A great drive, superb quality, genuine Honda identity
Electric steering should be re-calibrated for extra weight, can’t think of anything else except more power would be welcome
Honda promotes its Accord Euro as a ‘sports sedan’. It is a term whose meaning has slid around a bit over the years but we get the idea: ‘Euro’ is code for ‘sporty’. The concept is especially important for Honda because it enables buyers to understand the difference in focus between the standard ‘Accord’ and the ‘Accord Euro’, the former being a larger and softer car pitched primarily at the US market. But we reckon it’d make more sense to drop the ‘Accord’ part of the moniker and just call it the Euro. The first Euro went on sale here in 2003, its closest rival the Mazda6. The standard Accord was by this time aimed (unsuccessfully) at the Commodore/Falcon market. In 2008 Honda Australia introduced a new Euro but, despite winning the Wheels Car of the Year Award, sales are less than half those of the original model. But it is a car of much merit.
Design
The Euro is a neat, smartly tailored compact sedan that looks like an evolution of the 2003 car which was very fresh back then. Perhaps one of the reasons why Honda sales have been declining is because there is no longer any clear sense of what a Honda is. The Euro is one of the more focused vehicles in a confused lineup. It is exactly what it looks like: a sporty sedan influenced more by European tastes than American. The Euro could almost be an Alfa Romeo with its clean, evocative lines but there is something about it that declares its bold Honda identity. Honda should make more cars like the Euro and the newly launched CR-Z. The Euro is focused – and embodies the DNA of founder Soichiro Honda – in the way the 1972 Civic and 1977 Accord did. First impressions of the cabin are that it is entirely consistent with the exterior design. The controls are ergonomically efficient. All materials are of obviously high quality and, blessedly, the faux wood has gone in favour of smart gunmetal-coloured plastic.
Accommodation
While the first Euro was snug but comfortable for four adults, this car feels roomier. It is very comfortable and the leather is high grade. Only the Luxury variants get hide but the cloth in the standard Euro is plush. We tested the Euro Luxury at the same time as the Mercedes CLS and preferred the dash layout of the Honda. There is also a good boot and split/fold rear seats, meaning if just two are travelling there is room for a heap of gear. Standard equipment is extensive and includes xenon headlights with washers, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, 10-speaker sound system, alarm and a formidable list of safety features (how about Trailer Stability Assist!).
Performance & Economy
If anything, Honda should perhaps have provided the Euro with a little more urge. The 2003 car was outstanding in the four-cylinder class with 140 kW but the current car has just 148. It’s lively and responsive and there is now a six-speed automatic instead of a five-speed but we think that a car as well balanced as this could use more. The engine though is delightfully smooth and just loves to be revved. Economy is predictably outstanding with an official all-round figure of 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Ride & Handling
The electric-assisted steering is very quick but lacks the weight we would like, especially in a sports sedan. But otherwise the dynamics are brilliant. The original Euro had an unforgiving ride but, though firm, the current model is comfortable without compromise to the agile handling. Really, it’s a lovely car to drive.
Conclusion
It is no surprise to see that the Euro still has a strong following. In our view this is a true Honda in every respect and a thoroughly integrated vehicle which remains among our favourite cars.
Honda
