When Honda's new Accord saloon goes on sale in June, it will start at £19,250 for the entry-level 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol ES, with the top of the range 2.0 coming in at just £23,550. But it's the new 148bhp i-DTEC diesel which is expected to constitute the bulk of sales. It starts at £21,050 in base ES spec, with prices up to £26,650 for the range-topping EX GT Tech Pack. The Tourer version will enter the market in September.

In addition to the 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol, there's the more powerful 2.4-litre petrol which starts at £23,250 and tops out at £26,550. Honda has moved the Accord into the premium feel sector and the car now rivals the Audi A6 for space and quality.

The class leading BMW 3-Series is the benchmark for dynamics. It's predicted that the biggest selling model will be the Accord 2.2 i-CTDI ES GT, which comes with 17-inch alloys, half leather seats, cruise control, aero kit, sports suspension and climate control for £21,900. The equivalent Audi A4 will set you back a further £2000.