Honda has unveiled the latest version of the Accord Saloon and Tourer models with lower emissions, refreshed styling and chassis improvements.
Emissions have been decreased on the saloon with the 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine, with the manual versions dropping 9g/km of CO2 to 138g/km - meaning it will now sit in the 20% BIK tax band in 2011/2012. On the automatic version a drop of 11g/km down to 159g/km means a BIK tax band of 24%.
The same engine in the Tourer version, with the manual gearbox, also falls into the 21% BIK band, thanks to the 10g/km reduction down to 143g/km.
As well as the diesel developments, aerodynamic changes mean the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine paired with the manual gearbox in saloon versions also sits in the 21% BIK band thanks to a 9g/km drop to 159g/km of CO2.
Both versions of the Accord have seen slight changes to the exterior styling. This includes refreshed bumper and headlight designs (top spec models get bi-xenon lights), while the grille has also been given a tweak. At the rear of the car the lights have seen minor changes and there are three new colours on offer.
Tiny changes to the interior include dark silver panels, bright silver door handles and handbrake, while ES models get new seat materials and door linings. The footwells on ES and EX models are now illuminated blue when the headlights are on.
The latest versions get added technology with active cornering lights as well as high beam assist which detects oncoming headlights or taillights of another car and automatically dips the beam. High beam assist is only available on cars with bi-xenon lights.
Honda is set to show off the Accord at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011 and it goes on sale in the UK in July 2011. Prices are expected to start at around £21,750 for the saloon with a premium of around £1,500 for the Tourer.
