EVEN in this day and age, the element of surprise never seems to amaze and, with car makers still continuing to add to the list of 'firsts' appearing in their ranges, the opportunity remains for folk to continue widening their knowledge of the motor world.
My latest experience of this 'first' phenomenon involved a road test of the latest generation of the Honda Accord. It was at the beginning of this year that Honda introduced its first automatic gearbox for a diesel engined car, an eagerly awaited event created to boost further the Accord's appeal in the corporate market.
The new five-speed box has been specifically created to deliver the missing link in Honda's line up and get the very best out of the 2.2-litre i-DTEC 16-valve turbo diesel, whether in Tourer form or the Saloon.
While this latest Honda Accord features quite a generous level of kit at the ES entry level, including electric windows and sound system with CD, the model doesn't get the likes of front fogs, automatic lights and windscreen wipers or Bluetooth Hands Free telephone connection.
While the EX range topper driven here does make a very strong case for stressing what it doesn't include in the manifest as opposed to what it does, the Accord flagship's extensive standard fittings include the likes of automatic climate control dual zone air con, voice recognition sat nav, premium high security audio system with six CD changer, rear view parking camera, electric tilt and slide sunroof, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and door mirrors.
Safety and security features include six airbags, Honda super deadlocks, ISOFIX child seat restraint mechanism and locking wheelnuts. The question of driver safety aids, too, has been well addressed and includes the likes of sharply attentive ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist plus Honda's vehicle stability assist traction control, while the option box also includes a lane change alert system.
Plenty of electric movement with memory to the driver's seat helps to guide drivers pretty painlessly to a comfortable driving position in wrap around seating which should suit most folk.
However, while the dash does look a little on the busy side, which may perhaps take a little getting used to for some, all round vision is very good indeed, thanks to the much slimmed down windscreen pillars.
Within the muscular look of its bold and quite sporty silhouette, the Accord is a generously roomy saloon providing good levels of comfort in all five seats and while the boot is perhaps not the most generous in the sector, the 464 litres available with all seats taken will prove satisfactory for most families.
On the road the 2.2-litre 148bhp turbo diesel paired with the new automatic gearbox proves an ideal combination delivering a refined and very relaxing drive with the 0-62mph mark from a standing start coming in a more than satisfactory 10.3 seconds, as opposed to 9.6 seconds experienced in manual transmission models.
The all new five-speed automatic transmission does its work well delivering swift and smooth gear changes to provide some strong power delivery in quiet and pretty unobtrusive manner while the absence of wind and road noise adds to the quality of performance.
The Accord corners well, with handling proving sharp and positive with body roll nicely under control.
Should spaciousness, easy driving, comfort and refinement be your bag and the family budget will run to it, then the Honda Accord i-DTEC automatic is well worth further consideration.
FAST FACTS
Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC EX 4dr auto
Price: £25,495
Mechanical: 148bhp, 2,199cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 170g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw