It's amazing how some cars look so much more distinctive in their estate format. Take for example the Renault Laguna Estate or the Audi A4 Avant. Now with Honda's Accord Tourer we have yet more evidence of this trend.
This is the car Honda chose to feature in its very innovative TV advertising campaign, and rightly so given its much more distinctive and racier looks.
The Tourer's wheelbase and overall length is stretched by 50 and 85 mm respectively, compared with the Saloon version.
This results in a load volume of 576 litres with all seats in place, rising to 921 litres with the rear seats folded.
Initially, the Tourer will come with 2-litre or 2.4-litre VTEC engines, with more variations due later in the year. Honda is due to introduce a diesel engine in the near future.
Prices range from €39,533 for the 2-litre 155 bhp-powered model with manual transmission and €43,169 for the 2.4-litre 190 bhp unit. Both are also available with either five or six-speed manual transmissions or a five-speed sequential sports shift automatic transmission for an additional €1,500.
The addition of an estate to the Accord range should add to its sales, already strong given the current market conditions. According to Frank Kennedy of Universal Honda: "The performance of the Accord since its introduction in March has been very positive. Interest in the car has been very keen and we have already registered over 200 units."
Kennedy says that while the overall sales of the Tourer are not expected to exceed 50 in a year, it offers serious competition to those marques already in that market. Aesthetically speaking it's certainly the most appealing proposition in the Accord line-up.
Among the features on offer on the Tourer are a power tailgate and a 'one-motion' rear seat, which can be folded flat to open up the luggage area.
