Honda’s new second-generation Accord Euro is the Wheels magazine Car of The Year for 2008 – controversially downing the locally-manufactured FG Falcon
A tough award to win, the Wheels gong confirms the Accord Euro’s pre-eminent position at the top of the tree for mid-size sedans.
In many ways, the first Accord Euro - launched in 2003 – was like a can of Red Bull for the Honda brand, re-energising the Japanese manufacturer after a period in the doldrums.
What You Get
After a week driving the range-topping Accord Euro Luxury Navi Automatic, (distinguished externally by 18-inch alloy wheels) the Car Showroom team was suitably impressed and, if we had the coin, we would be strolling into our local Honda dealer to buy one exactly the same (red with black leather upholstery thanks).
But there’s no denying the Accord Euro is a mid-sizer and while the junior Car Showroomers - ages 4 ? and 5 ? - were happy in the back seat, if they were in Year 12, we suspect they might not be keen on the five-hour road trip to visit their Great Grandfather who lives at Swan Hill on the Murray River.
The Accord Euro stands out from the mid-size pack with its very nice, contemporary styling, its gloriously balanced chassis and its well-appointed, beautifully-executed interior.
Typically Honda, the Accord Euro oozes excellent engineering, excellent build quality and excellent driving dynamics. Typically Honda, you’ll need to pay a few dollars more to buy this car rather than its competitors.
Get Your Motor Runnin’
Fuelled on 95 RON, the 2.4-litre Accord has picked-up a tad more performance over its predecessor with power up 8 kilowatts to 148kW and torque up to 234 Nm (from 223 Nm).
Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or (as in the car we drove) and five-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters for manual changes. Gearing is quite tall – the Accord probably isn’t the ultimate fastest mid-size sedan around town, but just gallops down stretches of freeway.
Despite the enhanced power and torque, with a higher compression ratio of 11.0:1 plus changes to the valve system and exhaust, fuel economy is improved and now averages 9.4l/100kms.
What’s Inside
Here’s where the Accord Euro scores some big points.
Front seats are nicely sculptured and supportive. The Euro Luxury version we drove gains 8-way power seats and when the driver combines those fine adjustments with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel then a great driving position is just about guaranteed.
There is dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, a 6CD sound system with 10 speakers and an auxiliary jack. We particularly liked the Euro Luxury’s satellite navigation and reversing camera system.
And pleasingly, the passenger door mirror automatically tilts when reversing – a feature which should be standard on all cars.
Six airbags are standard, as is Vehicle Stability Control and ABS anti-lock brakes. There are five 3-point seatbelts.
Exterior & Styling
Looking across the Honda range these days - where the Accord is joined by team-mates like the new Jazz, the new CR-V and the new Odyssey we’ll see later this year – it’s obvious Honda’s designers have really been burning-up their pencils and drawing boards. The new Accord is wider, longer and lower, with a modern, distinctly chiselled look and muscular wheel arches.
On the Euro Luxury Navi version that we drove, that sporty stance is extended by the 18-inch alloy wheels. Throw-in the large, strong front grille and you’ve got a package that is contemporary yet balanced, purposeful yet conservative.
On The Road
Around town it’s hard to beat Honda’s sensational Civic Type R for point-to-point acceleration but the Accord goes about its business a bit more sedately. Likewise the ride/handling balance which delivers high levels of grip and sharp turn-in, but is rightly tuned for the levels of comfort and refinement demanded by mid-size sedan buyers.
The Verdict
Female buyers will be pleased with Accord’s excellent visibility and ease-of-parking (Euro Luxury gains front and rear parking sensors).
The Accord Euro is a deserving winner of the Wheels award – it advances automotive engineering in a meaningful way for new car buyers. Style, quality and driving dynamics – it’s got it all.
The Competition
A few to compare – Mazda’s sensational six is the obvious major rival as is the Ford Mondeo. At a stretch you could throw-in the Nissan Maxima too.
