| New Model Preview | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | Honda Accord |
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Honda has long held aspirations to take on the premium makers of Europe and it reckons it has just the car with its new Accord. The new model goes on sale in July in the UK as a saloon and Sports Tourer estate.
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Honda says its engineers have used the
BMW 3 Series as the benchmark for the new Accord's handling and dynamic abilities. To this end, the new car has a lower centre of gravity, wider track and new front double wishbone and multi-link rear suspension.
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To complement the more agile suspension set-up, Honda has added speed sensitive power steering. There's also a new steering rack to give sharper responses.
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On top of these changes, Honda has come up with a new diesel engine that provides 148bhp at 4,000rpm and 258lb.ft of torque. The new 2.0-litre turbodiesel is smaller, lighter and more refined than its predecessor and Honda has designed it to meet upcoming Euro 5 emissions regulations.
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The 2.4-litre petrol engine has also come in for attention and now produces 197bhp at a heady 7,000rpm. There's also a 2.0-litre petrol engine. All three engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Both petrol engines will be offered with a five-speed automatic 'box from launch and this will become an option on the diesel model from the start of 2009.
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All new Accords will have a new dash style that features a 'floating' instrument binnacle. The front seats will also have anti-whiplash headrests as part of the Accord's comprehensive safety package.
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Other safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Trailer Stability Assist and Lane Keeping Assist System.
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The new Accord will make its public debut at the
Geneva motor show in March, with sales beginning in July in the UK.
Alisdair Suttie - 11 Feb 2008