HONDA is moving the next generation Accord to the premium end of the upper-medium sector, with no five-door available and no engine smaller than 2.0-litres.

The new car will be bigger and will bridge the gap between the current Accord and the Legend (which is soon to be phased out) to become Honda's top saloon in the UK.

David Strangeway, general manager of Honda UK's car division, said: 'The Accord is a good car but it is competing in the budget end of the market, where we don't want to be. With the new car, we are aiming at the more discerning executive end of the market.'

It goes on sale early next year.