Frankfurt 2007: Honda Accord Tourer Concept

It's understandable if the Honda Accord Tourer concept looks more Acura than Honda to you. Like the last generation European Accord, the next generation car will make it to America as the Acura TSX, albeit only in sedan form. Our own Accord was, of course, already revealed earlier this summer.

When this car comes here as the TSX late next year, expect power to come from an updated iVTEC four-cylinder gas engine, not the new iDTEC diesel debuting at Frankfurt (although we should get the new 2.2-liter diesel soon, as Honda is quick to mention that it passes US EPA Tier II/Bin 5 emissions requirements). Production versions of the Euro Accord sedan and wagon will be shown at the 2008 Geneva Show, which means we expect to see a new TSX to be shown at an American show sometime this winter.

Honda Press Release Honda is presenting the world debut of the exciting Accord Tourer Concept at this year's Frankfurt motor show, which provides a strong indication of the design direction of the forthcoming, all-new generation Accord range. A press conference will be held on the Honda stand in Hall 5 on the first Press Day, 11th September, between 13.15 and 13.45.

The stand focuses around the twin themes of "Sports" and "Environment" on the ground level and a comprehensive line-up of car, bike and power equipment products. The "Environment" area centres upon Honda's ground-breaking environmental technology including the Small Hybrid Sports Concept, Honda's i-DTEC next-generation clean diesel engine and the production Civic Hybrid. The FCX Concept with its fully-functioning fuel cell technology is also on display.

The "Sports" area of the stand includes Honda's current F1 racing car, the RA107 piloted by Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, alongside Civic Type R and Honda S2000 production models.

To emphasise the major contribution made by motorcycles towards Honda's sporting prowess and reputation there are examples of both the Repsol Honda RC212V from this year's MotoGP series and one of the HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades which so successfully contested this year's Isle of Man TT races.

The extensive line-up of production motorcycles also includes the world's first production motorcycle airbag system, available on the new Gold Wing.

Strong sales performance

Honda's participation at Frankfurt takes place against the backdrop of a particularly successful period for Honda, with its European operations enjoying record sales this year. Over the first seven months of 2007, 235,523 cars were sold - up 22.9 per cent on the same period the previous year in a market that remains fairly static. Over half of those vehicles were produced within the European region.. The CR-V and Civic have been particularly strong performers and over the first seven months CR-V was up 81.7%, to 54,006 and the Civic up 41.2% to 91,029 units. Honda's award winning diesel engine continues to take an increased share of total sales - above a quarter - with sales up to July of 61,860, up 22.2%.

THE ACCORD TOURER CONCEPT

The premiere of the Accord Tourer Concept provides a strong indication of the design direction of the all-new generation Accord Tourer set to debut in mid-2008. The wider, lower look signals a sportier, more emotional styling approach, and while the design of the current Accord Tourer maximises its load-carrying capability, the new model goes for smarter, sleeker proportions while retaining a strong degree of versatility and practicality.

The Concept's greater width makes for a more spacious cabin and also allows an increased track for enhanced handling characteristics.

The all-new Accord range will boast one of the first all-Euro 5-compliant engine line-ups. Two petrol engines of 2.0 and 2.4-litre capacities and a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine mirror those in the current Accord range, but power output will be boosted and emissions and fuel economy significantly improved.

The latest engines will be complemented by innovative new chassis technology that will deliver exceptional handling, greater linear stability and a more involving driving experience without compromising ride comfort.

The all-new Accord will debut in Sedan and Tourer forms at the 2008 Geneva motor show.