence’. Both saloon and estate versions of the new Accord will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales starting in early summer. CAR will be reporting live from Geneva to bring you the full details of the Accord, and of all the other show debuts.