BACK pain is something I would not wish on my worst enemy.

Well maybe somebody I really, really disliked, but in the main I would spare most people the affliction.

A few years ago I went through a period of chronic pain brought upon by riding a moped for years on end on the potholed roads of a certain sunshine isle.

Despite the attentions of a chiropractor, whose qualifications I increasingly called into doubt, the pain continued to the point were just getting to the appointment was a minor miracle.

If only I had had the use of Hondas Accord Sport Tourer.

Even after the snow had wreaked havoc with the road surfaces in my locale I was able to travel as if on a cushion of air.

I had feared the worst when coming across the myriad of undulations, blemishes and ruddy great holes, but like a Pharaoh sat atop a sedan chair with his slaves doing all the donkey work beneath, they were negotiated with ease.

Add to this a nicely-weighted steering wheel, smooth gearbox and figure hugging seats and youve got all the ingredients necessary for somebody of my advancing years.

Despite the Type S tag this is not a car for the young or even the young at heart. While theres a body kit of sorts its rather understated and though theres power underfoot it doesnt come close to kicking you in the pants.

That, though, is not intended as a criticism for theres nothing wrong with a bit of conservatism in a world that is increasingly fond of displaying its wares for everyone to see.

Inside, theres a plethora of buttons to negotiate, both on the steering wheel and the dash, but after a while everything makes sense and theres nothing you could say is surplus to requirements.

As you might expect everything fits together well and all the components appear durable in nature, probably more so than the person commanding them.

Theres plenty of space and if you cannot get comfortable in the electrically adjustable drivers seat then theres simply no pleasing you.

Rear seat passengers can also stretch out and, understandably for a car designed for making long motorway schleps, theres more than enough load space to cater for your belongings.

If, like me, you value your spine, then the Accord is one car that will put you firmly in your comfort zone.

If only it was available on the NHS.