Honda Accord (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

11 February 2008 07:00

Stop peering in disbelief – this is the new Honda Accord. Yes, it’s an all-new model that looks suspiciously like the old one. Even Honda calls it ‘an evolution of the current model’ and it’s the big news on the company’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

It’s wider and lower than today’s Accord but retains its sober and simple style. The biggest change is at the front, where the newcomer has wedgy headlamps and huge five-sided grille. Thankfully, as you might expect from technology-obsessed Honda, there are more changes under the bonnet.

The new Accord is more significant for its new engines than its design overhaul. Honda’s new second-generation diesel engine, dubbed i-DTEC, makes its debut here. The 2.2 is more powerful, developing an extra ten ponies with 148bhp at 4000rpm, yet is claimed to meet stringent Euro 5 emissions regs thanks to the latest piezo fuel injectors and a particulate filter. A plump 258lb ft of torque on tap from just 2000rpm promises fleet performance, too.

Two petrol engines will be offered, a 154bhp 2.0 i-VTEC (with improved valve lift and timing gear) and the range-topping 197bhp 2.4 i-VTEC. All three engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox or (when the diesel auto arrives in early 2009) a five-speed auto.

Honda’s promotional literature talks about benchmarking the new Accord against the BMW 3-series, but the same claim has been made by more manufacturers in this segment than we care to remember. Honda argues that the lower centre of gravity, a wider track and new suspension (double wishbones up front, multi-link rear links) will improve the previously staid handling, although we’d expect the Accord to place comfort over razor-sharp handling prowess. Which is surely what Honda customers expect.

Inside, the Accord is just what you’d expect from a Honda: clear, electro-backlit dials, high-tech graphic read-outs and switchgear that will be familiar to anyone who’s driven the latest space-age Civic or Legend. Although this publicity shot makes it look dark and sombre, it all looks sensibly laid out and well built.

By Tim Pollard