Honda has announced pricing for its new Accord saloon, with certain models rising by up to £2,500 as the Japanese manufacturer aims to target Audi and BMW.

The new Accord, which goes on sale on June 1, will be priced from £19,250 for the 2.0-litre petrol ES – a rise of £2,000 over the current entry-level version.

The new Euro V-compliant i-DTEC diesel will be priced from £21,050 – a £2,450 premium over the old i-CTDi model.

Honda claims the pricing sends ‘a powerful statement of intent to the established premium car makers’, and adds that the Accord offers ‘exceptional’ value for money.

The manufacturer expects the majority of sales to be of the mid-level ES GT spec, which comes with 17-inch alloys, half-leather seats, cruise control, body kit, sports suspension and climate control as standard.

The diesel will cost £21,900.

EX models add DVD satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free telephony, full leather and a rear parking camera.

Honda’s head of marketing, Tom Gardner, said: “We know this car can mount a credible challenge to Audi and BMW in the key areas of equipment and cabin quality.

"This announcement shows we can offer that premium experience through our products at an accessible price.”

The Tourer estate version of the Accord will go on sale in September.