Honda Accord 2.2 Diesel

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Yes folks, a Honda with TORQUE!!!!!!!!!!! And lots of it too!!!!!!!!!

Honda ACCORD 2.2 i-CTDi RANGE
(2005-09-01)
Honda Have Never Been A Manufacturer Associated With Top Notch Diesel Engines. This Diesel Accord Aims To Change That Perception. By Andy Enright

Hindsights a fantastic thing. Looking back, Hondas decision to ignore the fledgling diesel market and instead concentrate on petrol engines with intelligent valve timing systems must have been one of the costlier management decisions in recent automotive history. Maybe it wasnt up there with BMW thinking Rover looked a sound bet but its not far short. As medium-range diesel sales in Europe skyrocketed, the Honda Accord was left high and dry with no product to offer.

Eating humble corporate pie, Honda have ushered in the latest Accord diesels. You might expect them to be a couple of years behind the game. Think again.

This is Honda after all, a company that can and does do miraculous things with engines just because it can. You want an engine that revs to 9,000rpm and sounds better than an F1 car? How about a high-tech petrol electric hybrid that offers punchy acceleration and almost negligible fuel consumption? Again, not a problem for Honda. Therefore when it comes to producing a very clever diesel engine, theyve managed to muscle in among the front rankers with very little bother. This time around, however, things have become personal.

The man in charge of the turbo diesel engine project is Hondas Senior Chief Engineer Kenichi Nagahiro. Hes the same man who created the VTEC concept that ultimately led the company up a slight dead end in this corner of the market, so Honda are putting a lot of faith in his engineering genius to pull them through. First impressions are that hes proved a safe pair of hands. The engine that powers the Accord 2.

2 i-CTDi - to use the full nomenclature delivers both more torque and better fuel economy than both the Audi A4 TDi130 and BMWs 320td. Hondas choice of these two cars as a yardstick is illuminating, showing the extent of their ambition. No longer do they regard the Accord as Vectra/Mondeo/Laguna fodder, instead pitching it as a superior quality proposition. Available in both saloon and Tourer body styles, the 2.

2 diesel cranks out a hefty 138bhp at 4,000rpm and is one of the more refined powerplants of its type. More soundproofing and thicker window glass help to isolate the diesel grumble and its genuinely tricky to aurally differentiate it from a petrol engine at normal cruising speeds.

"When it comes to producing a very clever diesel engine, theyve managed to muscle in among the front rankers with very little bother."

Youll know its a diesel when you put your foot down. The 340Nm of torque mean that its the most torquey Honda engine currently available, putting even the NSX sportster in the shade. Mid range acceleration is very crisp and typical motorway speeds see the engine revolving at a very restrained gait. The sprint to 60mph will detain you for just 9.

2 seconds in the saloon or 9.9 seconds if youre hauling the additional bulk of the Tourer. Emissions are another area where the Honda excels, already complying with the tough Euro IV regulations that will slice another three per cent from company users tax demands. The figures of 143 and 153g/km for the saloon and Tourer respectively are excellent given that the Accord is such a substantial feeling vehicle.

The styling has divided opinion. The nose is remarkably similar to that of the Mazda6, with a similar shaped grille and lights but the Accord looks that little bit more upmarket with its Mercedes-style indicators in the door mirrors. Rather than stretch the wheelbase for a wheel at each corner effect to improve packaging, Honda have bucked a current styling trend by introducing more frontal overhang, the additional 65mm said to improve safety for both occupants and pedestrians. The rear end is a little more controversial, with a sawn off rump and large rear wings that contrive to make the respectably sized wheels look a little puny.

All Accord models are very well equipped but the diesel car competes in the upper section of the mainstream market and does without the entry-level SE trim. The Sport version features 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, mesh grille, sports upholstery, cruise control and a 3-spoke leather steering wheel as well as dual zone climate control, a 6-speaker CD-based stereo and front, side and curtain airbags. The plush Executive models feature a 6 CD changer, gas discharge headlights, leather trim, heated front seats and 8-way power adjustment for the drivers chair. Prices start at �19,100 and theres a �1,000 premium for the estate.

Nice touches like the outside temperature indicator and the 3D dashboard illumination are also welcome, as are sensible ergonomics. The grouping of the stereo and air conditioning controls is exemplary and the multiple storage bins are similarly easy to access. Honda are surprisingly cautious about the Accord 2.2i-CTDi, claiming that it will command one-third of all UK Accord sales or, in real terms, around 6,000 cars per year.

With a more affordable entry-level car, wed predict it to nudge the figure closer to 50% of all domestic sales and it should have no problem achieving at least that proportion of sales in Europe. The Accord is the most convincing pretender aiming to make the leap from mainstream to premium product positioning and this diesel engine does its chances no harm. With its aura of quality, reputation for engineering excellence and sharp styling, the Accord was always off to a good start. Factor in an engine thats bound to be a hit and you end up with nothing less than a five-star car.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Honda Accord 2.2 diesel range
PRICES: �19,100-�21,600 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 143g/km
PERFORMANCE: [saloon] Max Speed 131mph / 0-60mph 9.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [saloon] (urban) 42.2mpg / (extra urban) 61.4mpg / (combined) 52.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4665/1910/1450