THERE was a time when Honda was referred to as the Japanese BMW.
But these days Honda basks in the limelight as a producer of high quality wheels which do not need comparisons with other makes to underline their excellence.
A perfect example of how Honda has shot to prominence is the Accord 2.2i CDTi Tourer.
This model is in the hotly contested lifestyle estate/tourer slot and its message is quite clear - a brilliant drive, roomy and superbly built.
As one Honda dealer, obviously with a vested interest, told me 'If tourer customers drove this model just once, it is unlikely they would go anywhere else.'
The Accord Tourer is pitched against cars like the Mazda6 Estate, the Vectra and Mondeo estates and obviously the competition is tough.
It's all a question of fine margins and it is in this area that the Accord Tourer scores highly. Devoid of gimmickry, this model seems to have quality built in to even the most insignificant items. I inspected it thoroughly and could find no rough edges or badly designed bits.
You only have to touch the heavily chromed door handles to realise that you are dealing with something special.
Coming as standard on the test car are hydraulic power steering and much more. But equipment apart, this is one of those cars that feels right .
My test car was powered by the new generation Honda diesel and performed admirably. Its economy is impressive with nearly 50mpg on the horizon.
If this car has a problem, it is perhaps that in the dazzling array of options in its market sector it may not be the model that the public immediately first thinks of.
Which is a shame because the Accord Tourer has a vast amount to offer, especially the diesel powered version.
Hmm, maybe that dealer was right after all!
FAST FACTS
Honda Accord 2.2i CDTi Sport Tourer
Price: £20,100
Mechanical: 140bhp, 2,204cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 123mph
0-62mph: 10.1 secs
Combined mpg: 48.7
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 153g/km
BiK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust