CONTENTS

4 At a glance

6 Specification overview

8 Questions on the tip of your tongue

12 Positioning

20 Accord’s 10

28 Exterior

33 Interior

42 Chassis

49 Engines

54 Honda and diesel engines

57 Petrol engines

62 Sector leading technology

68 Specifications - saloon

78 Specifications - Tourer

80 Image thumbnails

3

Honda Accord (2.4 i-VTEC) saloonPrice £23,260/£24,560 autoTop speed (mph) 141mph (Man) 141mph (Auto)0-62mph 7.8 seconds (Man)

9.5 seconds (Auto)Combined mpg 32.1mpg (Man) 32.8mpg (Auto)CO2 209g/km (Man)

204g/km (Auto)Engine 2354cc, K24Z3, PGM-FI, i-VTECPower 201PS @7,000rpmTorque 234Nm @4,500rpmService Interval Variable servicingInsurance rating 12E

Honda Accord (2.4 i-VTEC) TourerPrice £24,560/£25,860 autoTop speed (mph) 141mph (Man) 141mpg (Auto)0-62mph 7.8 seconds (Man)

9.6 seconds (Auto)Combined mpg 31.3mpg (Man) 31.7mpg (Auto)CO2 215g/km (Man) 211g/km (Auto)Engine 2354cc, K24Z3, PGM-FI, i-VTECPower 201PS @7,000rpmTorque 234Nm @4,500rpmService Interval Variable servicingInsurance rating 12E

KEY FEATURES

• Sportier design direction with more muscularwheel arches, sharper lines and wider andlower body

• Involving drive with chassis dynamicsbenchmarked against BMW 3-series

• High-quality interior with E-sector fit and finish

• More stylish Tourer design combinespracticality with contemporary looks

• Advanced technology improves safety, reducesdriver fatigue and increases comfort – CMBSmakes D-sector debut

• Two petrol engines, one diesel - designed tomeet the forthcoming Euro 5 legisaltion

• Introduction of smoother, cleaner, new i-DTECdiesel engine

• Establishes Honda’s position as an alternativeto the traditional premium manufacturers

AT A GLANCE

Honda Accord (2.2 i-DTEC) saloonPrice £21,060Top speed (mph) 131mph0-62mph 9.6 secondsCombined mpg 50.4mpgCO2 148g/kmEngine 2199cc, N22B1, C/rail i-DTECPower 150PS @4,000rpmTorque 350Nm @2,000rpmService Interval Variable servicingInsurance rating 10E / 11E

Honda Accord (2.2 i-DTEC) TourerPrice £22,360Top speed 130mph0-62mph 9.8 secondsCombined mpg 47.8mpgCO2 155g/kmEngine 2199cc, N22B1, C/rail i-DTECPower 150PS @ 4,000rpmTorque 350Nm @ 2,000rpmService Interval Variable servicingInsurance rating 10E / 11E

Honda Accord (2.0 i-VTEC) saloonPrice £19,260/£20,560 autoTop speed (mph) 133mph (Man) 131 mph (Auto)0-62mph 9.3 seconds (Man)

10.7 seconds (Auto)Combined mpg 39.2mpg (Man) 37.6mpg (Auto)CO2 170g/km (Man) 178g/km (Auto)Engine 1997cc, R20A3, PGM-FI, i-VTECPower 156PS @6,300rpmTorque 192Nm @4,300rpmService Interval Variable servicingInsurance rating 10E / 11E

Honda Accord (2.0 i-VTEC) TourerPrice £20,560/£21,860 autoTop speed (mph) 131mph (Man) 130mph (Auto)0-62mph 9.4 seconds (Man)

10.8 seconds (Auto)Combined mpg 38.7mpg (Man) 36.6mpg (Auto)CO2 173g/km (Man) 183g/km (Auto)Engine 1997cc, R20A3, PGM-FI, i-VTECPower 156PS @6,300rpmTorque 192Nm @4,300rpmService Interval Variable servicingInsurance rating 10E / 11E

4 5

Accord saloon (diesel manual) versus competitors

New Accord 2.0 ES GT A4 SE 3 Series SE Mondeo TitaniumEngine 2.2 i-DTEC 2.0 TDi 2.0d 2.0 TDCiPS 150@4000 143 179 140Bhp 148 141 177 138Torque (Nm) 350 320 350 3200-62 mph (secs) 9.6 9.4 7.9 9.3Max speed (mph) 131 134 143 130Urban (mpg) 38.7 37.7 47.1 37.2Extra Urban (mpg) 61.4 65.7 68.9 57.6Combined (mpg) 50.4 51.4 58.9 47.9CO2 148 144 128 156

Accord Tourer (diesel manual) versus competitors

New Accord 2.0 ES GT A4 SE 3 Series SE Mondeo TitaniumTourer Avant Touring Estate

Engine 2.2 i-DTEC 2.0 TDi 2.0d 2.0 TDCiPS 150@4000 143 179 140Bhp 148 141 177 138Torque (Nm) 350 320 350 3200-62 mph (secs) 9.8 9.7 8.1 9.6 Max speed (mph) 130 130 142 127Urban (mpg) 37.7 38.2 46.3 37.2Extra Urban (mpg) 57.6 60.1 67.3 57.6Combined (mpg) 47.9 49.6 57.6 47.9CO2 155 149 131 156

SPECIFICATION OVERVIEW

Accord saloon (petrol manual) versus competitors

New Accord 2.0 ES GT A4 SE 3 Series SE Mondeo TitaniumEngine 2.0 i-VTEC 1.8 TFSI 2.0 i 2.0 i DuratecPS 156@6300 160 172 145Bhp 154 158 170 143Torque (Nm) 192 249 210 1840-62 mph (secs) 9.3 8.6 8.2 11.9Max speed (mph) 133 140 142 130Urban (mpg) 30.1 28.5 33.6 25.2Extra Urban (mpg) 47.9 51.4 58.9 47.1Combined (mpg) 39.2 39.8 46.3 35.8CO2 170 169 146 189

Accord Tourer (petrol manual) versus competitors

New Accord 2.0 ES GT A4 SE 3 Series SE Mondeo TitaniumTourer Avant Touring Estate

Engine 2.0 i-VTEC 1.8 TFSI 2.0 i 2.0 i DuratecPS 156@6300 160 172 145Bhp 154 158 170 143Torque (Nm) 192 249 210 1840-62 mph (secs) 9.4 8.9 8.4 10.0Max speed (mph) 131 140 140 127Urban (mpg) 28.8 29.1 33.2 25.2Extra Urban (mpg) 47.9 48.7 57.6 47.1Combined (mpg) 38.7 39.2 45.6 35.8CO2 173 172 148 189

6 7

(diesel). The ES GT, which we expect to be the core derivative, is priced at £20,110 OTR(petrol) and £21,910 OTR (diesel). The Advanced Navigation Pack including DVD Sat Nav,Bluetooth hands-free telephone, rear parking camera and 6CD changer with premium audio,is available as an option.

The EX grade starts at £22,260 on-the-road and is fitted with the Advanced Navigation Packas standard, while the ADAS safety technology package is available as an option.

TourerThe entry level Tourer ES is priced at £20,560 OTR (petrol) and £22,360 OTR (diesel). The ESGT grade starts from £21,410 (petrol) and £23,210 (diesel) and includes the AdvancedNavigation Pack, like the saloon.

The EX grade includes the Advanced Navigation Pack and starts from £24,560 OTR (petrol)and £25,360 (diesel) and the ADAS safety technology is available as an option.

All prices are correct at launch, but for up-to-date pricing, it’s best to check the mediawebsite, www.hondauk-media.co.uk

Why is the car more expensive than the outgoing model?The new car starts at £19,260 OTR with greater refinement, a much higher level of equipmentand a superior fit and finish. Against competitors it offers remarkable value for money.

Although there has been an increase in retail price, CAP and Glass’s Guide predict asignificant uplift in residual values – 43 per cent on the core ES GT model (versus 37 per centfor the Sport GT) and an average 4.4 per cent uplift in RVs across all model grades.

Will there be a high-powered, Type R version built?There is no plan to introduce an Accord Type R. Honda’s key customers for Accord are senior

QUESTIONS ON THE TIP OF YOUR TONGUE

What’s the general direction for the new Accord?The new Accord will provide a strong challenge to the traditional premium manufacturers inthe D-sector with sporty styling, greater refinement and excellent driving dynamics. Allengines in the line up are designed to meet Euro 5 legislation, and its sector-leading packageof safety systems rivals most E-sector cars.

The new Accord will play an important role in continuing to strengthen Honda’s marketposition, particularly in the corporate sector.

Who will buy it?The Accord’s key customers will be conquest, corporate customers – head office seniormanagers. We expect them to be slightly younger than previously – following the trend ofCivic and CR-V – and we also predict to pick up customers from the D-sector mass marketwho are looking to upgrade.

How many Accords do you plan to sell in the UK?The UK target for 2008 is 10,000 units. Sales of the outgoing Accord totalled 8,033 units in 2007.

What are the Accord’s main competitors?Audi A4 (TDi 140 or 170 S Line), BMW 3 Series (320d SE or 318d M Sport) and Lexus IS mid-grade models (220d or 220d SE).

The Accord’s key grade is the ES GT, which offers excellent value for money versus itscompetitors with sports suspension, half-leather upholstery, an aero kit and 17-inch wheels.

How much will the Accord cost in the UK?The entry level ES, saloon costs £19,260 on-the-road (petrol) and £21,060 on-the-road

8 9

managers and user choosers within the corporate market; they don’t want an actualperformance car, but they do want a car that looks like a performance car, and that’s why thenew Accord has sportier styling and more muscular lines.

With the sportier-styled GT models, we’re looking to compete with S-Line trimmed Audis andM-Sport trim BMWs, rather than high power RS4s and M3s.

The new car doesn’t look dramatically different to the old model. Why is that? The styling of the previous Accord, launched in 2003, was very radical at the time and it setthe scene for more stylish, more European Hondas, like the current Civic. But not every newmodel has to look markedly different from the last. Accord’s Large Project Leader, HiroyukiIkegami explains: “When a premium German brand has a full model change, they alwaysretain consistency. They apply an evolutionary approach – not revolutionary.”

When does it go on sale?The saloon officially goes on sale from 1 June, 2008 but is available to order now. The Tourergoes on sale from 1 September, 2008.

What is the predicted residual value?High residual values are pivotal to our main target audience, fleet managers and the corporatecustomer so we set out to achieve a residual value of 42 per cent for the new Accord. Themodel we expect to be the most popular – ES GT – achieved an RV of 43 per cent (saloon).

A table showing the Accord’s RVs versus the competition, as well as cost per mile and SMRs ison page 15.

10 11

Dream and Problem Playground. These ads have helped differentiate Honda from thetraditional premium marques, illustrating Honda’s warmer, more human approach toengineering.

Evolution not revolution Retaining consistency was the development team’s aim. After all, there are many fans of theoutgoing Accord’s European looks and nimble driving characteristics. It made sense toretain key aspects and develop them. Ikegami-san, Large Project Leader for Accord saloon,hopes this will establish a stronger image for the car and the Honda brand. (See interviewon page 21.)

In addition, the approach to the development of the Accord has also evolved. The current,outgoing Accord was created by two teams of engineers – one solely working on saloon, theother on Tourer.

Both cars followed different paths and were designed to reach slightly different goals. TheTourer aimed for maximum practicality, with class-leading load volume, while the saloon hada more sporty design with compact dimensions.

Mr Ikegami and Mr Horikawa led the two separate design teams at that time. Ikegami-sanworked as Large Project Leader (LPL) for saloon, Horikawa-san as LPL for Tourer. The two menworked largely independently from one another.

But when designing the new Accord, the objective was to create an estate car that was closer toits saloon sibling – a Tourer that was not just functional, but more stylish, sporty and involvingto drive. So this time around, Honda structured the Accord development team differently.

Instead of having two separate design teams there was just one, with Mr Ikegami heading upthe overall project as Accord LPL; Mr Horikawa becoming Assistant LPL.

POSITIONING

Yes, the new Accord has been designed to challenge the traditional premium manufacturers inthe D-sector. And yes, we’re well aware there are plenty of other car companies claimingsimilar intentions. It seems every new car is launched with talk of ‘premium’ quality or ranking.

But when Honda talks about the new Accord being a genuine premiumcontender, we’re not just referring to the quality of the product offering – whichis clearly up there with BMW and Audi. Importantly, we can confidently claim tocompete with the big boys with credentials – earned by the performance of thelatest Civic and CR-V models.

Both these cars have not only demonstrated Honda’s ability to build stylish,well-equipped cars with excellent driving dynamics – but they have alsodemanded an uplift in residual values, and a dramatic increase in the averageselling price across each respective range.

During the first few months of CR-V sales last year, 85 per cent of customers werechoosing fully-loaded, top spec EX models, cars approaching £29,000. Ourdealers have never seen so much ‘heavy metal’; their forecourts are nowpopulated by Merc MLs and BMW X3s, following trade-ins. We’d alreadywitnessed a similar reaction to the launch of the Civic hatch a year earlier.

As a result, the average selling price of a Civic has increased approximately 40per cent from £11,000 to £15,500, and the average price of a CR-V up 21 percent from £18,000 to £22,000.

Adding to this shift in buying trends is the change in public perception of what the Hondabadge means, helped by our award-winning advertising campaigns, such as Cog, Impossible

“At the outset of this

project I wanted to

break the mould and

make sure the

characteristics of the

saloon appeared on the

Tourer.

That meant the Tourer

could be just as sporty

and stylish as the

saloon”

Hiroyuki Ikegami, LPL

Accord saloon

12 13

Accord pricing versus competitorsSaloon Price OTR Residual value (36mth / 60K)PetrolNew Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT £20,110 41%New Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC EX £22,260 38%2007 YM Accord 2.0 i-VTEC EX £21,427 36%Audi A4 1.8 TFSI 160 S Line £24,745 44%BMW 318i M Sport £24,465 41%Ford Mondeo 2.0 Ghia £18,655 30%Mercedes C-Class C200K SE £24,505 42%DieselNew Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT £21,910 43%New Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT £24,910 41%2007 YM Accord Sport GT £20,767 37%Audi A4 2.0 TDi S Line £26,095 45%Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE £23,595 N/aBMW 320d SE £26,050 41%Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Titanium X £21,455 30%Mercedes C220 CDI SE £25,545 44%

Tourer Price OTR Residual value (36mth / 60K)PetrolNew Honda Accord 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT £21,410 N/a2007 YM Accord Sport GT £21,967 N/aAudi A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI 160 S Line £25,895 N/aBMW 318i M Sport Touring £25,645 N/aDieselNew Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT £23,210 N/aNew Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC EX £25,360 N/aAudi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI S Line £27,245 N/aAudi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI SE £24,745 N/aBMW 320d SE Touring £27,230 N/a* All residuals provided by CAP Monitor, April 2008. Prices are current at time of print.

Together the engineers worked to create a Tourer that shared a common platform, and thusthe same great driving dynamics, as well as the expected practicality. Only then did the teamdivide into two

Well-equippedIn terms of specification, we’re confident the new Accord will stack up favourably. The high-spec Sport GT, launched in September 2007, quickly became the best selling derivative of theoutgoing model, making up approximately 50 per cent of Accord sales, confirming that ourcustomers desired sporty looks with a high level of specification and trim.

Residual ValuesResidual values are a key element in the decision making process of fleet managers – the maintarget for this car. Honda set out to achieve a residual value on the new car of 42 per cent and theguides have awarded the key grade – the ES GT saloon model – with an RV of 43 per cent, an upliftthat places the Accord firmly in the company of other premium marques.

14 15

Contract HireEqually, Contract Hire rates will be important to business user choosers. A non-maintainedcontract hire quote is below:

Vehicle Instalments Mileage Rental + VATHonda Accord 2.2i DTEC ES GT saloon 3 months + 35 rentals 10k £338.00Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE 3 months + 35 rentals 10k £339.00* Non-maintained (servicing not included) and excludes metallic paint.

Competitors Rental + VAT VarianceLexus IS 220d** (OTR £23,132) £279 -£59.00Mercedes C220 CDI SE (OTR £24,107) £331 -£7.00Honda Accord 2.2i DTEC ES GT Saloon (OTR £21,900) £338 £0.00Audi A4 Saloon 2.0 TDI SE* (OTR £23.940) £339 +£1.00BMW 320d SE (OTR £25.940) £341 +£3.00Lexus IS 220d SE (OTR £25,782) £369 +£31.00BMW 318d M Sport (OTR £27,080) £372 +£34.00Rentals based on 3/35, 10k per annum and non maintained

Please note - * Currently advertised on Audi website, however, according to website expires 31/03**Currently advertised on Lexus website, however, according to website expires 31/03

Ownership costs that make business senseFor the Accord’s key target customer – fleet managers and user choosers – strong RVs as wellas low SMR costs and respective costs per mile will be critical to their purchase decision.

The new Accord’s running costs are extremely competitive, given the level of specification.

Cost per mileModel P11D value (£) Cost per mile (pence)New Accord i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC 21,735 45.112007 Accord Sport GT 2.2 i-CTDi 20,602 47.22(Sat Nav/HFT)Audi A4 TDI SE 143 2.0 DT 6 sp 23,775 44.92

Source: Carcost 14 February, 2008

Service, Maintenance and Repair2007 Accord SMR cost at 60,000 miles Saving (£) Saving (%)2.0 Type S 17-inch alloys £1,578.402.2 Sport GT 17-inch alloys £1,545.22

New Accord2.0 ES GT 17-inch alloys £1,315.37 £263.03 16.72.2 ES GT 17-inch alloys £1,427.19 £118.03 7.6

*Based on 36 months, 60,000 mile contract

16 17

The new Accord Diesel also compares favourably with key competitors in Monthly CompanyCar Tax payments:

Monthly Company

BIK % Car TaxNew Accord OTR P11d C02 Power 2008/9 40% Tax Competitor Analysis Price Price Emissions (PS) PayerAccord 2.2 ES GT Manual £21,900 £21,735 148 g/km 150 PS 20% £145BMW 318d M Sport Manual £27,180 £27,015 123 g/km 141 PS 18% £162Audi A4 2.0 TDi S-Line Manual £26,440 £25,275 144 g/km 143 PS 19% £160

Parts pricingHonda is renowned for its reliability, but we accept from time to time, the odd part will needto be replaced, particularly if that car is pounding the motorways or munching miles as acorporate vehicle. So, we’ve listed a few random parts below and provided the unit pricesexcluding labour to give you the full picture on ownership costs.

Oil Filters £8.51 Air Filters £15.82 Pads Rear £38.30 Front £29.79Discs Rear £38.30Front £42.44Windscreen wiper £8.00

All parts prices exclude VAT and are correct at time of print. For more information contact theHonda (UK) press office.

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ACCORD’S 10 ACCORD’S 10THE MEN BEHIND THE CAR

It might sound a bit odd, but we like to think of the men responsible for creating the latestAccord as similar to Ocean’s 11: a team of experts, handpicked for their specialist skills,combining to achieve a common goal (only in this case, it wasn’t stealing loot from a casino!).

HIROYUKI IKEGAMI: LARGE PROJECT LEADER, ACCORD SALOONKATSUMI HORIKAWA: LARGE PROJECT LEADER, ACCORD TOURERHIROFUMI SHIGEOKA: PROJECT LEADER, BODY DESIGNMASASHI IWAI: ASSISTANT LARGE PROJECT LEADERMASANORI HASHIMOTO: ASSISTANT LARGE PROJECT LEADER, POWERTRAINKOTA IKEUCHI: ASSISTANT LARGE PROJECT LEADER, DIESEL ENGINESUSUMU OTA: PROJECT LEADER, ELECTRONICSTOSHIRO MORITA: ASSISTANT LARGE PROJECT LEADERKENTA AMANO: PROJECT LEADER, CHASSISKOTARO HARA: PROJECT LEADER

WHAT FEATURE OF THE CAR ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?HIROYUKI IKEGAMI: “It’s difficult to pinpoint a definite challenge or one single thing we areproud of. Each piece of technology on the car is a distillation of the effort we put in. I wouldsay that one of my main highlights is the diesel engine. We are relatively new to thistechnology, so I am very proud of doing something so well that we’ve never done before.

“The roof structure of the car is also something I am proud of, as it was the result of close co-operation between the design and production teams.”

Hirofumi

ShigeokaMasashi

Iwai

Kotaro

Hara

Toshiro

Morita

Kenta

Amano

Kota

Ikeuchi

Hiroyuki

Ikegami

Susumu

Ota

Katsumi

Horikawa

Masanori

Hashimoto

20 21

“The traditional Japanese approach is to make a drastic change to the styling to make the cardistinctive. But distinction comes from the brand itself, not necessarily the model. It isimportant for Honda to develop a stronger brand image.”

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU WANTED TO CHANGE ABOUT THE OLD CAR?HIROYUKI IKEGAMI: “At the very early stages of this car I was LPL of both saloon andTourer. I wanted to take a very different approach from the development of current Accord, forwhich there were two separate teams. One of the teams was responsible for the Tourer, sothey concentrated on luggage capacity etc. The other concentrated on the saloon.

“But at the outset of this project I wanted to break the mould and make sure thecharacteristics of the saloon appeared on the Tourer. That meant the Tourer could be just assporty and stylish as the saloon.”

KATSUMI HORIKAWA: “At first, I was in charge of the platform of this car. I looked at thecurrent Accord’s platform, which had quite rigid suspension settings, as the developmentteam had tried to get the right balance between performance and ride. But the limits of thatset-up had been reached, so we were forced to make big changes in this area. That was myfirst point of focus.”

WHAT INFLUENCED THE TEAM DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS?MASASHI IWAI: “A few years ago, when we were working on the design for Accord – forAmerican, Japanese and European markets – designers produced several sketches in theJapanese studios, many in Europe and some in America. We were trying to find thecharacteristics that would sit well in each market. All these sketches shared commonelements – features that characterise the Accord – and a combination of the sketches becamethe new car.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK CUSTOMERS WILL LIKE MOST ABOUT THE CAR?HIROYUKI IKEGAMI: “The biggest customer requirement of a car like the Accord is quality.With a Minivan, the need is for passenger room, with a station wagon it’s functionality – butwith a saloon car, high quality is what the customers most want. And that’s quality both whenthe car is stationary and moving.

“I believe the customers will like the very high quality feel to the instrument panel – and theinsides of the doors are resin coated which is pretty rare in this sector.”

KATSUMI HORIKAWA: “The car offers the best performance balance – to be specific, thatmeans a smooth, comfortable ride with agile handling, and low noise and vibration levels.The diesel engine will be high quality and have lots of power.

“The platform of this car was aimed at 800,000 sales a year, as it is shared by the Americanand Japanese Accords, as well as the Acura TSX and TL models. It will share engines from 2.0to 3.7-litres. We created the platform with these needs in mind.”

HOW DOES THE CAR COMPARE TO ITS COMPETITORS (AUDI/BMW ETC)?HIROYUKI IKEGAMI: “There are many opinions, but styling should set this Accord from itsrivals. And it is not a copy of another car or competitor. The current Accord was well acceptedwhen launched, so I wanted to keep some elements of that car, but also offer something new.

“For that reason, the styling is in line with the traditional characteristics of Accord – it’s anevolution of the previous model. And it is still distinctive.

“But what is distinction? When a premium German brand has a full model change, theyalways retain consistency. They apply an evolutionary approach – not revolutionary.

22 23

WHAT WAS THE BENCHMARK COMPETITOR CAR FOR THE DIESEL ENGINE? KOTA IKEUCHI: “BMW was the benchmark because both driving performance and NVH levelsare all excellent.”

WHAT WAS THE BENCHMARK COMPETITOR CAR FOR ELECTRONICS? SUSUMU OTA: “My reference points were models from BMW, Audi and Lexus. What I tried todo is refine Honda technologies – like ADAS – but not completely change them. The idea wasto meet the minimum requirements and then go beyond that with the entire car’selectronics.”

WHAT WAS THE BENCHMARK COMPETITOR CAR FOR VEHICLE DESIGN? TOSHIRO MORITA: “My actual assignment was to manage the project and calculate costs –not the best job! I looked at BMW as a benchmark – I didn’t care about Audi. Toyota and Audican build good quality cars, but they don’t have outstanding features – anyone can build carslike that. BMW however, build good cars with features that are outstanding and these partsmake the whole car great.

“To make the Honda brand distinctive, I believe we must take a similar approach and build onthe excellent features of our cars.

“In this project, I was able to control this by pushing more money into areas where we couldbe outstanding, and stripping it away from areas where we didn’t need it.

“For example, I spent a lot of money on the front seats. And they are excellent – absolutelyno expense spared. To pay for the seats I cut costs in the spare wheel well. Why should weshape this recessed area in a circle like a wheel? It costs more money to do, but doesn’t needto be that way, so I had it cut like a square. It’s simple.

“I believe that customers will not be experts – they will be people like me. I was in a good

WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR, HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL?KENTA AMANO: “The target was to realise a secure driving feel in all conditions. So, inemergency situations, tight corners or side winds, we aimed to make the vehicle as stable,comfortable and safe as possible.

“Of course, we also wanted to give a lot of feedback to the driver, but with low noise andvibration levels.

“I am happy to say I feel exactly these things when I drive the Accord.”

WHAT TYPE OF TESTING HAVE YOU CARRIED OUT WITH THIS CAR?HIROYUKI IKEGAMI: “We have just about finished all of the testing, lots of which wascarried out on the Bosch Proving Ground in Germany. We also tested the car on autobahns ormotorways in different countries and on the test track at Honda’s plant in Swindon. Theengines and transmissions were then tested on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road inAustria.”

KATSUMI HORIKAWA: “Hot weather and performance testing for the diesel engine wascarried out in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain, but we also took the car into NorthernEurope to set up and test VSA (Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist).”

WHAT WAS THE BENCHMARK COMPETITOR CAR FOR BODY AND INTERIOR?HIROFUMI SHIGEOKA: “In my area, quality is important, so to achieve that, I looked atmatching Audi. When it comes to creating the right atmosphere or feeling, my benchmarkcars were from Audi or BMW.”

WHAT WAS THE BENCHMARK COMPETITOR CAR FOR THE PETROL ENGINE? MASANORI HASHIMOTO: “To develop more power we looked at BMW, because in terms ofpower and fuel economy results, we really admire their achievements especially indeveloping engines of the displacements we chose – 2.0 and 2.4-litre.”

24 25

position, as I was not immersed in the project design or production, so I could give advicefrom the ‘outside’. I often asked myself: ‘Why is this special? What does it do for me?”

YOU SEEM LIKE A VERY CLOSE TEAM – HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE TOGETHER AT THEEND OF THE PROJECT?TOSHIRO MORITA: “We have already had many occasions! You might get the impression weare close, but that’s the work of Ikegami-san, the LPL, who brings it all together.”

MASASHI IWAI: “But of course there have been some conflicts along the way – the LPLswanted to spend money, but Morita-san wanted to save it! In our daily duties, we often faceda tug of war, as each member of the team was responsible for different areas. But we allshared a common goal, so we worked together as a team, and as the project went on, wecelebrated as each stage was completed.”

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EXTERIOR

Overall, the new Accord is wider, lower and sportier, with sleeker proportions and a sharp-edged design that gives the car a strong road presence. With its new compact proportions,the Tourer still offers class-leading practicality, but housed within a more stylish package.

Both body shapes feature muscular lines around the wheel arches, bumpers, grille andbonnet – all of which make the whole car appear more athletic and powerful.

The GT grade in particular has been designed to compete with the likes of Audi S-line andBMW M-Sport trimmed cars, and will appeal to those key corporate, user chooser customersthat want a sporty looking car.

DimensionsThe Accord’s completely new platform is shared by the saloon and Tourer with approximately75 per cent commonality between the two. They now have an identical 2705 mm wheelbase,representing an increase of 35 mm for the saloon, and a reduction of 15 mm for the Tourer.Both models are 1840 mm wide, up 80 mm, helping to create a roomier cabin front and rear.The greater width is also reflected in a 75 mm wider track which is now 1590 mm and a keyelement in the Accord’s more responsive handling.

Tourer

Saloon

“The styling is in line

with the traditional

characteristics of

Accord – it’s an

evolution of the

previous model. And

it is still distinctive.”

Hiroyuki Ikegami

28 29

Paint coloursA range of paint colours are available on the new Accord. Buran Silver, Cobalt Blue, CrystalBlack, Polished Metal and Volcano Grey are all new for 2008, while Milano Red and RoyalBlue continue to be available.

AerodynamicsAn excellent aerodynamic drag coefficient pays dividends in the form of lower wind noise,improved fuel economy and enhanced stability and Honda has paid particular attention tounderbody air flow management to reduce drag and lift in the new Accord. Key elementsinclude a chin spoiler, front and rear strakes ahead of the wheelarches, an engine undercover,and middle and rear undercovers. Other significant features include a front spoiler thatreduces front lift, the rear boot spoiler and a particularly aerodynamic cabin area.

30 31

INTERIOR

If the exterior design of the new Accord is an evolution from the previous model, then theinterior is a revolution. It’s a huge leap forward in terms of layout, equipment, quality ofmaterials and styling. Honda engineers concentrated on achieving outstanding fit and finish –benchmarking E-sector cars for refinement.

The result is a stylish, comfortable, spacious cabin, with a driver-focused design and layoutthat wraps around the front seats, giving a cockpit-style feel. Advanced technology alsofeatures strongly, and instruments are positioned to ensure they appear in ‘line of sight’, withcontrols in easy reach of the driver.

Every ‘touch-point’ on the new Accord looks and feels premium, particularly the seats,steering wheel, pedals and other key controls.

Cockpit style cabinThe Accord’s interior layout has been carefully considered, and centres around the mostimportant person in the car – the driver. The cockpit style cabin is enveloping, with thecontrols ‘wrapped around’ the driver.

The Accord is now wider by 80 mm which translates directly into a roomier, airier cabin.Shoulder width is now 65 mm greater, for example.

While the Accord’s overall height has been reduced (the saloon by 5 mm, the Tourer by 30 mm),at the same time the cabin floor has been lowered by 10 mm, to give a sportier driving position.

SeatsA key area of focus on the inside of the Accord was the front seats, built to maximise bothcomfort and support, with a blend of the best upholstery materials. Large, supportivebolsters in the front seats are designed to reduce any vibration transmission and theirsporting shape hugs the driver, holding them comfortably in position.

32 33

Eliminating noiseWe’ve listened closely to customer feedback, and improvements have been made to reduceNVH and interior noise levels on the new Accord, in order to create a relaxing driving spacethat reduces driver fatigue.

The new car has a more refined interior thanks to a range of measures that have increasedsound absorption as well as sound insulation. Lightweight materials have also been usedwherever possible to eliminate even the smallest of rattles.

How about this for imaginative engineering? There’s floor carpeting with both soundinsulation and sound absorption; a series of dimples and beads incorporated into the floorpanel which reduce acoustic radiation; a new floating rear subframe which lessens roadnoise; improved insulation within the door pillar structures and a lightweight noise packagethat includes an acoustic roof lining, acoustic trunk side lining, wheelarch insulators, andsound absorbing/insulating dashboard elements.

Intelligent climate controlThe Accord comes equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control system that lets thedriver and front passenger adjust the temperature settings to their individual liking.

Until now, intelligent climate control has only been available on the Honda Legend, but this E-sector technology will now be standard on all Accords with satellite navigation.

Hi-tech optical sensors determine the sun’s position and automatically adjust the interiorclimate accordingly, so that a constant and comfortable temperature is maintainedthroughout the cabin at all times. To use intelligent climate control, the ‘auto’ button on thecentre console must be selected.

Higher specification models feature adjustable rear vents which provide rear seat passengers

Depending on specification, the seats are upholstered with either cloth (ES), half leathersports upholstery (ES GT and EX GT) or full leather (EX). On EX and EX GT grades, seatmemory switches are located in the driver’s door, and can hold up to three seat positions.

A stubby, sporty, gearstick with short ‘throw’ ensures gearchanges are snappy, while the three-spoke steering wheel – in asimilar design to that in the Civic and CR-V – is black with silvertrim and hosts a complete suite of controls – audio buttons on theleft, cruise control on the right and the telephone buttons on thelower spoke. It is fully adjustable for reach and rake, with an extra10 degrees tilt adjustment compared to the previous Accord.

An impressive main instrument panel with blue and red back-lighting and ‘floating’ needleson the rev counter and speedometer dials form the centre-piece of the dash and underlinethe more sporting feel of this latest Accord.

The LCD instrument display (in the centre of the speedometer) has a host of new features.Linked to the on-board computer, it’s able to display vehicle mileage and trip mileage, instantand average fuel economy, range, average speed, journey time, as well as outsidetemperature, seatbelt status (including rear seats) and displays status information on ACC,LKAS and CMBS, where fitted.

For the first time, the new Accord features a service reminder that lights up in the centre ofthe speedometer providing the driver with either the distance or days remaining to a requiredservice, while an enlarged warning symbol appears when the service due date is imminent.

In addition, a new shift-indicator appears here too, advising the driver of the best point tochange gear, in order to maximise fuel economy. Automatic transmission models insteadfeature the shift gate pattern and the lever position.

34 35

with their own air conditioning. The centre console can also have cool or warm air pumpedinto it from this air feed – perfect for cooling or warming drinks.

Voice Activated Satellite NavigationWe’ve worked hard to improve the quality and usability of our technology. DVD SatelliteNavigation comes as standard on the EX grades and as an option on the ES GT grade. It nowboasts an 8-inch screen, voice recognition in five languages (English, French, German, Italianand Spanish) and covers most European countries, including for the first time Poland,Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

A directional microphone ensures only the driver’s voice is picked up and there are someother clever features, too:

• Voice operation is possible even in the middle of a conversation with a passenger as amicrophone can distinguish between the driver’s and a passenger’s voice

• Wind down the windows, open the sunroof and the voice operation will still work• It can learn different voice qualities of different drivers, so great for pool cars or if

different people will be driving it on a regular basis• All of this detection and directional ability also applies to the Bluetooth hands-free

telephone kit (HFT), available as part of the Advanced Navigation Pack

The push-to-talk button on the steering wheel activates the voice control. A command suchas “home” will prompt the system to plot the best route to the driver's house. To find thenearest restaurant or petrol station, just say the command and the system will find theclosest and navigate to it.

Another useful feature of the navigation system is the RDS function which means the systemcan recognise live traffic hotspots and recalculate the ideal route to avoid the congestion.

36 37

models with the Advanced Navigation Pack have a high-powered Premium Audio system witha 6 CD changer unit located in the centre console that features 10 speakers and a sub-woofer.Volume of the sound system is linked to the speed of the vehicle to maintain an optimumvolume throughout the entire journey.

MP3 players or iPods can be connected via a docking point in the centre consolestorage box, where an auxiliary jack point and power outlet can also be found.

Key fobThe key fob has added functionality. There are separate buttons for the bootrelease, door locking and door unlocking. The first push of the door unlockingbutton unlocks the driver’s door only, a second push unlocks all four doors. Onhigher grade models it is also possible to close open windows and sunroof byholding down the door lock button (conversely, holding down the unlock buttonopens windows and sunroof ).

Rather than a lever on the door sill, the fuel filler cover is now linked to the driver’s door lockswitch. Once it is unlocked, you simply press on the flap and it springs open.

Luggage spaceEven with the Tourer’s compact and stylish new proportions, there’s still ample luggage space.With all seats in place, there’s 395-litres (VDA), meaning it is still one of the best in its class.When the Tourer’s rear seats are folded down, luggage capacity increases to 672-litres (VDA –to window line) ensuring larger loads can still be accommodated. As an example, there’s stillroom for a mountain bike, without needing to remove the bike’s front wheels first.

The Tourer has a range of practical accessories to organise luggage and protect the bootinterior. A cargo space divider and dog guard maximise the use of space while a tailor-madeboot tray, a cargo mat and a boot edge protection mat, reduce wear and tear. There’s also a

Bluetooth Hands-Free TelephoneAccords fitted with the Advanced Navigation Pack will also have a Bluetooth wireless hands-free telephone kit (HFT).

The new phone system has been improved from that on the previous Accord,and now allows the driver to automatically transfer a call started outside thecar onto the HFT once the ignition has been turned to the ACC position. Theuser can now utilise the phone’s keypad to make calls as well as storing upto 50 names with a speed-dial number. More importantly all numbers can beaccessed by HFT and speech recognition.

Thanks to the satellite navigation, it is also possible to import the phonebooks of up to six separate mobiles via the Interface Dial, up to 1000 nameswith a potential of 10,000 numbers! Once imported, numbers are accessedthrough voice command or by selecting ‘search imported phonebook’ on thescreen, followed by a keyword search or by listing all records.

Reversing and parkingWhere fitted, the centre screen, used for satellite navigation, doubles up as a rear-view camerawhen reverse gear is selected. Located above the rear registration plate, the camera provides aview of the area directly behind the car (138 degrees wide and 91 degrees vertically).

In addition, the passenger side wing mirror automatically tilts downwards, when reverse gearis selected. A switch mounted in the driver-side door enables this function.

EX grade models are fitted with parking sensors as standard – four front sensors and four rear.

Sound systemsEntry level (ES) Accords come with a radio and single CD player while EX grades or ES GT

“In real terms395-litres

equates to fourmedium-sized

golf bags orfour largesuitcases”

38 39

There’s additional under-floor storage too, adding 53-litres to the overall load space, plusstorage areas concealed in the boot side walls – the left hand compartment used to store ahazard warning triangle and first aid kit.

Other practical touches on both saloon and Tourer include two linedpockets either side of the centre console, great for storingsunglasses, a large glovebox, lidded storage area to side of thesteering wheel, large front door pockets, bottle holders in the reardoor panels, and a large centre console box which doubles up as anarmrest and is slide-adjustable. There are two cupholders in thecentre console, and rear passengers have two more in the rearcentre armrest.

Like its predecessor, the new Accord Tourer is available with a power operated tailgate – thekey fob or a switch located in the boot’s lower edge operates this. When opening, an audiblewarning sounds and the indicators flash. There’s also an automatic close function, to saveslamming it, which is ideal if there’s a sleeping child in the car. Safety measures include autoreverse when any resistance is detected, backed up by touch sensors located around thesides of the tailgate.

The latest tailgate design uses a thinner motor unit located in the roof lining which is quieterand impacts less on rear visibility.

Cabin coloursThere are two cabin colours: Premium Black - in which all trim elements are black except thegrey roof lining; and Premium Grey, which has a grey trim complemented by a black sectionon the upper dash. Stylish interior contrasts are created using carefully selected metallicfinishes throughout the cabin.

tie down belt to hold luggage in place, a cargo net and boot side net.

The saloon’s luggage capacity remains best in class against other premium saloons with 467litres (VDA) and a lower loading position of 678mm, down 80mm. Like the Tourer, it also has anexclusive boot pack which includes a cargo net, side pocket, and utility hooks on the undersideof the rear shelf to hang shopping bags, all providing even greater practicality and flexibility.

The Tourer has easy to use, one-motion rear seats that can be collapsed easily in one motionand without removing the headrests, creating a virtually flat load space. The child seat tetheranchors and seatbelts are also fully integrated into the seats, leaving a neat, flat surface forloading.

“The idea was tomeet the minimumrequirements and

then go beyond that”

Susumu Ota

40 41

Greater ride comfortFinding the right balance between sharp handling and ride comfort is an eternal challenge forchassis engineers, and with the new Accord, a lot of time and effort was invested ondelivering a car that cornered well, but also felt smooth and refined over bumps in the road.

This more comfortable ride is delivered through an increase in suspension rebound travel atboth front and rear, larger compliance bushes in the front suspension and a floating rearsubframe capable of greater absorption of bumps and road noise.

The Accord features dampers that use internal deflector plates, a first for a Honda productionvehicle. While most conventional dampers are tuned to provide a compromise between ridecomfort and sporty handling at different speeds, a new ‘Super Progressive Valve’ isengineered to provide ideal damping rates at both low and high speeds.

CHASSIS

Honda’s engineers have been quite clear about their aspirations for developing the Accord’shandling characteristics, with the BMW 3 Series openly discussed as a benchmark vehicle forchassis dynamics. Their brief was to create an Accord with a more involving drivingexperience, balanced with ride comfort and stability at high speeds, during cornering andunder heavy braking.

The new Tourer and saloon now share the same platform – albeit a completely new one – aswell as an all-new double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, whichtogether with increased rigidity, create a chassis that offers an involving yet comfortableride.

The front suspension geometry has been configured to reduce pitch under braking comparedto the previous Accord, while a larger compliance bush enhances ride comfort.

Similarly the rear suspension is designed to minimise lift under braking. Featuring twodiagonal links, three lateral links and a high rigidity bearing, it is tuned to match the Accord’squicker steering responses and contributes to a nimble yet solid feel.

Lowered centre of gravity and higher roll centreLowering the position of the engines and fuel tank within the Accord platform has helped toshave 18mm off the car’s centre of gravity, improving cornering stability. Greater roll stiffnesshas been gained from the 75mm wider front and rear tracks.

Furthermore, the suspension geometry has been set up to raise the new Accord’s roll centreaxis (the point about which it rolls during cornering). The result, in simple terms, meanspassengers can enjoy a stable, flat ride, minimal body roll, linear cornering feel and morecontrol.

42 43

Higher rigidityTo offer improved handling and a sportier driving experience, the new Accord’s body shell hasbeen engineered to provide even greater body rigidity and reduced torsion.

Highly efficient load absorbing pathways in both the front and rear frames effectivelydeal with suspension input, through specific items such as an upper bar runningbetween the two front suspension struts and additional strengthening in the fascia panelarea and in the junction between the door pillars and roof structure. Rear suspensionvertical rigidity has improved by 20 per cent, while front suspension horizontal rigidityhas increased 35 per cent.

The rear structures of both body shells also have significant changes – on the saloon a keycomponent is formed by the C pillars, the wheel housings and the floor cross member whichform a complete structural ‘hoop’, while a similar arrangement in the Tourer is created by thetailgate opening, the frame of the rear side windows and again the wheel housings. Torsionalrigidity in the Tourer is up by 20 per cent as a result.

High tensile steelAround 50 per cent of the Accord’s body, including the complete passenger cell frame andfront and rear side members, is made from high tensile steel, which provides greaterstrength without additional weight. In fact 42 per cent of this is made up from ultra hightensile steel.

Superb brakingThe new Accord has greater stability when braking from high speeds, and a more solid feeloverall. Excellent stopping power is achieved by larger brake callipers and discs.

The braking system also includes Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), anti-lock brakingand Brake Assist, the latter helping drivers to apply full braking pressure when required.

With a typical suspension unit, damping forces rise with the speed of damper compression,for example, hitting a series of bumps at high speed. This can cause significant rideharshness and noise inside the cabin. However, the new dampers are tuned to provide theideal damping rates for comfort at low speeds, while also limiting maximum damping forcesto reduce ride harshness at higher speeds.

In this way the Accord provides a wider range of comfortable ride quality and exceptionalroad holding under a wide variety of driving speeds and conditions.

Deflector plate technologyHonda’s new dampers automatically adjust compression dampingcharacteristics to suit the car’s speed, cornering forces and road surface. Thedampers use an ingenious “deflector plate stack” that deflects when thecompression forces reach a certain level, such as when encountering a largebump or dip in the road at high speeds. When these severe forces act on anordinary damper, oil cannot move quickly enough through the damping orificesand the effective damping rate climbs, resulting in an excessive shocktransmitted into the vehicle body.

With the new system, when severe conditions are encountered, the plate stackdeflects, allowing oil to pass through at a higher rate and in essence “capping”the damping rate at a preset level. This markedly reduces the shock transmittedinto the body while enhancing handling stability and road holding.

While the amount of oil passing through the damper orifices always remains consistent indifferent situations, the Accord’s system allows an increased flow rate in extreme situations,thereby limiting the maximum damping rate. Deflection of the plate stack is carefullycalibrated and controlled by spring pressure behind the plate stack. The simplicity of the newsystem also means that no electronics or movable valves are required.

“The target was to

realise a secure driving

feel in all

conditions…We aimed

to make the vehicle as

stable, comfortable

and safe as possible”

Kenta Amano

44 45

allowing the tyre with better grip to move the vehicle. In addition, the system reduces engineoutput to minimise wheelspin.

An indicator light flashes on the instrument panel while the system is actively enhancing thecar’s stability. There is also a switch to the side of the instrument panel which disables the VSA.

Trailer Stability AssistTrailer Stability Assist is now fitted across the entire Accord range. It’s a development of VSAwhich detects if the trailer is starting to yaw while being towed at speed. TSA uses acombination of torque reduction and individual wheel braking to bring the car and trailerback under full control.

In addition, towing weights have also been increased. The 2.4-litre i-VTEC is now capable oftowing up to 1600kg, while Accords with the 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine can tow up to 1700kg.The 2.0-litre i-VTEC towing weight remains at 1500 kg.

Motion Adaptive EPSMotion Adaptive EPS is an innovative system using the capabilities of both VSA and EPS. Thesystem detects instability in slippery conditions both during cornering and under braking andautomatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correctdirection.

Steering control remains with the driver at all times, but this supporting steering torque isenough to prompt the driver to act and regain stability, allowing control to be maintained.

EPS is an advanced, speed sensitive Electric Power Steering system fitted on the entireAccord range which features a high output, low inertia brushless motor with enhancedrigidity providing excellent, precise and stable steering. A quicker steering ratio is also usedin keeping with the Accord’s agile chassis characteristics.

The 2.4 EX model has a high performance braking system with larger brake discs.

Vehicle Stability AssistAll Accords are now fitted with Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system which isdesigned to help the driver maintain control during cornering, acceleration and suddenmanoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managingthe engine torque systems.

At its simplest level, VSA has a traction control function whereby it detects wheel slip underacceleration and coordinates the use of braking and engine torque to regain traction. Insituations where the driven wheels are on surfaces with different levels of traction, such as apartially wet road surface, the system applies braking action to the wheel that's slipping,

46 47

ENGINES

The new Accord is powered by an engine line-up designed to meet the forthcoming Euro 5emissions regulations. Honda’s second generation diesel engine, the i-DTEC, makes its debuton the car. The 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engines have also been refined to offer loweremissions and greater power.

2.2-litre i-DTECKey features:Capacity: 2199ccPower: 150PSTorque: 350Nm @ 2,000rpmMax speed: 131mph (saloon), 130mph (Tourer)CO2: 148g/km (saloon), 155g/km (Tourer)

The all-new i-DTEC engine uses a combination of the latest injection technology, moreefficient exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter to create a diesel enginethat’s even quieter, cleaner and smoother than the current i-CTDi.

With significantly reduced levels of NOx and particulates emissions, it will exceed the expectedEuro 5 standards, while offering even better performance with increased power and torque levels.

The i-DTEC delivers 150PS at the same 4,000 rpm as the i-CTDi, and peak torque has alsoincreased by 10 Nm to 350 Nm at 2,000 rpm. Together both power and torque improvementsprovide smoother acceleration, with the diesel cracking 0-62 mph in 9.6 seconds (9.8 Tourer)and a top speed of 131mph (saloon) and 130mph (Tourer).

Fuel consumption levels have been maintained, with the diesel recording 50.4mpg (saloon),making it well suited to the mile-munching regime of many corporate cars.

48 49

Euro 5 compliance – NOx and Particulates

We all know that diesel engines emit lower levels of CO2 than petrol engines, butthey generally emit much higher levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and particulates.High levels of these emissions can contribute to poor local air quality (NOx) andcontribute to human ill-health (particulates).

The challenge for engineers has been to create an engine that emits low levels ofCO2, NOx and particulates. That’s what Honda is striving to achieve.

Euro 5 legislation will limit the amount of NOx and particulates that can be emittedfrom vehicles. All new cars will have to be Euro 5 compliant by September 2009.

The new i-DTEC engine – like all Accord engines at launch – will be one of the firstEuro 5 compliant engines to the market, delivering dramatic reductions in NOx andparticulates.

This is a key benefit of the new i-DTEC.

i-DTEC - NOx and Particulates improvement:

NOx Particulates

Current Accord 2.2 i-CTDI Sport GT (17” alloys) 175mg/km 14.5mg/km

New Accord 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT (17” alloys) 146mg/km 2.4mg/km

Euro 5 Limits 180mg/km 5mg/km

An engineering evolutionMost of you will be aware of the current i-CTDi engine – it appears under the bonnet of manyHondas in the current range and is widely regarded as one of the most refined diesel engineson the market.

“The diesel engine is superb, it is smooth, powerful and frugal.” – What Car?“Honda’s i-CTDi is among the smoothest and most petrol-like units on the market.” – Diesel Car

The i-DTEC is an evolution of the current i-CTDi. In direct response to customer feedback,Honda engineers were challenged to increase the maximum power of the diesel engine toimprove driving characteristics. The result is an increase of 10PS, taking max power to 150PS.While doing so, they also added further refinement to the diesel powerplant, making the unitquieter, and the delivery of power even smoother.

i-DTEC in detailThe i-DTEC is an all-new diesel engine from Honda, that builds and improves on theperformance, fuel economy and emission efficiency of the award-winning i-CTDi dieselengine. It has an all-new cylinder block, head and most components have been changed orupdated from the current diesel.

Like its predecessor, the refined i-DTEC engine is compact, lightweight, smooth and quiet, butthere are a number of key changes designed to enhance overall efficiency.

The new i-DTEC engine is all-aluminium, transversely mounted, with 4-cylinders, DOHC, fourvalves per cylinder, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a second order balancer shaft.

However, the big difference is that the engine has been turned 180 degrees in the engine bay.This has allowed for the fitment of a new, integrated diesel particulate filter and catalyticconverter.

50 51

The fuel injection system interacts with a new, variable nozzle turbocharger to ensureoptimum intake pressure is created. This allows higher pressures at lower speeds, as well asbetter fuel economy and reduced emissions through lean burn combustion.

It’s this constant ability to make adjustments to the combustion characteristics across alldriving conditions that helps achieve improved performance while still meeting theincreasingly stringent emissions requirements.

What is piezoelectric technology?Certain crystalline materials (like quartz, Rochelle salt and certain ceramics) havepiezoelectric behaviour. When you manipulate them in a certain way, often by applyingpressure, you get a charge separation within the crystal and a voltage across the crystalthat is sometimes extremely high.

For example, piezoelectric materials are often used in push button lighters. When you pressthe button, the popping noise you hear is a little spring-loaded hammer hitting a crystaland generating thousands of volts across the faces of the crystal. The voltage created isabout the same amount as the voltage that drives a spark plug in a petrol engine.

Piezoelectric materials also work the other way: if you apply a voltage across the crystal,the crystal will change shape. The change is very slight in most cases, but it is enough topush or drive small items. For example, in digital watches with a beeping alarm, thebeeper is a little piezoelectric speaker. In Honda’s i-DTEC engine, the piezo crystalcontrols precise fuel injection!

Diesel particulate filterThe new exhaust arrangement dispenses with the underfloor catalytic converter and placesthe diesel particulate filter (DPF) in a close coupled position on the side of the engine. Thisnew location reduces the fall-off in exhaust gas temperature, and means the DPF reachesworking temperature more quickly, both of which improve DPF regeneration.

Contributing to a reduction in NOx levels is an improvement in Exhaust Gas Recirculationefficiency, with finer valve control and a water cooling system that can now be bypassedwhen required – to feed higher temperature gasses to the DPF, which aids regeneration.

A continuously variable swirl control valve, located in the intake manifold, provides fine controlof the swirl ratio, to give the ideal combustion environment within the cylinders at all times. Thishelps to reduce noise levels (through reduced knocking) and produce smoother performance.

Piezo-injectors and multi-stage injectionsOne of the key developments on the i-DTEC engine is the installation of Piezo-injectors. Thetraditional injector system used on the i-CTDi – a 1600 bar common rail system usingsolenoid injectors – has been swapped for an 1800 bar one using Piezo-injectors, able toprovide more precise, multi-stage injections.

In the new i-DTEC system there are up to five fuel injections per phase, giving more precisefuel delivery, reducing noise and improving fuel consumption.

1. A pilot injection in the low to medium engine speed range2. A pre-injection in high load and low engine speed conditions3. The main injection – under all conditions and in isolation at high load/high speed4. An after-injection at low loads and in the middle engine speed range for cleaner emissions5. A post injection at low load designed to improve the CAT purification rate and allow

regeneration of the particulate filter.

52 53

i-DTECMr Nagahiro has masterminded the Honda diesel development programme since itsconception in 2002 and at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, he proudlypresented the next exciting stage of its diesel engine technology: i-DTEC.

Meeting TierII/Bin 5Euro 5 has already prompted manufacturers to build engines with cleaner exhaust gasses,but forthcoming emissions regulations – including TierII/Bin 5 in America – will target not justCO2, but also NOx.

Not a problem for Honda, as building alow particulate, low NOx, low CO2 dieselengine has always been part of the plan.Nagahiro-san’s overall aim has been toredefine “the diesel” and prove that adiesel engine can be powerful and clean.

Honda is currently developing aninnovative Ammonia Catalytic Converterfor its diesel engine exhaust systems.Just as three-way catalytic converters inpetrol engines can reduce NOxemissions by as much as 99 per cent,this Honda converter will reduce NOx ata similar efficiency. The ammoniacreates a chemical reaction thatdetoxifies the NOx and turns it intoharmless nitrogen using a two-layerstructure.

HONDA AND DIESEL ENGINESPast, present and future

Honda firmly believes the most effective way to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the UKis through developing petrol-electric hybrid technology. While a lot of other manufacturersare building small diesel engine city cars in order to bring their overall CO2 levels down tomeet European emissions targets, Honda’s general direction is to put diesel engines intolarger, family cars and develop hybrid technology for its smaller, more affordable and lighterweight vehicles.

Meanwhile, Honda’s development programme for the next-generation of cleaner dieselengines – which use advanced technology to reduce exhaust emissions – continues to motorahead.

Phase one of the programme – compliance with forthcoming Euro 5 legislation – has alreadybeen achieved with the i-DTEC engine, which will power the new Accord.

Honda’s diesel journeyi-CTDiIn the early nineties, to meet growing demand for diesel power, Honda employed oil-burningengines from other manufacturers (ISUZU and Rover, for example), but they were never long-term solutions.

Honda’s involvement with developing its own diesel engine started with Kenichi Nagahiro, thecompany’s chief engine designer and the inventor of the celebrated VTEC engine. MrNagahiro hated diesel engines – he thought they were noisy, smelly and dirty. When asked todesign Honda’s first diesel he flatly refused – unless he was allowed to start completely fromscratch. The result is one of the cleanest, most refined diesel engines on the market today,the 2.2 i-CTDi that sits in the current UK Accord, Civic, CR-V and FR-V.

54 55

PETROL ENGINES

Honda has upgraded its advanced 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engines to offer morepower and fewer emissions, and both are now compliant with Euro 5 legislation.

CO2 emissions have reduced from 176g/km to 170g/km for the 2.0 i-VTEC and from 214g/kmto 209g/km for the 2.4 i-VTEC.

2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol i-VTECKey features:

2.0-litre 2.4-litreCapacity: 1997cc 2354ccPower: 156PS @ 6,300rpm 201PS @ 7,000rpmTorque: 192Nm @ 4,300rpm 234Nm @ 4,500rpmCO2 saloon : 170g/km (man), 178g/km (auto) 209g/km (man), 204g/km (auto) CO2 Tourer : 173g/km (man), 183g/km (auto) 215g/km (man), 211g/km (auto)

The two petrol engines offer a combination of impressive performance and fuel economy tomeet customer demand. Both are now available with 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission – a new development for the 2.0-litre engine, which waspreviously only available with a 5-speed gearbox.

The 2.0-litre engine’s class leading fuel economy offers combined fuel consumption of39.2mpg (saloon) and 38.7mpg (Tourer). Fitted with automatic transmission, the 2.0-litreengine uses 37.6mpg (saloon) and 36.6mpg (Tourer).

Power output has been increased slightly to 156 PS at 6,300 rpm, along with peak torque at192 Nm at 4,300rpm.

Improvements in fuel consumption, power and torque have been achieved through increasing

A diesel Honda engine equipped with such technology should comply with North America’sstringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II/Bin 5 emissions requirements, whichstipulate that NOx emissions be no higher than approximately 43.5 mg/km. Theserequirements will be introduced in 2009.

Honda’s diesel engine Ammonia Catalytic Convertor technology will be launched in the USwithin the next two years.

56 57

During acceleration, VTC is set at a relatively small degree of valve overlap which provides thebest output, the valve opening angle using the inertia of the intake air. In addition, as enginespeed builds, the VTEC mechanism switches from the low speed cam to the high speed cam,but with the same degree of overlap.

At high engine speeds, there is much greater overlap which reduces pumping losses,maximises exhaust gas recirculation, and provides the best balance between fuelconsumption and output.

Finally, at idle and low engine speeds during light load conditions, inlet valve opening isretarded for minimal overlap, generating strong swirl and therefore stable combustion.

TransmissionsAll three engines are paired to a 6-speed manual transmission, while the two petrol engineshave the option of a 5-speed automatic transmission as well.

Currently, the i-DTEC can only be paired with a manual transmission – but an automatic willbe available in 2009, creating Honda’s first automatic diesel.

The six-speed gearbox is new to the 2.0-litre petrol engine and gives optimised gear ratiosand flexibility, excellent cruising characteristics and economy. Gear changes are characterisedby short, quick, low effort shifting, helped by multi-cone synchronisers on first and secondgears for lighter, more fluid gear change.

A new ‘Shift Indicator Light’ (or SIL), which appears in the centre of the rev counter, isincluded on manual transmission Accords. ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’ is displayed to advise the driver ofthe optimum point at which to change gear, ultimately improving fuel efficiency. Honda’stesting has found following SIL commands achieved a fuel saving of five per cent!

diameter intake valves, optimising valve lift timing and increasing inlet and exhaust air flowvolumes. In addition, two catalytic converters – one close-coupled and one underfloor –ensure emissions have been reduced to exceed the expected Euro 5 requirements.

Comparatively, the 2.4-litre engine delivers a significant 201 PS at 7,000rpm and peak torqueof 234Nm at 4,500rpm (up from 190 PS and 223 Nm) which is all the more significant givenits improved fuel economy – now 32.1mpg for saloon and 31.3mpg for Tourer. With automatictransmission fuel consumption is 32.8mpg (saloon) and 31.7mpg (Tourer).

Behind the performance boost is a compression ratio increase from 10.5 to 11.0:1 plus largerdiameter valves, revised valve timing, and reduced exhaust system pressures.

The drive-by-wire (electronic) throttle balances the switch between high output cams and fueleconomy cams, making smooth and responsive adjustments to driver input. When pairedwith the automatic transmission and cruise control as well, the precision of those systemsimproves even further. The engine can be throttled by the engine management system duringupshifts and downshifts, for faster, seamless shifting and the elimination of shift shock.

Getting technicalBoth petrol engines use Honda’s long-established VTEC system which is able to adjust the liftand opening duration of the valves. The system is complemented by Variable Timing Control(VTC) which takes into consideration engine load, controlling the phasing of the inletcamshaft. These work together to produce a remarkably broad and smooth power band withexceptional torque and horsepower.

Based on input from a position sensor located at the rear end of the inlet camshaft, theengine’s ECU varies the inlet camshaft position relative to that of the exhaust camshaft. Inthis way it can advance and retard the opening of the inlet valves.

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The latest automatic gearbox now has a kick-down ‘click’ system. Instead of a vague stab ofthe pedal to initiate the kick-down mechanism, the driver is given a clear indication of thepoint in the accelerator pedal’s travel at which the gear change will operate – once a ‘click’ issensed, a further slight movement of the foot will initiate the down change.

A graphic of the shift lever position is provided in the centre of the rev counter dial for addedconvenience.

Grade Logic ControlWhen in automatic mode, the transmission includes an advanced Grade Logic Control Systemand Shift Hold Control, both of which help reduce gear 'hunting' and unnecessary gearchanges.

Grade Logic Control alters the shift schedule when travelling uphill or downhill, reducing shiftfrequency, and improving speed control. Throttle position, vehicle speed andacceleration/deceleration are continuously measured, then compared with a map stored inthe transmission computer. The Grade Logic Control System determines when the car is on ahill; if this is the case, the shift schedule is adjusted to automatically hold the transmission ina lower gear for better climbing power or increased downhill engine braking.

Shift Hold Control keeps the transmission in its current (lower) ratio when the throttle isquickly released and the brakes are applied (like when decelerating to enter a corner). ShiftHold Control leaves the chassis undisturbed by excess shifting during spirited driving,ensuring that abundant power is immediately available without a downshift, maintainingmomentum and allowing rapid acceleration out of a corner.

The use of low friction clutches for all gears and the super-thin, highly efficient torqueconverter in the 5-speed automatic transmission contributes to the Accord’s excellent fueleconomy.

5-speed automaticThe 5-speed automatic transmission available on petrol engine models features a widespread of ratios to maximise ‘off-the-line’ acceleration and provide fuel-efficient cruising.

Its operation is now simpler and more logical to fully exploit its capabilities. Instead of twointerlinked gates – one for conventional operation in auto and a parallel gate for sequentialshifting – the new design is a simple ‘P R N D S’ gate. Slot the gear lever into Drive and theAccord will provide conventional automatic changing; if a more urgent response is required,then you can simply change down a gear using the steering wheel paddles, and once the caris identified as returning to cruising mode, the system reverts back to automatic operation.

Alternatively, move the shift lever to S mode for sportier change points and added enginebraking effect. Using the steering wheel paddles in S mode provides a sequential shift mode,allowing manual shifting and gear hold. To heighten control and driver involvement, the shiftlogic in manual mode delivers quicker, firmer shifts than in fully automatic mode.

To help protect the engine and drivetrain from damage, an array of preventative features areactive when the transmission is in manual mode. In second, third and fourth, the logicchanges, and the transmission ECU cuts off fuel flow to the engine if there is a possibility ofover revving.

In the rare situation where the fuel cut-off alone is unable to prevent engine over revving (ascould happen on a steep downhill) the transmission will change up to prevent enginedamage. And finally, when changing down, the transmission won't execute a driver-commanded downshift that would send the engine beyond the redline in the lower gear.

The system will also automatically select first gear as the Accord comes to a stop, to preventpulling away in a high gear.

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Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) – which is available as an option on the EXand EX GT grades – comprises three separate technologies – Collision Mitigation BrakingSystem (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). HIDXenon headlights are also available as part of the ADAS option, which give superiorvisibility.

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)One of the most common causes of accidents is the delay between the driver acknowledgingan oncoming accident and the taking of evasive action.

As a result, Honda has concentrated on pre-crash developments like CMBS, which improvethe car’s response to critical situations. CMBS is particularly effective at minimising rear-endimpacts.

A millimetre-wave radar sensor in the Accord’s front grille recognises a collision is imminent.CMBS reacts in three ways; the driver is given an audio warning and a visual brake warning. Ifno action is taken the alarm is given again and an E-pre-tensioner lightly tugs at the driver’sseatbelt as light braking is applied. If still no action is taken and the system decides that acollision is unavoidable, strong braking is applied along with strong seatbelt retraction.

CMBS will not bring the car to a complete stop, but it will aid the driver to avoid a collision, orlessen the severity if an accident does occur. As with all Honda driving aids, the driverremains in control at all times.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)Fatigue and distraction are serious issues for drivers, particularly those pounding themotorways for long periods of time, which is why Honda originally developed the LaneKeeping Assist System (LKAS).

SECTOR-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

The new Accord features a whole suite of advanced safety technology which places it firmlyat the forefront of the category. Some of this technology is new to the Accord and new to theD-sector – it’s the first time CMBS has been available in this market, and it’s the first timeADAS technology has been available on all three engine variants.

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LKAS uses images from a camera mounted inside the upper front windscreen to recognisewhich lane the car is travelling in. If the car begins to cross the lane markings without driverinput on the steering or indicators, it calculates the optimum steering torque to keep the carin the centre of the lane.

A continuous warning beep is emitted when the car is about to cross the marking, and if noresponse is taken the system self-steers using Electric Power Steering (EPS) to maintain thecorrect course.

LKAS operates within a speed range of 45-112mph.

1. If the LKAS system detects the car is straying or changing lanes without driver input, itwill give a visible warning on screen and then steer the vehicle back into position byapplying up to 80 per cent torque to the steering

2. The system doesn’t intervene if you use the indicators or if you make a positive steeringmovement

3. Never be tempted to take your hands off the wheel – LKAS detects this after a fewseconds and switches itself off…it’s not there to replace the driver completely.

4. Pressing the LKAS button turns the system off

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)Using the same millimetre-wave radar as CMBS, mounted in the grille, ACC measures thetime (thus distance) to the vehicle ahead, while vehicle speed and yaw rate sensors detectthe vehicle’s driving parameters.

ACC can maintain a set speed like a conventional cruise control, but in addition it can alsoautomatically control vehicle speed and distance relative to the car in front, travelling in thesame lane.

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When the distance to the car in front falls below a predetermined value (set by the driver),the system instantly decelerates the car through throttle control and if necessary by braking(with a force of up to 0.25 g).

In instances where quicker deceleration is required e.g. sudden braking by the car in front orbeing cut up, the system will alert the driver with a warning light and a buzzer, promptingthem to apply the brakes. If the car in front changes lane or increases speed again, then thesystem will increase the speed back to the predetermined value.

ACC operates at speeds between 20-112 mph and providing the M ‘main’ switch is activated.

Safety in detailThe Accord, as well as most other current Honda models, features an Advanced CompatibilityEngineering (ACE) Body Structure, designed to enhance passenger safety in the event of acollision between multiple vehicles. ACE disperses and absorbs collision forces over a largerfrontal area, and prevents misalignments with another vehicle’s safety structures helping toreduce damage to that car as well.

The new Accord incorporates many of the pedestrian-protection design features alreadyfamiliar from recent Honda models. Research shows that features such as ACE dramaticallyimprove a pedestrian's chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle. Items include:

• windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away• a new collapsible boxed frame structure beneath the base of the windscreen which

provides impact energy absorption• energy absorbing front wing mounts which help lessen injuries• the bending structure of the bonnet hinges which help mitigate injuries• a bonnet frame designed to bend and deform• an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation

The new Accord is equipped with front seat active headrests which reduce the likelihood ofneck injury in rear impacts. As the occupant is pushed against the seat back, a rigid plate inthe seat presses a link to the headrest pushing it up and forward to support the head.

All models feature front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, dual stage front airbags,driver and front passenger side airbags, full length curtain airbags and ISOFIX fittings andtether anchor points for child seats.

The side airbags now have a dual chamber designed to offer optimum protection for thepelvis and the torso. As offset frontal impacts can lead to a rebound where there are stronglateral forces, the curtain airbags are now deployed to protect occupants’ upper bodies insuch situations.

The front passenger seat airbags can be deactivated when using a childseat and the airbagstatus is displayed in the information display in the centre console.

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EngineType SOHC i-VTEC SOHC i-VTEC SOHC i-VTEC DOHC i-VTEC DOHC i-DTEC DOHC i-DTEC DOHC i-DTEC DOHC i-DTECDisplacement 1997 1997 1997 2354 2199 2199 2199 2199Maximum power (PS @ rpm) 156 @ 6300 156 @ 6300 156 @ 6300 201 @ 7000 150 @ 4000 150 @ 4000 150 @ 4000 150 @ 4000Maximum torque (Nm @ rpm) 192 @ 4300 192 @ 4300 192 @ 4300 234 @ 4500 350 @ 2000 350 @ 2000 350 @ 2000 350 @ 2000Recommended fuel rating (Research Octane Number - RON) 95 RON Unleaded 95 RON Unleaded 95 RON Unleaded 95 RON Unleaded Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel

Fuel Economy (man/auto)Urban (mpg) 30.1 / 27.7 30.1 / 27.7 30.1 / 27.7 23.7 / 23.5 38.7 38.7 38.7 38.7Extra urban (mpg) 47.9 / 47.9 47.9 / 47.9 47.9 / 47.9 40.4 / 42.8 61.4 61.4 61.4 61.4Combined (mpg) 39.2 / 37.7 39.2 / 37.7 39.2 / 37.7 32.1 / 32.8 50.4 50.4 50.4 50.4CO2 (g/km) 170 / 178 170 / 178 170 / 178 209 / 204 148 148 148 148

Transmission6 speed manual Available Available Available Available Standard Standard Standard Standard5 speed automatic Available Available Available Available - - - -

Performance (man/auto)Acceleration 0-62 mph (secs) 9.3 / 10.7 9.3 / 10.7 9.3 / 10.7 7.8 / 9.5 9.6 9.6 9.6 9.6Maximum speed (mph) 133 / 131 133 / 131 133 / 131 141 / 141 131 131 131 131

Weights and Capacities (man/auto)Boot capacity seats up (litres, VDA method) 460-467 460-467 460-467 460-467 460-467 460-467 460-467 460-467Fuel tank (litres) 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 65Kerb weight (kg) 1414-1514/1443-1544 1414-1514/1443-1544 1414-1514/1443-1544 1484-1575/1518-1607 1540-1632/- 1540-1632/- 1540-1632/- 1540-1632/-Turning radius - kerb to kerb (m) 5.49 5.49 5.49 5.49 5.49 5.49 5.49 5.49Maximum towing weight with brakes (kg) 1500 1500 1500 1600 1700 1700 1700 1700Maximum trailer nose weight (kg) 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75Maximum roof load (kg) 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

DimensionsLength (mm) 4726 4726 4726 4726 4726 4726 4726 4726Width excluding door mirrors (mm) 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840Height (mm) 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440Wheelbase (mm) 2705 2705 2705 2705 2705 2705 2705 2705

STANDARD EQUIPMENT 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.2 i-DTEC ES 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC EX 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT

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Saloon specifications

Wheels and Tyres16" alloy wheels • - - - • - - -17" alloy wheels O • • • O • • •18" alloy wheels - O O O - O O OTyres 205/60R16 92V 225/50R17 98V 225/50R17 98V 225/50R17 98V 215/60R16 95V 225/50R17 98V 225/50R17 98V 225/50R17 98VWheels 16x6 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 16x6 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 17x7 1/2JInstant Mobility System (IMS) repair kit • • • • • • • •Sports suspension - • • • - • • •Instruments and ControlsAdvanced Driver Assist System includes: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and HID Xenon headlights with automatic headlight height and headlight washers* (* HID Headlights available as standard on 2.2 EX GT) - - - O - - O OMulti-function driver computer • • • • • • • •Adjustable dashboard illumination - White • - • • • - • -Adjustable dashboard illumination - Red - • - - - • - •Cruise control • • • • • • • •Digital odometer (A / B trip) • • • • • • • •Audible headlight-on reminder • • • • • • • •Illuminated ignition switch • • • • • • • •Internally adjustable headlight height • • • • • • • -Front interior welcome light • • • • • • • •Fuel filler release • • • • • • • •External temperature gauge (built into odometer) • • • • • • • •Digital clock • • • • • • • •Automatic headlight height - - - - - - - •Front map lights • • • • • • • •Rear interior welcome light • • • • • • • •Low fuel warning light • • • • • • • •SafetyDual front Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags • • • • • • • •Dual side Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags • • • • • • • •Dual curtain Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags - front and rear • • • • • • • •Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) • • • • • • • •Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) • • • • • • • •Emergency Brake Assist • • • • • • • •Active front head restraints • • • • • • • •High level rear brake light • • • • • • • •

STANDARD EQUIPMENT 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.2 i-DTEC ES 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC EX 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT

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Side impact protection beams • • • • • • • •Front seatbelt pre-tensioners • • • • • • • •Height adjustable front seatbelts • • • • • • • •5 x 3 point seatbelts • • • • • • • •ISOFix childseat restraint mechanism • • • • • • • •Headlight washers - - - - - - - •Front ventilated disc brakes • • • • • • • •Rear disc brakes • • • • • • • •Honda advanced pedestrian safety system • • • • • • • •Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering • • • • • • • •Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) • • • • • • • •Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) • • • • • • • •Drive-By-Wire throttle (DBW) • • • • • • • •SecurityRolling code ECU engine immobiliser • • • • • • • •Honda Superlocks (deadlocks) • • • • • • • •Externally visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) • • • • • • • •Remote keyless entry • • • • • • • •Central locking • • • • • • • •High security integrated audio • • • • • • • •Lockable glovebox • • • • • • • •Locking wheelnuts • • • • • • • •Perimeter security alarm • • • • • • • •Interior and perimeter alarm (CAT 1) • • • • • • • •Tilt sensor - - - • - - - -ExteriorBody coloured front & rear parking sensors - - • • - - • •Rear view parking camera - * • • - * • •Automatic headlights with dusk sensor - - - • - - • •Body coloured bumpers • • • • • • • •Body coloured door mirrors • • • • • • • •Chrome door handles • • • • • • • •Electric adjustable and heated door mirrors • • • • • • • •Glass sunroof - - - • - - • -High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights - - - - - - - •Aerodynamic body kit (GT body kit) O • O O O • O •Front foglights - • • • - • • •

STANDARD EQUIPMENT 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.2 i-DTEC ES 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC EX 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT

72 73* part of the Advanced Navigation Package option where chosen

Single chrome exhaust • • • - - - - -Twin chrome exhaust - - - • - - - -Chrome window surround • • • • • • • •Standard slat front grille • • • • • • • •Rear windscreen integrated aerial • • • • • • • •Heat absorbing tinted windows • • • • • • • •Half shade windscreen • • • • • • • •Mirror integrated indicators • • • • • • • •Comfort and ConvenienceAuto dimming rear view mirror - - • • - - • •Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment • • • • • • • •Leather multi function steering wheel - • • • - • • •Organ accelerator pedal • • • • • • • •Rain sensing windscreen wipers - - • • - - • •Tie down hooks in boot • • • • • • • •Motion adaptive electric power assisted steering • • • • • • • •Boot light • • • • • • • •Ambient footwell lighting • • • • • • • •Front power socket • • • • • • • •Auto climate control air conditioning (left:right independent) • • • • • • • •GPS Dual auto climate control (left:right independent) - - • • - - • •Pollen filter • • • • • • • •Driver vanity mirror with lid in sunshade • • • • • • • •Passenger vanity mirror with lid in sunshade • • • • • • • •Driver vanity mirror illuminated with lid - • • • - • • •Passenger vanity mirror illuminated with lid - • • • - • • •Refrigerated glovebox • • • • • • • •Driver's foot rest • • • • • • • •Sunglasses storage box • • • • • • • •Driver seatback pocket - - • • - - • •Passenger seatback pocket • • • • • • • •Front electric windows • • • • • • • •Rear electric windows • • • • • • • •Leather wrapped gear knob - - • • - - • -Alloy gear knob - • - - - • - •Seating8 way power assisted driver and passenger seat - - • • - - • •

STANDARD EQUIPMENT 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.2 i-DTEC ES 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC EX 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT

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Driver's seat height adjustment • • • • • • - -Driver's seat memory - - • • - - • •Driver's seat lumbar support • • • • • • • •Front seat - centre armrest • • • • • • • •Front seat - 3 stage heating system - - • • - - • •Rear centre headrest and 3 point seatbelt • • • • • • • •Rear seat central armrest • • • • • • • •60:40 split folding second row seats • • • • • • • •Leather upholstery - - • • - - • -Sports upholstery - • - - - • - •Fabric upholstery • - - - • - - -In Car Entertainment (ICE)Stereo CD tuner with RDS • • - - • • - -Rear speakers • • • • • • • •Front speakers • • • • • • • •Tweeters • • • • • • • •Subwoofer - - • • - - • •Speed adjusting audio volume • • • • • • • •Aux Jack • • • • • • • •USB port - • • • - • • •Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone (HFT) System O • • • O • • •Advanced Navigation Pack includes: Voice recognition DVD Satellite Navigation, rear parking camera and premium audio with 6 CD changer - O • • - O • •

Tourer specificationsEngineType SOHC i-VTEC SOHC i-VTEC DOHC i-VTEC DOHC i-DTEC DOHC i-DTEC DOHC i-DTEC DOHC i-DTECDisplacement 1997 1997 2354 2199 2199 2199 2199Maximum power (PS @ rpm) 156 @ 6300 156 @ 6300 201 @ 7000 150 @ 4000 150 @ 4000 150 @ 4000 150 @ 4000Maximum torque (Nm @ rpm) 192 @ 4300 192 @ 4300 234 @ 4500 350 @ 2000 350 @ 2000 350 @ 2000 350 @ 2000Recommended fuel rating 95 RON Unleaded 95 RON Unleaded 95 RON Unleaded Diesel Diesel Diesel DieselFuel Economy (man/auto)Urban (mpg) 28.8 / 26.4 28.8 / 26.4 22.9 / 22.5 37.6 37.6 37.6 37.6Extra urban (mpg) 47.8 / 47.0 47.8 / 47.0 39.7 / 41.5 57.6 57.6 57.6 57.6Combined (mpg) 38.6 / 36.6 38.6 / 36.6 31.3 / 31.7 47.8 47.8 47.8 47.8CO2 (g/km) 173 / 183 173 / 183 215 / 211 155 155 155 155

STANDARD EQUIPMENT 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.2 i-DTEC ES 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC EX 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT

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2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN/AUTO 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.2 i-DTEC ES 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC EX 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT

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Transmission6 speed manual Available Available Available Standard Standard Standard Standard5-speed automatic Available Available Available - - - - Performance (man/auto)Acceleration 0-62 mph (secs) 9.4 / 10.8 9.4 / 10.8 7.8 / 9.6 9.8 9.8 9.8 9.8Maximum speed (mph) 131 / 130 131 / 130 141 / 141 130 130 130 130Weights and Capacities (man/auto)Boot capacity seats up (litres, VDA method) 406-672 406-672 406-672 406-672 406-672 406-672 406-672Fuel tank (litres) 65 65 65 65 65 65 65Kerb weight (kg) 1432-1585 / 1462-1613 1432-1585 / 1462-1613 1489-1640 / 1524-1672 1559-1702 1559-1702 1559-1702 1559-1702Turning circle - kerb to kerb (m) 5.85 5.85 5.86 5.86 5.86 5.86 5.86Maximum towing weight with brakes (kg)* 1500/1500 1500/1500 1600/1600 1700 1700 1700 1700Maximum trailer nose weight (kg) 75 75 75 75 75 75 75Maximum roof load (kg) 80 80 80 80 80 80 80DimensionsLength (mm) 4740 4740 4740 4740 4740 4740 4740Width excluding door mirrors (mm) 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840Height (mm) 1470 1470 1470 1470 1470 1470 1470Wheelbase (mm) 2705 2705 2705 2705 2705 2705 2705Wheels and Tyres16" alloy wheels • - - • - - -17" alloy wheels O • • O • • •18" alloy wheels - O O - O O OTyres 205/60R16 92V 225/50R17 98V 225/50R17 98V 215/60R16 95V 225/50R17 98V 225/50R17 98V 225/50R17 98VWheels 16x6.5 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 17x7.5 1/2J 16x6.5 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 17x7 1/2J 17x7 1/2JInstant Mobility System (IMS) repair kit • • • • • • •Sports suspension - • • - • • •Instruments and ControlsAdvanced Driver Assist System includes: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and HID Xenon headlights with automatic headlight height and headlight washers* (* HID Headlights available as standard on 2.2 EX GT) - - O - - O OAdvanced Naviagtion Pack includes: Voice recognition DVD Satellite Navigation, rear parking camera and premium audio with 6 CD changer - O • - O • •

Full Tourer specifications will be released later this year. For up to date information, please go the the media website www.hndauk-media.co.uk

STANDARD EQUIPMENT 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN/AUTO 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN/AUTO 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN/AUTO 2.2 i-DTEC ES 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 2.2 i-DTEC EX 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT

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Photography of the saloon and Tourer, and the presentation film are all available to view and download from www.hondauk-media.co.uk

For more information contact Honda (UK) Press and PR:

www.hondauk-media.co.uk

Steve KirkPR Communications Manager

T: 01753 590232M: 07748 768203

steve.kirk@honda-eu.com

Emma KnightPR Communications Executive

T: 01753 590193M: 07872 103205

emma.knight@honda-eu.com

Paul OrmondHead of Press and PRMob: 07774 747002

paul.ormond@honda-eu.com

Emma StanleyManager - Press and PR

Mob: 07843 291288emma.stanley@honda-eu.com

John KingstonEnvironment ManagerMob: 07770 544656

john.kingston@honda-eu.com

Sarah FowlerPR Operations Manager

Mob: 07841 363628sarah.fowler@honda-eu.com

Joanne CoakerPress Fleet and Events Executive

Mob: 07887 678180joanne.coaker@honda-eu.com

Fiona ColePR Manager - Motorcycles

Mob: 07872 103313fiona.cole@honda-eu.com