SOME estate cars are roomy, others sporty, luxurious or stylish. From sensible workhorses to sporty holdalls, they all struggle to meet conflicting goals of style, space, practicality and pace.

Then there's the Accord Tourer, one of the most thoroughly executed estates on the market. This new variation of Honda's superbly engineered quality car shows that smart design can satisfy many needs and that the traditional compromises don't have to apply.

In short, the Accord Tourer is an estate car that's practical, but it's also one that people will aspire to own.

The Tourer will build on the position established by its Saloon sibling.

It too will be aimed at the more discerning, executive end of the market.

It will deliver strong performance, a finely tuned chassis, superb fit and finish and highly distinctive styling.

Aside from the automatic tailgate opening, one motion rear seat and rear screen wash/wipe all standard on all UK models equipment levels mirror those of equivalent 4-door models.

All Tourers feature alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, outside temperature indicator, 6-speaker CD audio systems and blackout 3D dashboard illumination.

Front, side and the largest side curtain SRS airbags in class are also standard throughout.

Sales of the Tourer start on 3 May. The range comprises four distinct models graded 2.0 SE, 2.0 Executive, 2.4 Type S and 2.4 Executive.

Carrying a £1,000 premium over their saloon equivalents, the new models span the price range £17,495 to £22,095.