First look: Honda reveals its Euro vision

HONDA has revealed the design theme of its next-generation Accord Euro at the Frankfurt motor show.

The Accord Tourer concept lays some heavy hints about what the next Accord Euro will look like when it goes into production halfway through next year.

Honda said the car would be available with 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, with all three powerplants passing Euro5 emission standards.

The diesel is the next-generation clean Honda diesel, called i-DTEC, and uses direct-injection and exhaust gas recirculation in order to reduce its emissions.

It is unclear whether this engine will come to Australia.

The Accord Tourer concept car shows Honda is prepared to move the Accord Euro design forward significantly.

The front of the concept car is dominated with a large V-shaped grille and futuristic slit headlights.

Crease lines run down the centre of the bonnet and the front bumper and down the rear hatch and rear bumper.

The side profile reveals a line that runs from the front wheel-arch upwards and joins the tail-lights.

Honda designers also used pumped-out wheel-arches to add more muscle to the car, while the wagon roof slopes down to give it an aerodynamic look.

Chrome is used for the grille and a strip that surrounds the side window glass to add some prestige to the vehicle.

Honda was not about to reveal too many details of its next-generation mid-sized model, but mentioned the concept car is wider than the existing car, which it said would open up more interior space.

There could also be some handling benefits thanks to a wider track.

The exact shape of the next Accord Euro will be revealed at the Geneva motor show next March, when production versions of the both the sedan and wagon models are presented.

Honda Australia hopes to begin selling the new Accord Euro mid-way through next year.