Love For Cars

Love For Cars

The 2008 model may not look too different to the previous Accord, but under the surface, it is indeed all-new. The styling isn't a radical departure, but this car is wider and lower-riding, and it comes with revised petrol engines, a new diesel, much-modified suspension, improved body rigidity, a thoroughly overhauled chassis and improved safety features. As before, saloon and Tourer estate bodystyles are on offer. Sadly, the new Tourer - although now more elegant-looking - is nowhere near as cavernous as the outgoing model, nor is it as versatile. Prices start from 拢19,260 (2.0 ES saloon) with diesels from 拢21,060 and Tourer estates from 拢20,560. Deliveries begin in the UK on 1 June 2008 (saloon) and 1 September (Tourer). The Accord has generally been very reliable: problems reported with the outgoing model have been relatively minor. Beyond the odd electronic or electrical issue, the main complaints were that the paint was prone to chipping and the diesel was prone to drink oil, which should have been addressed with the new engine. There were also a few cars with faulty transmission (manual and automatic) and recalls to address turbo problems and glow plug faults with the diesel.

Not perfect, then, but Honda owners have generally been pleased with their cars and with the service they have received from dealerships. The Accord, in particular, has also scored well in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys. Honda may not have created an ultimate driving machine here - and there are no plans for a Type-R version, apparently - but the Accord is still a pretty fine drive. The Accord's not necessarily an easy car to drive, however: there are several blind spots (the rear windscreen is shallow and strangely angled in both saloon and Tourer) and the new dashboard layout is confusing and over-complex. The driver is faced with banks of switches, LEDs, dials within dials, display screens, electronic gauges and levers - it's a case of information overload. The integral sat nav is quite simple to fathom, thankfully. The diesel engine (150bhp/258lb-ft) is the most appealing option by a considerable margin. It delivers 131mph and 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds (9.8 for the Tourer) and has loads of mid-range strength; it pulls well in every gear, yet always remains quiet and civilised. It's particularly good at motorway speeds, but it's fun for fast B-road progress as well.

Now with a particulate filter, its emissions have been much-reduced, too. With the diesel so good, there's little cause to choose a petrol: the 2.4 (200bhp/187lb-ft) is clearly initially quick off the mark but it sounds rough and coarse when pushed, and it lacks the flexibility of the diesel. The 2.0 (156bhp/142lb-ft) is adequate, but not terribly inspiring. Both petrol engines can be ordered with an automatic gearbox; this seems to work better with the 2.0-litre for relaxed cruising than with the 2.4, which is best enjoyed with the six-speed manual 'box. The last Accord scored a now-mediocre four stars for overall occupant protection in the Euro NCAP crash tests (2003), though this one does feel more solid and substantial. Security-wise, there are deadlocks, a rolling-code immobiliser, locking wheel nuts, and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm. Fuel economy from the 2.0-litre is nothing special: 39.2mpg with manual gearbox, 37.7mpg with auto. Insurance isn't too bad for the Accord, however - they're not thief-magnets - and Honda dealers generally charge reasonable prices for servicing and maintenance.

The engines (apart from the 2.4 when worked hard) are impressively quiet, particularly the diesel, with the excellent sound insulation also filtering out intrusive road, tyre and wind noise. It'll vary according to your choice of wheels and tyres, of course, but the ride is good, with the suspension coping well with broken road surfaces, potholes and even cobbled streets. The well-shaped seats help, too, giving plenty of back and under-thigh support for longer journeys. The steering wheel is adjustable in more directions than before, the seats are multi-way adjustable in most models, and it's easy to find an ideal seating position. The dark dashboard and its design mean that the Accord doesn't feel as spacious and airy as some rivals, but there is plenty of room up front. There's plenty of rear legroom, too, and three can sit comfortably in the back. Equipment levels are good - as they should be, at these prices. Bluetooth phone kit, and have different upholstery and trim. EX versions have front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, driver's seatback pocket, leather upholstery and DVD sat nav with voice-recognition controls, rear-view camera and six-CD autochanger.

With the GLC, Mercedes-Benz has aimed for an intelligent combination of functionality and agility in a modern, timeless SUV design. The vehicle's interior is one of high-class appeal that features authentic materials, flowing surface finishes and a newly interpreted centre console and which exudes a luxurious sense of lightness. This sense of lightness comes partly from the controls which are in silver chrome, with metallic tactile qualities. Giving a natural feel are the seat coverings in wool and linen and the open-poor wood used as trim. The Q5 also features classy interior design and top-notch construction, while the X3's interior is classic BMW from its traditional analog gauges to restrained sense of style. Mercedes' new GLC is designed to offer more space, more flexibility and greater appeal. The vehicles' 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission offers efficiency, comfort and dynamism and swifter and smoother gearshifting actions. Available for the first time is the optional AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension system in combination with continuously variable damper control, ensuring ride comfort and dynamic handling. The damping at each wheel is adapted to the current driving situation and can be set for more comfortable or sporty characteristics as required.