Honda has made a big effort with this new Accord range to pitch it further upmarket. The company is keen for the Accord to not only distance itself from mainstream fleet rivals like the Mondeo and Vectra, but to also step on the sales toes of prestige competitors from the stables of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. It's a tough task. But underpinned by a new chassis, riding on a thoroughly revised suspension, powered by a choice of either 2.0- or 2.4-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre Honda designed i-CTDi diesel engine (reviewed separately). Sporting a sleek new look, the Accord saloon and attractive, sleek Tourer estate look well prepared for the inevitable sales battle. It's had a radical makeover, and the Accord is no longer merely dull but worthy, even if it's not quite the premium product Honda wants it to be.