HONDA has successfully transformed its Accord from a run-of-the-mill and not particularly exciting car to one worthy of consideration.

The new range is certainly more distinctive than its predecessor and from the moment I climbed into the cabin and 'clunked' the door shut I immediately felt enveloped in quality.

Our test car is the Executive model with leather seats, so it naturally has an upmarket feel. But they only add to the comfort of the car and models lower down in the range still boast Honda class and reliability.

On the road this car is a superb motorway cruiser. As a family we recently embarked on a day out to Thorpe Park in Surrey, a round trip of about 240 miles.

Bearing on mind there were two children in the car, such a journey – although a cinch to a fleet driver out on the road every day – could have been fraught to say the least. But the refined ride of the Accord ensured everyone was comfortable and there were no complaints from the back.

On the same trip the boot space proved roomy, with plenty of space for a pushchair and other associated kiddy essentials. It can be opened using a button on the key fob, a feature that is practical when you've got armfuls of stuff to load.

Fuel consumption continues to be good, although my 33.3mpg doesn't match up to a previous tester's achievement of 36.2mpg, even better than the official combined fuel consumption figure of 34.0mpg.

However, our heat wave has meant the air conditioning unit has been on full blast constantly so that's bound to have a negative effect.

Another feature of the car worthy of note is its excellent stereo system. Our 'premium audio system' is standard on Executive models and available as an option on others. The in-dash six-CD autochanger makes loading and unloading CDs easy and the sound is quite superb. Mike Roberts

Company car tax bill 2003/04 (40% taxpayer): £152 per month