HONDA has released first pictures of its new stretched Accord estate, which it is aiming at the premium end of the load-lugging market with practicality as the prime attraction.

Available in spring 2003 the Tourer, as it will be known, has a 50mm longer wheelbase and 85mm longer body than the saloon. As a result, Honda claims class leading boot space with the seats in place of 576 litres.

Innovative 'one motion' rear seats that fold completely flat just by pulling a lever increase capacity to 921 litres.

Continuing on the practicality theme, Honda is fitting all cars with a power-operated tailgate, which can be activated on the key fob.

David Strangeway, managing director of Honda (UK), said: 'The Accord Tourer marks Honda's return to the quality estate car market following earlier Honda AeroDeck models.

'Irrespective of whether customers prefer the restrained elegance of the saloon, or the bold, adventurous shape and extra versatility of the estate, we believe that the Accord offers an excellent proposition in today's quality upper-medium market.'

The Tourer comes with a choice of 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engines, five or six speed manual and five speed automatic gearboxes. Prices have not yet been announced.