26 September 2002: PARIS MOTOR SHOW. The arrival of Honda's new Accord to Ireland in the spring of next year will mean a 'big move upwards' for the model.

Frank Kennedy (above) of Honda Universal Ireland told IrishCar.Com that in addition to the 2-litre entry-level car (there's no longer a 1.8-litre option), they'll be bringing in the 2.4-litre car to the Irish market as well.

"Both versions will be launched at the same time, but as prices haven't yet been finalised with Honda, it's hard to tell exactly where it will be positioned," he said.

The car as seen in the metal has a significantly greater 'presence' than does the current car, and the interior finish and trim reflects Honda's intention to stay up with the market in a sector where there's been strong upward movement in the last year, with significantly improved Ford, Renault, Opel and Mazda products particularly making the running.

A 'small number' of 1.8-litre versions of the current model are still available in Ireland, and Frank Kennedy reckons there'll be no problem in moving them. Meantime, his dealers are 'open to enquiries' about the new car. And, significantly, he hinted that there might be no supply problem with the new car, unusual for Honda in the smaller markets.