Feedback from dealers to Honda show there is a need for additional specification diesel Accord models in the competitive D-segment.

The SE offers a high specification saloon with 16-inch alloy wheels, stability assist, 6-speed gearbox and Bluetooth hands free telephone connectivity and with low fuel and taxation running costs.

At ??18,600 the Honda Accord SE Saloon undercuts the equivalent models in the VW Passat, Audi A4 and Vauxhall Vectra ranges.

The 140PS common rail turbodiesel engine has lower CO2 emission levels than the competition at 145g/km giving a Band C ??115 Vehicle Excise Duty rating and importantly the Benefit in Kind tax is 19 per cent as opposed to 20 per cent for the Vectra and 21 per cent for the Passat. No wonder Honda term it the ??price fighter.

The other demand from would-be Honda Accord customers, especially business users, were for Saloon and Tourer models that combine the advantages of the high technology fuel efficient 2.2-litre diesel engine with more of the sporting features found in other top-end Accord models, all at a competitive price.

With the Accord Sport GT 2.2 i-CDTi Saloon costing ??20,767 and the Tourer estate ??21,967 the added specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels for the Saloon, 16-inch for the Tourer, premium white pearl paint finish, sports suspension, rear boot spoiler, smoked headlight and foglights, carbon effect inlays for the dashboard and centre console, voice activated satellite navigation, an upgraded sound system, cruise control, Bluetooth and the Tourer is fitted with privacy glass.

The GT Saloon has 145g/km CO2 emissions giving it a Band C VED rating of ??115. However the GT Tourer, with the same power output, but increased overall weight, has a CO2 rating of 155g/km putting it in Band D with a VED cost of ??140 per annum.

For Accord drivers who must have the sporty GT image for their company or business car and are willing to pay just that bit extra, but know a bargain when they see it, the Sport GT will fit the bill.

Each time I go back to driving a Honda Accord I??m reminded on what a good car it is. Somehow it falls off people??s ??radar?? when considering a new car, especially if you are a business user.

Honda??s increased Marketing and PR activities promoting not just the Accord but all their models to business and fleet buyers can only help raise their profile.

Off the two, the SE and Sport GT, my personal preference is the SE. It has a lower price but with the same performance as the GT and with a lower Benefit in Kind level of taxation.

The specification might be lower, but it still looks very smart, the SE??s ride comfort is better because it does not have the firm sports suspension - it doesn??t need it. The only item I would miss is the satellite navigation system.

Highly underrated cars the Accord range, they need to be appreciated

Source: [url=http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/aug2007/bw20070828_425018.htm?chan=autos_autos+index+page_ top+stories]BusinessWeek[/url]