Honda Adds Accord Sport Gt to UK Range

The door may have closed for the Honda Accord Hybrid – which Honda decided to discontinue in the U.S. after disappointing sales, but in the UK, a high spec sporty Accord model has just been unveiled alongside 'Price Fighter' SE.

In September, two new versions of the Accord will be launched to help Honda battle for honors in the competitive D-sector saloon market.

Sales of the Accord are reportedly on the increase in 2007, with fleet sales already up by 68 per cent. The car also continues to win industry awards for its refinement, handling and practicality. Customer feedback however, has urged Honda – maker of top of the line Honda clutch kit to launch two new grades of the model in the UK.

"The Accord always finishes near the top of owner surveys, which shows that its drivers love the car," says Bernard Bradley, Head of Sales for Honda (UK). "But our dealers tell us new buyers – especially those from the corporate sector – want a version that combines the advanced technology offered by high-end models, with more of the sporting features from other Accords in the range."

The result is the new Sport GT, an Accord that delivers sharp, nimble handling with performance car styling and high-grade equipment.

The new Accord Sport GT 2.2 i-CTDi features as standard:

Dark Chrome door handles and front grille
17-inch (Saloon) or 16-inch (Tourer) alloy wheels in Dark Graphite finish
Premium White Pearl paint option – exclusive to this model
Sports suspension
Rear boot spoiler, smoked headlights, and foglights
Carbon-effect inlay fitted within the dashboard and centre console
Red illuminated dials
Voice-activated Satellite Navigation system
Premium Audio system that includes a 6CD changer
Cruise control
Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone
Tourer fitted with rear section privacy glass
The Sport GT is on sale from 1 September, priced from: £20,767 (OTR).

'Price Fighter' SE

Powered by Honda's much-lauded 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine, the new diesel-engined Accord SE has been developed as an entry-level diesel Accord, specifically to act as a 'Price Fighter'.

"This new keenly-priced car continues the theme of Accord, which has always been to offer a high-spec saloon with the quality you'd expect from a Honda – but at an extremely competitive price, with low running costs. If you're talking about value for money, the Accord SE beats most cars in the sector, even the new arrivals," said Bernard Bradley.

The diesel SE may be priced at a highly competitive £18,600 (OTR), but it looks to be worth it with the car’s remarkable features that include 16-inch alloys, stability assist, 6-speed gearbox and Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone -- all fitted as standard.

The cleaner, low-consumption 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine on board and the low list price are a big plus for company car users.

Model / Price (OTR)
Accord 2.2 i-CTDi SE (saloon) / £18,600
VW Passat 2.0 TDI SE / £18,967
Audi A4 1.9 TDI SE / £21,075
Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi Life (hatch) / £18,235
New Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec / £18,695