Honda's new Accord saloon will start at £19,250 when it goes on sale this June, a substantial increase over the outgoing model.The new 148bhp i-DTEC diesel motor is expected to constitute the bulk of sales. It starts at £21,050 in base ES spec, with prices stretching to £26,650 for the range-topping EX GT Tech Pack. Two petrol engines are also available. The entry-level 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol motor will cut under the £20K barrier, weighing in at £19,250 in ES trim and continuing to £23,550. The most powerful 2.4-litre petrol starts at £23,250 and tops out at £26,550.Honda has made a big deal out of the premium feel of the 2008 Accord, claiming that it rivals the Audi A6 for space and quality, with the class-leading BMW 3-Series the benchmark for dynamics.It's predicted that the biggest selling model will be the Accord 2.2 i-CTDI ES GT, which comes with 17-inch alloys, half leather seats, cruise control, aero kit, sports suspension and climate control for £21,900. Honda is keen to point out that the equivalent Audi A4 will set you back a further £2000.It had better be good: the new entry-level Accord costs £2037 more than the outgoing version, and rivals like the Mazda 6 and the Ford Mondeo are considerably cheaper. Tom Gardner, head of marketing for Honda UK, reaffirmed the company's confidence in the new Accord: "We know this car can mount a credible challenge to Audi and BMW, and this shows that we can offer that premium experience at an accessible price."We look forward to getting behind the wheel and finding out if the new Accord really can take the fight to the premium brands. Pricing for the Tourer estate will be announced later.
