New Euro sharpens sports edge

Honda launched its new Accord Euro in Vienna last week, revealing a sportier, more powerful version of the midsizer.

The latest model is also likely to be more expensive by the time it is released in local showrooms, late June.

The second-generation Euro will be offered in Australia with one of the three powerplant options available overseas -- an updated version of the outgoing model's 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, with increased power and torque output at 147kW/233Nm.

Revisions to the engine have delivered better fuel consumption, now claimed at 8.9L/100km versus 9.1L/100 previously, when matched to the six-speed manual. A five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift is also available. Manual models come with a shift indicator light to assist economy.

Alas Australians won't be offered the 2.2-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine boasting the latest developments in Honda's diesel program -- at least not initially. That powertrain's trip Down Under will have to wait until its six-speed manual transmission can be replaced with an auto says local Honda boss, Lindsay Smalley.

The third unit available for the Accord Euro in other markets is the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine.

All three engines are Euro V compliant in Europe, however the 2.4-litre engine offered Down Under is rated Euro IV due to our fuel's higher sulphur content.

The new MY09 Euro is being marketed as an "advanced premium sports sedan" with a focus on improvements over the old model for ride and handling. It has a lower centre of gravity and wider track than the previous model, and gets a new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension set up.

The new model also boasts greater body rigidity front (by 35 per cent) and rear (20 per cent).

Honda's "new model direction" for Euro is designed to help it jump the likes of Volkswagen's Passat and take on premium players including Audi A4. Nonetheless the Euro's closest competitors Down Under remain Mazda6, Subaru Liberty and the aforementioned VW.

In Europe the Accord is available with an optional-fit Advanced Driving Assist System, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and Collision Mitigation Brake System (CBMS). The latter feature will activate an alarm and tension front seatbelts if the system determines the distance between the Accord and the car directly in front is too close upon approach.

Experienced while as a passenger during our drive of the new Euro, we'd have to say the CBMS is certainly hasty to react. The feature, along with lane-keep assist, is unlikely to be offered on Australian-delivered Euros.

Final specification isn't available until closer to release in June, but local buyers can expect the familiar base or luxury level option, with 'Luxury Navi' at the top of the range.

The base model Euro includes 17-inch wheels, cruise control, climate control and 10-speaker sound system while the Luxury spec comes with 18-inch wheels and extras including leather trim, sunroof and heated front seats.

Honda is persisting with its additional sat-nav spec -- this time 'Navi' range-topper, which includes navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and reversing camera.

All models come standard with driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, and Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist and Motion Adaptive EPS. The stability system works in conjunction with the electronic power steering system to "prompt" the driver to steer in the right direction in slippery conditions.

Honda says the new Accord benefits from safety improvements by way of its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, incorporating front-mounted polygonal main frame, increased reinforcement for the side section of the frame and the use of particular lightweight steels in critical areas.

The previous Accord Euro range started at $33,990, however, with additions such as the paddle shift auto, the new model is more likely to start at $35K.

For that, there's been considerable overhaul in cabin comfort. Aside from extra interior space and improvements in NVH, the new model gets a centrally-located 'Interface Dial' for "intuitive" access to navigation, audio, climate control and so on.

The Euro's steering wheel also now resembles the Civic Type R's but features a vast number of buttons for access to driver info, and the dashboard instruments are LED-lit.

We drove manual and auto versions of the 2.4-litre Euro destined for Oz, and even sampled the wagon and the new diesel -- both of which might be offered to local buyers at mid-life model change. In the meantime, the new Euro ready to arrive here in June appears a good-looking and well-equipped contender for the growing local midsize market.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our review of the new Honda Accord Euro soon.

To comment on this article click here