Reviewed: The Honda Accord Tourer Executive
If you need an estate car for business use, one cannot deny that the BMW 3 Series Touring is the firm favourite of many a business person! But there are plenty of alternatives that don’t cost so much. And, dare I say it, feel nicer to drive! One of those popular options is the Honda Accord Touring.
In Europe, the Honda Accord Touring is in its eighth generation. Over in North America, the 2015 model is now on sale. There have been reports the new 2015 model won’t make it to European shores due to the high import costs (they get imported from Japan).
Because of that fact, it’s likely you’ll soon see discounts on new eighth-generation models. Of course, that’s not the only reason you should consider this model over the likes of BMW and Ford models, for example!
So, why should you opt for the Accord Tourer? Today I will run through some of the features and benefits you get with this particular model.
It’s roomy
The first thing you will notice about the eighth-generation Honda Accord Tourer is the cabin and boot space! When you look at the car from the outside, it doesn’t give the appearance that it offers a lot of interior space. But, as we all know, looks can sometimes be deceiving. And that seems to be the case with this car!Built from 2008 onwards, this generation model offers 406 litres of volume space in the cargo area. One can also fold the rear seats down for extra storage space. The rear seats are of a split 60/40 design – perfect if you only want to put one of the seats down.
Passengers sitting in the back seats can enjoy sitting down in comfort thanks to the height of the roof and the legroom. In some cars, such as the BMW 3 Series, rear passengers can find it uncomfortable if they happen to be tall.
Let’s not beat around the bush here. The Honda Accord Tourer was never designed to be a family car. It’s aimed at the executive market. But, unlike its competitors, it can adapt well to the needs of a growing family.
The driver and front passenger can also enjoy travelling in comfort. As with the rear passengers, there is plenty of room. Because of the way the roofline got shaped in this generation, all adult occupants can travel in comfort.
One feature about the car’s interior that trumps even the most high-end of its competitors is the wind noise. Just like with the previous generation, there is little wind noise when travelling at high speeds! That means you can have conversations with other car occupants without needing to shout to each other!
Engine choice
There are three engine choices on the current Honda Accord Tourer, just like with the previous incarnation. Except the engines on offer are improved over their predecessors.
The first two engines are petrol units:
- 2.0 i-VTEC. 2.0-litre 16-valve, 153 brake horsepower. 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds, CO2 emissions of 163 g/km. Fuel economy (combined) is 40 mpg; and
- 2.4 i-VTEC. 2.4-litre 16-valve, 198 brake horsepower. 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds, CO2 emissions of 201 g/km. Fuel economy (combined) is 32 mpg.
The diesel engine is as follows:
- 2.2 i-DTEC. 2.2-litre 16-valve, 147 brake horsepower. 0-60 mph in 10.7 seconds, CO2 emissions of 167 g/km. Fuel economy (combined) is 44 mpg.
You get a choice of having a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission with all engines. The 2.4-litre i-VTEC unit is only available in the EX trim level, as is the case with the previous generation Honda Accord Tourer.
The i-DTEC model is popular with company car drivers because of the low CO2 emissions and high fuel economy statistics. In many parts of the world, company car drivers get taxed according to how efficient the engines are in their vehicles.
Several dealers that offer Honda business leasing say the i-DTEC models are the most popular with drivers! If you happen to want more power out of the car, the 2.4-litre petrol engine is the one to have.
Are you not a fan of diesel engines? Do you prefer petrol units? If so, the 2.2-litre engine is for you! It offers similar performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions to the diesel version.
Handling
We know that the Honda Accord Tourer is as quiet as a mouse on the road. But what it’s like driving over the many uneven road surfaces it will encounter in its lifetime? The good news for both drivers and passengers is the model offers superior handling.
Honda spent lots of time and money developing the Tourer’s suspension to give the likes of its competitors a run for their money! As with the previous incarnation, it feels agile. And it offers excellent cornering without sacrificing comfort.
Excluding the basic ES model, the Honda Accord Tourer has sports suspension fitted as standard. It offers enthusiasts and business motorists alike an enjoyable drive.
Equipment
Before I bring today’s review of the Honda Accord Tourer to a close, I’d like to talk about the equipment it comes with! One thing that the motoring world can’t deny is the list of accessories included as standard on this particular model.
The entry-level ES model comes with climate control, electric and heated mirrors. As well as front and rear power windows. Comfort levels get boosted with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar support too. An adjustable steering wheel further adds to the refinements drivers can enjoy. 17-inch alloy wheels come standard on this trim level.
The ES GT gets an exterior body kit, sports upholstery and leather steering wheel. You also get half-leather seats and Bluetooth connectivity as standard.
On the Type S trim level, you also get 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation and a full leather interior as standard.
The range topper is the EX. On the previous generation, it was called the “Executive.” On this model, you get the same as the Type S and auto-sensing lights and wipers.
