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We've just driven Honda's new iDTEC diesel engine installed in the current Accord. This will go on sale as the range-topping diesel unit in the all-new Accord due next summer.
It's still a 2.2-litre, but heavily modified, with improved combustion and a particulate filter. And this time round there will be two states of tune: the lower-powered one promises around 155bhp and will also have the option of an auto 'box for the first time. The meatier engine is likely to be a manual-only at launch,...Read the full article

Sounds excellent.

But of course it fares well against the so-called premium German opposition.

Isn't the current Accord's engin as refined as the 3-series' and better then both the A4's and the C-class'.

It keeps on amazing me that professional journalist keep on distincting "premium"-brad cars from the others. I understand that common people who don't know about cars, but all the more about snobism do so.

For a journalist being objective seems like a nice quality to me.

I'm not saying you are not, but...

Personally I find the outgoing A4 driving and sounding like a tractor if I compare it with an Accord. I can't say the same of a 3-series; although I'm not impressed with it either. And as far as the latter is concerned: I'm quite sure that if it wore a "KIA" badge most people would (finally) admit finding it a dreadfully ugly car (especially the saloon).

But indeed, if the new engine is even better then the current one and the Accord itself evolves with a similar margin, then it will be SOME car (and forget about premium then).

nh:

Isn't the current Accord's engin as refined as the 3-series' and better then both the A4's and the C-class'.

It keeps on amazing me that professional journalist keep on distincting "premium"-brad cars from the others. I understand that common people who don't know about cars, but all the more about snobism do so.

With all due respect do you say you actually know about cars? If you look at the facts you will see that the diesel unit in a C-Class is better than the Accord's engine. Although the C-Class' diesel has less cubic capacity it is far more powerful, torquier and faster than the Accord while obtaining similar fuel economy figures. Also, the C-Class disel unit is at least 2dB quieter at 70mph according to Autocar's test figures, and not as you say, less refined than an Accord.

Of course, the Mercedes presents a hefty premium over the Accord, so does I sometimes doubt whether it justifies them. When I look at the facts, however, there is no doubt that it justifies them fully. And not only because of the engine.

So, at the end of the day, would I buy a C-Class over an Accord? Of course I would.   

So, you drive a c-class...

Mine is a civic 1.7 ctdi. I'm waiting for my (Belgian) Full option Accord i-ctdi.

My Civic's done 220.000km now. Apart from oil and tyre changes, it has not been at the garage :-) And the costs I had; they were low.

Coming from Volvo, I'm truly amazed.

And no, I am not objective. Because my Civic is... amazing.

I often drive a 320 (past gen). And apart from rear wheel drive, it shares with a 1974 Peugeot 504 2.1 GLD... a shaking gearlever. That's nice!

And your C? Check out American valuantions of the (Euro Accord) Acura TSX vs. 3-series and c-class and eat your heart out. But it might be more quiet, for road and wind noise. Engine, though? Dream on. And you're happy? That's great. I wouldn't be.

 

Disappointed Honda didn't make it lighter than the last - I expected better from them.

Given that the current diesel engine in the accord is the first stab at diesel by Honda, it's an excellent unit. Note, the gemans have been making diesels for decades, therefore should be good!!! The Honda unit although less powerful now, when launched was competitive with the established, but more free reving and with better refinement and competitive fuel effeciency.