MIKE TORPEY samples Honda Accord's trendy new radar system

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), July 4, 2008

Byline: By MIKE TORPEY

STACKED like high-rise building blocks, the three-foot slabs of concrete blended spookily into the background as the mist and rain swept in waves off Loch Lomond.

We're talking monstrous immovable objects sure to wipe out the front end of your car - and I'm behind the wheel of a new Honda Accord, a fastdiminishing 20 yards from oblivion.

A series of warning bleeps precedes a fierce tightening of the front seat belts and the car's brakes are automatically activated, allowing just enough time to steer clear.

Thankfully this is a controlled experiment and the obstacles are only made of foam.

Nonetheless, it's still an unnerving experience to be hurtling along a country lane hoping the Honda's radar will recognise the slabs when they appear out of the gloom.

This particular feature is called the Collision Mitigation Braking System and is part of a suite of advanced safety technology available in the new generation Accord, which has just gone on sale in saloon form.

Some of these features are not only new to the Accord, but also to its sector of the car market - and CMBS is one of them.

It's joined by a lane-keeping assist set-up which uses a camera inside the upper front windscreen to recognise which lane you are travelling in.

If the car strays or changes lanes without driver input or indicators, the system will steer you back into the correct lane - a boon for long distance motorway drivers.

And there's also adaptive cruise control, which will automatically decelerate the car if you get too close to the one in front.

While all this kit is a pounds 2,000 option available on higher spec models there's no doubt that the latest Accord is a much more upmarket offering than its predecessor.

Prices start at pounds 19,260 on the road for the two-litre petrol saloon in ES trim, though the biggest seller is predicted to be the ES GT at pounds 20,110 or pounds 21,910 for the 2.2 diesel model. A 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol unit completes the three-engine line-up.

Much as the saloon is attractive and well designed it can't hold a candle in terms of elegance to the Tourer, which won't arrive in showrooms until September 1.

This car is an estate of grace with its sloping rear lines, more compact proportions and class-leading practicality.

With all seats in place there's 395 litres of luggage space, which increases to 672 when the rear seats are folded down - and that's sufficient for a mountain bike, without needing to remove the front wheel.

Underfloor storage, though no spare wheel, boosts capacity while there are also stowage areas concealed in the boot side walls.

I was given a sneak preview of the Tourer's charm on the press launch in Scotland and though estate prices start at pounds 20,560 for a two-litre petrol version, this car - complete with the safety techno pack and metallic paint - was the 2.2 EX GT diesel at pounds 28,385.

This 150PS second generation i-DTEC oil burner makes its debut on the car and is sweet, silent, economic and capable of averaging around 47 miles per gallon, reaching 62mph in 9.8 seconds and topping out at 130mph.

With its comfortable leather seats, modern cabin layout and short throw six-speed manual gearbox, the Tourer is a treat to drive with comfortable ride quality, sporty feel and direct steering.

Head and legroom is excellent for all bar a centre rear passenger while the person behind the wheel benefits from a cockpitstyle cabin in which the controls are wrapped around the driver.

Honda makes no secret of the fact premium Germans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3- Series plus the Lexus IS are its principal competitors. And with the latest Accord it has taken a huge step into the executive sector.

CAPTION(S):

STEPPING UP - the Honda Accord Tourer goes on sale in September and will compete with the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series