Honda’s perennial family car, the Accord, has been a familiar sight on UK roads since 1976. Now in its latest eighth incarnation, this latest Tourer version looks sleeker than ever.

A sweeping profile and raked roofline, deep front spoiler, chrome highlights and 17” alloy wheels gives it a sporty stance. Available features include Bi-High Intensity Discharge Headlights and Highbeam Support System, which automatically switches to high beam where conditions allow for safer driving.

The Tourer is available with the same engines found in the saloon: a 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol, a 198bhp 2.4-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesels with either 148 or 177bhp.

The first things you’ll notice as you step into the Accord’s cabin are the limo-like seats, comfortable driving position, generous headroom and high quality of the trim. Rear passengers are well catered for too, with a comfortable full-sized bench. However, small rear-door apertures make getting into the back a rather awkward affair. Although still commodious, for a large family estate, the rear suspension turrets intrude and reduce the width of the 406 litre cargo area. Luckily this is partially compensated for by under-floor stowage, lashing hooks and large side panniers. In the main cabin area, there’s plenty of storage for oddments.

Even basic ES trim cars get cruise control, Dual Zone Climate control, Bluetooth and USB/Aux input connectivity, but this luxuriously equipped EX model is packed with kit – some of which includes: leather upholstery, heated electric seats with driver seat memory function, front and rear parking sensors and camera, sunroof, 5 disc CD auto-changer, satellite navigation and a remote control operated rear tailgate function.

Unfortunately, the sat-nav is rather clunky in its operation and let down by both vague and infrequent audio and visual commands, while the rear view camera, seems to show more of the boot and number plate than of the car’s immediate surroundings. Luckily, visibility is good all-round. On another more positive note, the Accord has a clear verbal warning system that politely reminds you once the car has started moving – of an unfastened seatbelt, an open door - or even if you’ve forgotten to disengage the handbrake!

Strong performance from the 2.2 litre diesel and impressive comfort levels all contribute to making the Accord an effective long-distance cruiser. Refinement levels impress, too with engine, wind and road noise being well contained: the only exception being the occasional sound of the suspension thumping over rougher road surfaces and potholes.

The Accord Tourer drives as well as the saloon, possessing very good grip levels and road holding, combined with a supple ride and responsive yet progressive brakes.

Fuel consumption of this automatic model disappoints. Although Honda claims an official combined mpg of 44.1, a more real-world mixed-route figure is 38 mpg. Manual EX models have a considerably higher claimed mpg of 50.4.

Verdict:
As long as you can swallow the rather high price tag and accept that the current Tourer’s rakish looks can’t quite accommodate as much cargo as its boxier predecessor, the Accord has a lot going for it; being, stylish, well made, comfortable, good to drive – and in EX trim – extremely well equipped.

Tech spec:
Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 i-DTEC EX Auto
OTR Price: £31,490
Max power: 148 bhp
Max torque: 350 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm
0-62 mph in 10.7 seconds
Max speed: 126 mph
Combined MPG: 44.1 (claimed)
CO2 emissions : (g/km) 167
VED band: H - Standard rate £200