| DRIVING RATING: |
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All the major controls possess a well-damped action - the brakes are smooth, the steering direct and the gearlever slick, though the clutch on manual versions is snatchy and stiff at first, and the throttle response on the cars reengineered for Europe is not always linear when pulling away. But with an intelligently laid-out dashboard and well thought out driving position, the Accord is an easy car to simply get in and drive, and the auto 'box is a joy to use - or simply leave to get on with its job. We also like the remote electrical tailgate operation of the Tourer - it's gimmicky, but will raise a few eyebrows in the supermarket car park. Yes, but not quite as much as Honda would like us to believe. The Accord driver is rewarded with a taut driving experience, but the emphasis is on refinement rather than outright dynamism. The steering is light and mute, the brakes, although strong, give little feedback and safe, predictable understeer sets in relatively early. A Mondeo - or indeed, a Mazda6 - would generate more smiles per mile than the Accord. But given the motorway-munching demands of most of its drivers, the Honda's comfy seats and polished drivetrain will count for much. The Tourer, oddly, stands out as being more amusing than the saloon, which has more to live up to.
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