Honda's slow-selling Accord (76 units sold so far in 2011) has been refreshed with lower retail prices in the hope of boosting sales.
The new car, which arrives in Ireland this week, features some refreshments in terms of styling, but also in terms of safety, ride and handling.
Five versions of the Honda Accord will go on sale, all of which feature a 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. These include the entry-grade ES, the Type S and the high-spec EX version.
The 150hp 2.2-litre diesel engine comes twinned with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic and this engine has 180hp in the sporty Type S model. Emissions in the new car are now lower too, with 138g/km in the ES and Type S versions and 141g/km in the EX. The automatic variants have emissions of 159- to 162g/km.
There are styling revisions to the headlights and bumpers, while the grille has been remodelled and at the rear the lights are finished in red and the styling has a more rounded finish than before. Leather upholstery is now standard fit on EX and Type S models.
Prices now start at €30,875 for the ES version and rise to €42,250 for the EX Auto. The Type S will cost €32,725.