UK: Honda adds Accord Sport GT to range

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Honda UK has added a new mode to its range with the introduction of the Accord Sport GT, a new trim/equipment package based on the existing Euro Accord (Acura TSX here). It gets a sport suspension, Graphite-finish alloys (17" for the sedan, 16" for the wagon -- a.k.a. Tourer -- is chosen) and several appearance and convenience upgrades. Those include the Premium White Pear finish shown above, dark chrome grille and door handles, red gauges, carbon fiber-look inlays on the dash and center console, a decklid spoiler, premium audio, nav, Bluetooth, and a few other items, all of which are detailed in the release after the jump.

Accord Sport GT (UK)Power comes from Honda's 2.2L i-CDTi turbodiesel, which delivers 140 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. Combined cycle fuel economy is right around 42.8 mpg (US). If this was available from Acura right now, how many of you would sign up? Those looks mixed with 42mpg would certainly have us interested.

It goes on sale September 1 at £20,767. A budget-oriented Accord SE with the same powertrain was also announced.

[Source: Honda UK]

PRESS RELEASE:
WHITE HOT GT JOINS ACCORD RANGE

High spec sporty model unveiled alongside 'Price Fighter' SE

Two new versions of the Accord will be launched in September to help Honda battle for honours in the competitive D-sector saloon market.

Sales of the Accord are on the increase in 2007, with fleet sales already up by 68 per cent – and the car continues to win industry awards for its refinement, handling and practicality. But customer feedback has urged Honda 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

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

Bernard Bradley continues: "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."

The diesel SE may be priced at a highly competitive £18,600 (OTR), but it's remarkably well-equipped – with 16-inch alloys, stability assist, 6-speed gearbox and Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone all fitted as standard.

Not only that, but with the cleaner, low-consumption 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine on board and the low list price, benefit in kind is reduced – meaning lower costs 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

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