Honda's new Accord has been named Japan's Car of the Year for the third time.

It beat off strong competition from the Nissan Z, Mazda 6, BMW Mini and Mercedes-Benz E-class.

This is the third year in a row that Honda has won the accolade after previously winning it for the Civic, Stream and Jazz.

“This is the crowning achievement for everyone involved who have lent us their support. We will continue to forge ahead and endeavour to meet the high expectations of customers,” says Honda's president and chief executive officer Hiroyuki Yoshino.