Honda Accord Tourer
Honda Accord Tourer (2008)

There is quite a bit of difference between the dashboard in the ES model and the Accords that come with Satellite Navigation. Although the fascia in the base model is far from minimal, the inclusion of the navigation screen, set deep into the top of the centre console creates the need for a sweeping cowl that connects with the instrument binnacle. What with the various controls on the steering wheel, the audio system, Intelligent Climate Control and navigation, there is a confusing array of buttons and dials that take some getting used to, but then the Accord has a great deal of technology on board, more of which later.

The rear outer seats have almost as much bolstering as those in the front and are fitted with ISOFIX anchors. The usual 60:40 split and fold function applies and a single button press is all it takes to fold them to form an almost flat floor. Doing so increases the Tourer’s luggage capacity from 395- to 672-litres, to the window-line. Apparently, 395-litres is equivalent to four medium sized golf bags or four large suitcases. However, behind the rear seats, there are two large shoulders that protrude into the boot; so, carrying large, bulky items could pose a problem.

There are plenty of accessories to help organise and protect the boot area but, even without these, the use of the available space is well thought out. Underneath the load floor is a deep, 53-litre, storage area and a further two are set into the floor on either side, which are smaller but useful, nonetheless for cameras, etc.

I have mentioned the ES and the other trim options are the ES GT, the EX and the EX GT but there are no plans for a red-badged, Type R version. Prices start at £20,560 for the 2.0i-VTEC Tourer with the 6-speed manual gearbox and £21,860 for the 5-speed automatic version.

The main features of the ES include 16-inch alloys, black roof rails, powered and heated, folding door mirrors, an electric sunroof, rake and reach-adjustable steering column, a power tailgate, electric windows front and rear, height adjustment and lumbar support for the driver and a single, chromed tail-pipe amongst other things.

The next grade up, the ES GT is expected to be the most popular, as it adds sports suspension, front fogs part-leather upholstery and a 6 CD/radio and a few more items besides.

However, the EX is where it really gets interesting. Among the features list there are such goodies as rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers and full leather upholstery. Furthermore, the EX comes with the Advanced Navigation Pack, as standard. This comprises Voice recognition, DVD satellite navigation, the best clarity, rear parking camera I’ve seen in a while and a premium audio system with a 6-CD autochanger. The rest of the list is far too long to include in this report

Many good things have been said about Honda’s all-new, 2.2i-DTEC, diesel unit, which is said to be quieter and smoother than the i-CDTi units and is making its first appearance in the new Accord. At the same time, the various improvements have served to squeeze and extra 10PS out of the engine taking the output to 150PS. What is more, it is Euro5 compliant a full year ahead of the enforcement date of September 2009.

The same can be said of the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engines, which have been upgraded and tweaked for better fuel consumption and lower emissions. The 2.0-litre now has emissions of 173g/km and the 2.4, 211g/km. Both come with either transmission option but the diesel is manual only, until next year.

The 2.4 unit, as tested, produces 201PS at 7,000 and 230Nm of pulling power at 4,200rpm. It will take the Accord Tourer from 0-62mph in 9.5seconds and on to a top speed of 138mph. Our car had the 5-speed automatic transmission, which, surprisingly, doesn’t make a great deal of difference to the fuel consumption figures of 22.5-, 41.5-, and 31.7mpg for the urban, extra-urban and combined, respectively. The combined for the manual version is 31.3, so there is little to choose between them.

Honda Accord News

This is a 16-year+ news article, from our Honda archive, which dates back to the year 2000.

If in doubt check with your local Honda dealer as car prices and technical data will have changed since 2008.

Although our car news is published in good faith, we cannot guarantee it to be error free or complete or up-to-date.

Honda Accord Images

Honda Accord Images may not be UK specification cars. Colours and exterior and/or interior elements may differ from actual models.

Copyright

The car news and images remain the copyright of the rights holder and may not be used without their consent.