We say You can get similarly good cars for less, but if you're after a near-executive level car without paying for a badge the Accord is a strong option.Performance 155bhp 2.0-litre and 190bhp 2.4-litre petrol models and 187bhp 2.2-litre diesel are the powertrain offerings on the Accord saloon. All are refined and easy-to-drive with loads of mid-range pull with the diesel that make it good for load lugging or even towing, though the diesel offering bizarrely doesn’t have an autobox option.Emissions 38mpg combined is as good as it gets with petrol engine, though the diesel Accord can manage well over 50mpg combined and emits 145g/km – decent for the sector.Driving Handling is sharp on the Accord with direct steering and there's loads of grip, but the pay-off is a too-firm ride – especially on models with larger wheelsFeel Engines are smooth and quiet, interfacing beautifully with the auto gearbox on larger engines. The Accord will make a hushed and refined cruiser with any powertrain combination however. Urban driving may show up the Accord’s rather firm ride.Space The Accord is roomy for four, five at a push and the Honda family cars offer decent boot space at 438 litres, with easy access; doubling in size with rear seats folded down.Equipment Climate control, central locking, CD player and electric windows as standard on the Accord. Alloys and cruise control at higher spec and leather on the Executive model. 2.4-litre model gets satnav and auto box is an option on larger engines.Price The Accord has gone upmarket since the previous model, so prices are inching up towards the higher end of the segment: something the car quite really back up. Insurance and residuals will both hit you in the pocket; running costs are only good on the diesel model.Quality Honda’s i-VTEC engines are famously reliable – as is virtually everything about the Accord. A smart interior pushes the Accord slightly ahead of the sector in terms of interior quality.Safety ABS as standard, with traction control on higher specs. Dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard on all models. Lane assist and cruise control are options. Electronic stability control is only an option on 2.0-litre Accord models. The Honda saloon only managed four Euro NCAP stars out of five in safety testing.Pros Great engines and good to drive. Comfortable and good build quality.Cons High price for what it is, twinned with high running costs and poor resale value.Alternatives Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo