THE Honda Accord is a bit of an unsung hero in the world of the family saloon.
While cars like the Ford Mondeo have achieved iconic status in this country, the Accord appears to have slipped from the nation's consciousness.
And that is a shame as this is an excellent offering from Honda that deserves more recognition than it has received to date.
The Accord Sport GT benefits from one of the best turbodiesel engines on the market - a 2.2-litre beauty that is as quiet as a mouse until you ask it for a lion-hearted effort.
Even then the roar is more a muted growl guaranteeing smooth acceleration from 0-60mph in a shade over nine seconds.
Honda's engineers have worked hard to ensure a dream of a drive with steering, sports suspension and chassis working in perfect harmony.
Around town the Accord is a ballerina pirouetting neatly in and out of traffic and parking spots.
When faced with faster roads the information delivered to the driver never falters as the steering and brakes give a level of feedback only electric guitarists are normally privy to.
There's also plenty of grip which together with the crisp handling characteristics encourage cornering with bravado.
The cabin is airy and comfortable and it's easy to find a decent driving position as seat and steering wheel adjust to cater for virtually all shapes and sizes.
The dashboard is well designed featuring a large speedometer that's impossible to miss even with the most fleeting of glances.
The positioning of a number of switches - like the cruise control - to the steering wheel leaves the dash clear of clutter making everything easy to see and use.
Visibility out is generally good and plenty of light is let into the cabin - although thick windscreen pillars can be a bit of a bind when turning at junctions.
Passengers front and rear enjoy plenty of head, leg and shoulder room with the car able to accommodate four plus the driver with ease.
Meanwhile the boot swallows luggage and shopping like an anaconda.
For the gadget-lovers amongst you, Honda fits out the Accord Sport GT with plenty of goodies including climate control, an excellent radio/CD player plus electric windows and door mirrors. This model is also shod with 17-inch alloy wheels.
If you want satellite navigation it's an optional extra and for once it may be worth the expense as Honda's version is one of the quickest and easiest to use that I've experienced.
The map is shown on a display that doubles as a touch screen panel for adjustments to the radio and air conditioning system.
Safety is catered for through the inclusion of six airbags, while those with sticky fingers are deterred by deadlocks and an alarm.
As you would expect from a Honda the Accord is exceptionally well built.
This is epitomised by the doors which close after the gentlest of pushes with a thud reminiscent of an elephant collapsing to the floor.
So, if you're looking for a well-built, spacious, fun to drive family car, then the Accord is a must for the shortlist.
FAST FACTS
Honda Accord 2.2 CTDi Sport GT 4dr
Price: £20,767
Mechanical: 140bhp, 2,204cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 9.3 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust