The 2.4-i V-tec 2354 CC Honda Accord Sport is the latest addition to the all-new seventh generation Honda Accord range introduced here in early March 2003.

The new range is a major shift in direction for Honda, moving from the Ford Mondeo segment to the top end of the quality sport sector taking on the likes of the Toyota Camry, Lexus IS200, Audi A4, Alfa Romeo 156, and Volvo S60.

While to my mind the Accord is certainly one of the classiest looking cars around, the 2.4- sport version stands out from the crowd with a deeper front air dam and side skirts for a sportier image.

It’s most likely to appeal to the ‘savvy’ 40ish executives moving to the upper levels, but for whom a car such as a Jaguar is not yet a priority. They’re also likely to be less impressed with the elite badge image than others in their golf club. They know what they want - a big, luxurious but sport-oriented car, that takes them out of the mainstream.

They’ll certainly appreciate the 6-speed gearbox in the 2.4-litre Accord Sport which is a dream to use. And the twin chrome exhausts will be noticed. Automatic transmission is not an option in this particular model. Ditto for an electric sunroof.

On the road, there is a real edge to the performance of the engine which can do the 0-60 trip in just 7.9 seconds. I’m sure you get the picture.

I clocked up a fairly hefty amount of mileage, going places just for the sheer fun of it, simply to enjoy the experience. The Sport version also comes with a stiffer suspension and more sporty supportive seats that I found very comfortable. The huge organ accelerator pedal and the footrest were also much appreciated.

The car handles beautifully around bends and despite its size can be manoeuvred easily enough in a fairly tight space. Maximum speed is 142mph for those who like to know these things. (Please, can some entrepreneur set up a few miles of road where we can actually do this speed, paying for the experience of letting it rip while in safe surroundings?) The car averages 31.4mpg for the combined cycle, which seems reasonable.

A very appealing feature is the little row of indicator repeater lights that light up along the base of the side mirrors when you blip the keyfob or indicate.

The review car came with cruise control, dual zone climate control, in-dash CD, six speakers and steering wheel audio controls.

The interior layout matches the stylish exterior of the car. All controls are within easy reach and there’s dual zone air conditioning for both driver and front seat passenger.

The radio might well be best-in-class from what I heard of it during my time with the car, with a very well placed large volume control knob in the centre below the station selector buttons.

Seats feature half leather upholstery and come with driver lumbar support. The rear seats can be split 60:40.

There is ample head and leg room and a simply enormous boot. It would easily accommodate three full size golf bags, maybe four at a squeeze. The boot is opened from the key fob and raises itself quite a bit before you have to finish the job.

Storage space also includes a deep lidded cubby on the central console below the radio; another beside the hand brake which reveals two cupholders. There’s also a good sized glove compartment, but the small lever opener on the right hand side looks vulnerable.

Being not that tall, I always appreciate it when a front arm rest can move with me when I pull my seat forward for a good driving position.

Standard equipment includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, 16 inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Assist, ultrasonic alarm, front fog lights, twin chrome exhausts, half leather upholstery, front mesh grille and 6-speed manual transmission.

While red illumination is regarded as being more ‘sporty’, I prefer the bright white illumination of the instruments which is quite stunning in other Accord models. They also light up from a 'black' background when you turn on the ignition. The speedometer is huge in size and located bang in the centre of the instrument cluster, where it should always be.

Honda expect to sell around 75 units of the 2.4 models, Sport and Executive, this year. When word gets out, I think it could be even more!

It costs E37,450 ex works.