Is the Honda Accord Tourer Diesel Wagon destined for America? The US diesel wagon market is wide open and waiting for entries. While Volkswagen is slated to bring their diesel-powered Jetta Sportwagen across the pond in spring 2008, Honda's yet to announce when whether their roomy Accord Tourer will appear here in the States.

The Accord Tourer wagon's 2.2 i-CDTi diesel engine produces a respectable 138 BHP at 4000 RPM. This propels the wagon to a 0-62 MPH in 10.4 seconds, with a British mileage rating of 48.7 MPG combined (roughly 40.5 US MPG). By comparison, the 187 BHP gasoline powered 2.4 liter i-VTEC delivers a 0-62 MPH time of 8.4 seconds with 29.1 MPG combined (about 24 US MPG), while the entry-level 153 BHP gasoline powered 2.0 liter i-VTEC delivers a 0-62 MPH time of 9.9 seconds with 34 MPG combined (just over 28 US MPG), through its manual transmission.

Electronic goodies include the requisite satellite navigation and hands-free telephone systems, along with adaptive cruise control and a lane keeping assist system that's designed to keep the big wagon centered in-between the stripes. The lane keeping system makes use of a windshield-mounted camera to monitor the lines on the road, providing warnings and "small steering corrections" to stay on track. The adaptive cruise control uses a grille-mounted radar sensor to adjust for space between the Accord and car directly in front of it. The system will make speed adjustments and apply the brakes when needed.

A power tailgate opens the maw for a category-leading cargo capacity that's been made possible through the use of a compact suspension system. One-touch seats make the fold down easy ... helping to swallow up the weekly shopping run with ease.

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