HONDA will soon be producing an all-new Accord, designed specifically for the European market. The model is due to go into production at the manufacturer's Swindon plant, before going on sale across Europe in the autumn.

It will be available in the UK from October 1, with full model line-up, specification and prices due to be announced in mid-September. All versions will feature Honda's VTEC 16-valve petrol engines, with power and torque culminating in 210PS for the Type-R model. Automatic versions will feature racing car style Sequential Sports Shift, first seen in the Prelude.

Honda has set stringent targets for engine and road noise and promises that it will be the best-equipped car in its class with features including air conditioning, pollen filter, remote locking and outside temperature gauge standard across the range. On the safety side, Honda has designed the new Accord to reach European New Car Assessment Programme four-star standard, with standard equipment including all-disc ABS brakes, Honda's Electronic Brake Force Distribution, twin SRS airbags and side airbags.