Arriving this day in the UK, the newest Honda Accord at £20,000 comes with automatic transmission and optional manual gear change panels at the steering wheel. Other features you may expect only to find in more expensive cars include: a large flat screen on the dashboard which clearly shows via a camera at the

rear where the limits are during the reverse parking manoeuvre. Also the extensive navigation and sound system utilise multiple displays, where the latter supports various codecs including Mp3 discs and a USB for the obligatory Apple accessories.

In the Legend we were fortunate enough to be given a display of Honda's Driver Assist technology by Raj Johal, European Programmes Development Manager. The three systems we were shown were: Advanced Driver Assist Support (ADAS), Adaptive Cruising and Lane Keeping Technology. Controlled at the wheel, Lane Keeping shows up on the dashboard where markings can be detected to assist the driver. In-built radar forms the basis of ADAS which provides three stages of alarms: firstly, an audio alarm sounds when too close to the car in front, secondly seats belts tug and light braking is automatically applied and immediately before impact - substantial braking is applied as is the tightening of seat belts. Honda's philosophy with Driver Assist is to supplement and inform the driver not to replace them. In all of the new models we tested the steering wheel controls were generous to say the least permitting hands-free operation of mobile phones, stereo and even voice recognition for the satellite navigation system.