Honda Takes Four Auto Express New Car Honours
Published: 29th July 2004
Honda Accord
What the Auto Express judges said - Jazz - Supermini winner
The Honda Jazz is turning into the Ford Focus of the supermini world. It’s been on sale for nearly three years now, yet no car launched since has come close to beating it. Our 2002 Car of the Year is now celebrating its third year at the top.
What’s its secret? Practicality, in a word. Re-inventing this competitive sector of the market is notoriously difficult, yet Honda managed it with the amazingly innovative Jazz interior. Not only does the rear seat fold totally flat, but the squab also flips up like a cinema chair, freeing up a second boot area between it and the front seats. Honda has dubbed it ‘Magic’ and they’re not wrong. Combine that with acres of head and legroom in the back, not to mention the usual Japanese build quality, and the Far Eastern firm is on to a winner.
But it doesn’t stop there for the Jazz. It might only come with a 1.4-litre engine, but it’s a cracker. Predictably, it revs well and is much quicker than you’d expect from a 1,339cc unit. This makes it a doddle in traffic (helped by a tiny turning circle), yet it also copes well with motorway journeys. That’s without taking into account the minimal running costs and low CO2 outputs.
Accord i-CTDi - Diesel Winner
Compared to other mainstream marques, the Japanese firm has taken a while to develop diesel technology, but this is definitely an engine worth waiting for. The 2.2-litre four cylinder engine has a tempting specification, including a variable nozzle turbocharger and intercooler. But the most radical thing about it is the construction technique. The metal is cast and moulded when semi-solid rather than completely molten, producing an engine block that is both more rigid and compact than rivals.
In terms of power outputs it’s good, but not extraordinary, producing 140bhp and 340Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. This translates into strong, linear, muscular acceleration from tickover to redline. But that’s not the best thing about this motor – refinement is the key to appreciating the Accord. Quite simply, we’ve never driven a quieter or more vibration-free diesel. Even from outside you’re hard pushed to hear a tell-tale rattle.
Neither is that the end of Accord diesel benefits – it emits just 143g/km of CO2, has averaged 53.6mpg in our hands, and during our recent jaunt to John O’ Groats, managed to cover over 750 miles without refuelling. Add in the delightful driving characteristics, the light and precise clutch and gearbox, and the smooth power delivery and you have a wonderful family car. Make no mistake, this engine isn’t just good for a diesel, it’s one of the very best powerplants on sale in any car.
Honda Accord
Our Honda Accord Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Accord range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £17,187 - £26,487
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 17
We have road tested the Honda Accord, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Honda Accord Review - Apr 2005
Honda Accord Review - Sep 2003
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
