We say Reliable high quality, though many models in the same class are similar cars for a lot less.Performance 155bhp 2.0-litre and 190bhp 2.4-litre petrol models and 187bhp 2.2-litre diesel are the powertrain offerings on the Accord Tourer. All are refined and easy-to-drive with loads of mid-range pull with the diesel that make it good for load lugging or even towing, though the diesel offering bizarrely doesn’t have an autobox option.Emissions Average fuel economy and CO2 output are recorded at 35mpg and 201g/km respectively. This makes the Accord Tourer a rather polluting model disappointingly and steepens the running costs.Driving Handling is sharp on the Accord Tourer with direct steering and there's loads of grip, but the pay-off is a too-firm ride – especially on models with larger wheels. The big estate manages to drive well even when fully loaded.Feel Engines are smooth and quiet, interfacing beautifully with the auto gearbox on larger engines. The Accord Tourer will make a hushed and refined cruiser with any powertrain combination however. Urban driving may show up the Accord’s rather firm ride.Space Standard boot space in the Accord Tourer is 626 litres, which is right at the top of the sector. There’s vast amounts of space with rear seats folded flat: 1,707 litres via remote-opening tailgate. There's also more space under the boot floor and cubbies in the cabinEquipment Alloys, climate control, central locking, electric windows and CD player as standard as does a remote-control tailgate with flat-loading system.Price The Accord has gone upmarket since the previous model, so prices are inching up towards the higher end of the segment: something the car quite really back up. Insurance and residuals will both hit you in the pocket; running costs are only good on the diesel model.Quality Honda’s i-VTEC engines are famously reliable – as is virtually everything about the Accord. A smart interior pushes the Accord slightly ahead of the sector in terms of interior quality.Safety ABS as standard, with traction control on higher specs. Dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard on all models. Lane assist and cruise control are options. Electronic stability control is only an option on 2.0-litre Accord models. The Honda saloon only managed four Euro NCAP stars out of five in safety testing.Pros Huge space, great drive, electric tailgate.Cons As with the Saloon, it's pricey for what it is.Alternatives Mazda6 Estate, Volkswagen Passat Estate