YOU'D expect a vehicle that resembles something akin to a canal barge in size to be somewhat of a challenge to drive around city streets.
That was my thought as I stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the phenomenally long Honda Accord Tourer, which dwarfed the parking space allotted to it.
Tractor-like handling with the turning circle of a bus was the very least of what I expected.
But, joy of joys, the reality couldn't have been any further from the truth - this was a breeze to drive.
For stats-minded people out there, the Tourer is 4,750mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,470mm high. The wheelbase of the Tourer is 50mm more than the saloon.
Once in the driving seat, however, you didn't notice the huge expanse of metal trailing behind you. And, believe me, if you thought about it, you'd panic.
It was more like driving a refined saloon because its road manners were impeccable - and, boy, can it shift!
The two-litre injection engine beneath the bonnet powers the model from the start to 62mph dash in 10 seconds flat and on to a top speed of 128mph.
The performance is backed up by a reasonable economy figure of 34mpg on the combined cycle.
The smooth engine delivered plenty of torque throughout the gears and the five-speed box was a slick piece of kit.
Steering was pinpoint responsive and the vehicle felt beautifully balanced, whether on long straights or twisty roads. It was also pleasantly easy to manoeuvre around tight spots in crowded city streets.
Reversing wasn't too problematic either, although if any car is crying out for a reverse parking sensor then this was it.
One wasn't fitted, so I found myself having to jump out quite often to have a look just how much space there was between me and other objects.
The ride was very smooth and the noise infiltrating the well-designed cabin was minimal.
Seating was comfy, both front and rear, with lots of leg and headroom to boot, and plenty of storage spaces.
What I wasn't too happy with was the driver's view of the road.
Either the seat was too high or the windscreen too low. Whatever the problem, it resulted in the rear-view mirror causing an obstruction to my line of sight.
Being a Tourer you'd expect lots of luggage space - and the Honda doesn't disappoint. You could house a family of four in the cavernous boot, accessed by a tailgate which automatically opens via a button on the keyfob.
As for looks, the Tourer's stylists wanted the vehicle to look like a falcon in flight with brave head, powerful wings, strong body and smoothly extended rear.
Well, at least that's what Honda say. I couldn't really see it myself. If anything, it reminded me of a funeral car.
Whatever you think of its looks, though, this is an awesome load-lugger that's a pleasure to drive.
FAST FACTS
Honda Accord Tourer 2.0 i-VTEC Executive
Price: £20,100
Mechanical: 155bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 128mph
0-62mph: 10 secs
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 196g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust