A COMPLETELY new Honda Accord, promises to redefine standards in the quality mid-range European car class.

The new Accord is not just a product, but the result of Honda's new way of thinking. It is the first car designed for Europe according to the company's 'first man, then machine' maxim. It shows through in a design where innovative technology is used for the benefit of the driver.

Said Honda's President and Chief Executive Officer, Nobuhiko Kawamoto: "When planning the new Accord, we set out to design a car to be the most refined, with the highest levels of safety and security while exceeding all worldwide environmental standards, and yet to be the best in the market in fundamental performance - driving, cornering, braking. We believe this has been achieved."

The Accord is designed to achieve state-of-the-art performance in four key areas to take on and beat the very best in Europe, and to present a strong challenge for the 1999 Car of the Year title.

The new Accord has been designed to satisfy the most discerning drivers. Interior noise levels will be equal to the best in class, with particularly stringent targets set for engine and road noise suppression, and 'drive-by' exhaust noise. All versions will have balancer-shaft engines for superior smoothness, a rare luxury among cars in the Accord's price range.

A sophisticated five-link double wishbone rear suspension is incorporated as part of a completely new chassis. This builds on Honda's established double wishbone design to deliver an exceptionally smooth ride with precise stable handling.

It will be the best equipped car in its class, with, for example, air conditioning, pollen filter, remote locking, outside temperature gauge, all standard across the range. Satellite navigation and state-of-the-art BOSE hi-fi will feature on one of the models, and the range will feature Honda's widest ever selection of accessories.

The new Accord has been designed to achieve a best in class four star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests. Standard features include all disc ABS brakes with Honda's new Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system, twin SRS airbags, side airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and three, three-point rear seatbelts.

The best protected car in its class, the Accord has been designed to achieve a Thatcham 'E' rating, incorporating such features as a standard-fit alarm, deadlocks (combined with remote keyless entry), fully shielded locks, visible VIN number, improved 'rolling code' transponder immobiliser and locking wheelnuts where alloys are fitted.

Honda has adopted a 'whole life' approach to environmental impact, which aims to cut pollution and waste during manufacture, use and eventual recycling of its products. Each Accord model will boast exceptional fuel efficiency (to achieve low CO2 emissions) and low exhaust pollutants.

Honda has aimed for class leading dynamic performance with the new Accord. All versions will feature Honda's advanced VTEC (variable valve timing), 16-valve petrol engines. Power and torque outputs are top of their respective size classes, culminating in an amazing 210 PS output for the phenomenally capable Type-R model. Automatic versions feature switchable race-car style Sequential Sports Shift, first seen on the current Prelude.

For more information, contact Wirral's Honda dealer, Two Mills, Parkgate Road, Ledsham. Phone 339-1771.

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