Ergonomically the new Accord’s interior is no more or less than a mess and a disappointingly backward step from the more cohesive design chosen for the outgoing model. Climb behind the wheel, let your eyes stray towards the indecipherable infestation of controls that dominate the centre console and one thought will appear in your head: “How am I ever going to make sense of it all?”
We’ve often been critics of single controllers, as pioneered by BMW’s much-lambasted iDrive system, but the truth is that even that kind of arrangement works better than this. It’s a shame because the Accord has an excellent driving position, the instruments are attractive and easy to read, and the quality of the dash and upholstery are more than good enough for its positioning.
But there’s another problem here. Given the car’s considerable size, there’s startlingly little room in the back, both for your legs and head. Four adults will think twice before heading off for hundreds of miles. The boot is fairly small too and poorly arranged due to the considerable encroachment of the new rear suspension.
Although this range-topping EX model is lavishly equipped, this is reflected in a price pitched right into the heart of BMW 3-series territory. That’s tough talking, but Honda not only says the pricing is justified but also produces convincing evidence to show that it has the residual value of a BMW. Only time will tell whether Honda is right.
On the road the Accord is as frugal as you’d expect of a shape as aerodynamic as this, powered by a small-capacity diesel engine. Although Honda claims a combined consumption figure of over 50mpg, in reality most owners are likely to achieve something between that and the 38.8mpg we managed during testing.
Still, it comes with impressively low carbon dioxide emissions (and a £120 Band C tax disc) and is already compliant with the forthcoming Euro 5 emissions standard.