HONDA will back away from the UK diesel market when its crucial new Accord range goes on sale in October. Instead, a heavily-revised 1.8-litre petrol engine is to spearhead a drive to make the company's D-sector product line-up into a more attractive fleet market proposition.

Three VTEC units culminating in a scintillating 212PS double overhead camshaft engine will be offered when the Swindon-built range reaches the showrooms - but Honda UK believes that the most economical version will be found under the bonnets of at least half the Accords it sells next year.

'We think that forthcoming transport legislation will steer most buyers towards maximum operating economy,' managing director Ken Keir said. 'Our current turbodiesel Accord has been well received and has excellent fuel economy. But we have found that it is not as broadly viable as the petrol alternative in overall terms because it loses out with higher initial cost and a lower residual value.

'We've taken a close look at the situation. It seems that potential users are now faced with the prospect of having to cover a massive annual mileage just to break even. Our conclusion is that offering the diesel option is no longer really worthwhile.'