2008 Honda Accord Euro Luxury Review
20 Jul, 2008
78 Comments 
Boot space is hardly class leading at 467 litres but in saying that is bigger than it looks and would be more than ample in most instances given the vehicle’s intended application. If it’s not enough, simply flick the boot mounted levers and fold flat the 60:40 rear seats for an acreage of space suitable for almost any purpose.
As the Luxury Navi (navigation) nameplate suggests the top shelf Euro abounds in creature comforts, not least of which is the 7.5″ full colour screen satellite navigation. It’s a good system, easy enough to master and both looks and feels integrated to the car instead of being a tacky add on seen all too common place in certain rivals. Sun glare can be a factor on the screen’s perspex dust cover though and some time may need to be taken with the settings to get this small issue sorted.
The handsome and functional instrumentation features combination main gauges with floating needles beset by two smaller gauges for engine temperature and fuel and are back lit with crystal effect LEDs to be both crisp and easy on the eye at night. Dual zone climate control, one touch power windows, heated electric mirrors (LH self dips when reverse is selected), cruise control, dusk sensing xenon headlights, fog lamps, remote central locking, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, trip computer, and glass tilt slide sunroof round out the feature list.
As with all Hondas the stereo truly is a cut above the rest and in this model grade features a ten speaker (with sub-woofer), six stack CD tuner with console bin mounted iPod connectivity and 12v charger outlet. The sound quality is excellent, bass ample and clarity at volume very good, even when getting to the system’s upper threshold. Personally I don’t see why this is something other manufacturers can’t manage.
Starting from $32,990 - $1000 less than the predecessor - the Japanese built Accord Euro is a dead set steal for the money and given the function, application, appearance and purpose is pretty hard to pass up. Even with the rivals nipping at the Euro’s heels it has again managed to keep one step ahead and if I could just add bluetooth, self folding mirrors and change the tyres I’d be as good as sold.
CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go: 
Specifications:
- Engine: 2354cc DOHC Four Cylinder 16 Valve
- Power: 148kW @ 7000rpm
- Torque: 230Nm @ 4200rpm
- Transmission: Five Speed Automatic
- Brakes: Four Wheel Disc with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Driven Wheels: Front
- Top Speed: 227km/h
- 0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds
- 0-400m: Not Tested
- Fuel Type: 95 RON Unleaded
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 litres
- Fuel Consumption: 8.9 litres/100km (Combined)
- ANCAP Rating: Four Stars
- Safety: ESP; TCS; Front, Side & Curtain Airbags
- Service Interval: 6 month/10,000km
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver
- Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
- Towing Capacity: 1200kg (Braked)
- Warranty: 3 year/100,000km
- Weight: 1605kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8”
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(7 votes, average: 3.57 out of 5)
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July 20th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
This car has certainly made me turn back to Honda again. It looks really nice outside, and with that wonderful dashboard design, it’s really a great place to sit in.
Upon testing it, I should say it deserves the Euro moniker. I got to drive the Luxury model and the car feels well screwed together. Flicking between gears through the paddles generated quick enough responses, and though it still lacked the kick of a traditional manual let alone F1-like excitement, it’s a useful novelty especially since I’m not a fan of self-shifters. The ride, I should say, is a good compromise between comfort and handling. The electric steering, albeit not German, has good enough feedback and inspires confidence on the highway.
However, there are some downsides. Rear passenger space isn’t fantastic unlike in the Accord Thai. The boot also seems to be just as big as an EK Civic sedan. Finally, acceleration didn’t feel as spirited as I expected from a 148kW car. At the lights, we got beaten easily by a VZ Lumina. Although that was expected, our out-of-shape TF Magna 3.0 seemed lighter on its feet, and this had 4-speed auto only and 8kW less than the Euro when new. The car I tested had done 1800 kms, so I must say it’s run-in already. Performance would have still improved slightly, but it’s certainly not a racecar. The turbocharged version of this engine, found in the Acura RDX, or perhaps a V6, would be much welcome.
At a starting price of under 33K, it definitely doesn’t feel 20K or so less than the cheapest 3-Series. You also get bigger space inside, a stronger engine, standard alloys and a lot of other goodies. Yes, it doesn’t quite match up to BMW’s RWD dynamics and overall fun, but I’d surely pick it over any other compact German sedan. It also has Japanese reliability that would make it hold up strongly for a number of years.
If I had the capacity to pay for it at that time, I would have signed the cheque right there and then.
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July 20th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Look much better than Mazda6, I love it… What take it so long to bring 2.2 turbo diesel here? cannot wait for it.
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July 21st, 2008 at 6:53 am
yeah at first i was not a fan. but it is growing on me now although i still see some styling from other cars in its design. maybe current model camry..
still, given the quality of the previous model, there is no doubt this one will impress
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July 21st, 2008 at 10:13 am
Wheres the Skoda Octavia on the Road Test List?
My Octavia RS has done almost 1000km and has been faultless!
Plus it features a very similar feature list to that of the Euro. The Octavia 1.8TFSI seems to be the best value car on sale in Australia at this point!
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July 21st, 2008 at 10:35 am
Has more power than its competitors: Mondeo, Mazda6, Camry and Subaru Legacy.
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July 21st, 2008 at 10:57 am
I would really love a nice 200kw V6 option for these. Out of the normal Accord.
A few years ago the Euro was the only choice, as the normal accord imo wasn’t a very attractive vehicle. But now there seems to be significant overlap from the one manufacturer, as both the Accord, and Accord Euro a brilliant vehicles, in basically all ways.
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July 21st, 2008 at 11:22 am
Fantastic, always thought highly of this car. Its a pity too many people (A good thing for the company though) already have this car, as I would have easily opted for this.
Without performance in mind, Accord V6 and this would be the best cars in the Medium and large market!
As for looks against the Mazda6, its a close call for me, but definately one of the best medium family in the Aus car market today!
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July 21st, 2008 at 11:51 am
The sharp price reduction by Mazda 6 makes it more competitive. The Accord Euro is very heavy and its engine would struggle to go up to the ski resorts (unless the owners have no intention of ever doing so). The space saver spare tyre (max. speed of 80 km/hour) is also a negative that is not mentioned in this report. Anyway, people will buy whatever they want to buy, even a Skoda. Until recently, I did not even know what a “Skoda” is. When I found out it was a car, I did not know which country it came from.
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July 21st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
TDi asked “What take it so long to bring 2.2 turbo diesel here? cannot wait for it. ”
Same here. From what I can glean from other websites, the Japanese technicians are experiencing some delays in matching the new 2.2 i-DTEC engine to an automatic transmission. They want to get it “perfect”. Inital reports said early 2009 in the UK, but that date seems to have been pushed back. And Honda Australia allegedly wants the automatic vesion, not manual (possibly due in part to the high demand for the manual diesel in the UK), though it is supposed to be making an ‘offical’ announcement at the end of the year.
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July 21st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Tony,
As in all our reviews the spare wheel type is mentioned in the spec list.
Cheers Matt.
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July 21st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
The Euro definately looks more classy(inside&outside)than the Mazda 6.The Mazda6,a very fine car,but from the front it looks like a smile with a missing tooth on each side.
The Mazda isn’t a light weight either and it’s engine specs are very ordinary for it’s 2.5L.Infact it’s quite disappointing and it wouldn’t be any better going up to those ski resorts.:)
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July 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
The cars in this class is getting better by the day
laurie
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July 21st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I am quite impressed with this new Accord Euro. It drives well with a euro tautness & feels solid enough behind the wheel. Pottering through corners was impressive enough with well controlled body roll & a secure firmness to the suspension without being obtrusive or bang crash.
Auto works well & was smooth, but the euro could do with a bit more power. Whilst the engine likes to rev & is usually smooth it becomes quite loud & a little course when you give it a bit. You can almost sence it telling itself to push harder, but it struggles a bit with the euro’s mass. Should Honda put a low pressure turbo on this they would have an absolute winner in my opinion.
As far as feel & looks compared to the Mazda6 lux sport, well that is subjective. But as far as a car looking more solid the Euro wins. You could say that it looks like it uses a thicker steel in the body shell to give it a more solid look. Even thoug it doesn’t it looks like it does & that is the euro inspired look. Behind the wheel the euro feels more solid, again a euro inspired feature.
Horses for courses, this is a good all-round car that is very well kitted out. It just needs a bit more herbs under the bonnet.
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July 21st, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Freddy,
I think I read a while ago that Honda were willing to bring the diesel even before the auto was available, but yes the problem being a high demand in Europe.
Mazda will apparently have a diesel available next year for the 6 in Australia, a 2.2 aswell with ~ 135kw/400Nm and 6-speed auto. Maybe that will help speed up Honda with their diesel.
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July 21st, 2008 at 6:02 pm
FastHonda, have you driven the new Mazda6 to say it doesn’t go up to ski resorts???
I have driven the new Mazda6 up some very steep roads recently (and fully loaded BTW) and it is definately more than capable going up hills considering it is a 2.5L. It even doesn’t need to be pushed hard as well. Remember, the new 6 has a lot more torque (pulling power) and it shows.
Sure, new Accord Euro does have more power/torque but it seems to ‘just have enough power’ IMO because of power/weight ratio. Seems Mazda has the edge here.
As for the looks, the new 6 does look great when you see one of the road and also has a solid feel as well and equal to the Accord. It also has a Euro feel as well. It definately is not tinny.
All in all, both are great cars and equal class leaders and take it right up to the Germans.
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July 21st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
After having driven both the Mazda 6 and Accord Euro, I have to agree with Riker in regards to the feel of the two cars. The Honda does feel a lot more ’solid’ to me and I also thought the interior presentation of the Honda was a long way ahead. I still think the 6 is a great car, but as I am in the market for one of these cars, I am leaning towards the Honda.
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July 21st, 2008 at 6:36 pm
hmmm im not that sure of the styling yet. i didnt realy see anything boy racer about the old one. this sort of looks like they have done too much to try and make it look different without spending too much cash. i think the changes to the lights give it more of a kia look than the old model.
Now i know every one else here loves honda and no1 will agree with me but seriously, i prefer the previous model. i think it looked more refined. i think the lights look overstyled.
The rest of the car looks great, especially the interior. but i just expected more i guess…
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July 21st, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I must admit I havent driven the new Euro but comments like ‘Ample 230Nm’ of torque see abit far fetched. People have criticised the Aurion for its lack of torque despite it having 100Nm more then a car like the Euro with only 5kg more weight. Not trying to make this a Toyta argment, but 148kw and 230Nm given the Euros added 200kg of weight to 1600kg doesnt seem ample, reviews have highlighted this point, abit underpowered.
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July 21st, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Ample means enough, so the assessment seems fair.
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July 21st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
News to me Golf, it means more then enough… go look it up. I personally dont think on paper 1600kg with 230Nm is enough… my 14 year old V6 has 30Nm more with 200kg and I wouldnt say it has ample torque!
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July 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
well how much does one need TP???
you say the Aurion has “Ample”, yet the falcon still has more…….
where does that argument stop???
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July 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
one thing is for sure though, that the accord has “ample” style and class.
since that means more than enough, perhaps it could lend the left over style and class to the Aurion????
Im seeing a lot of new accords on the road now too.
thats a lot of left over style and class floating around that could be used elsewhere
on a serious note, its a pity these things are so expensive to service/repair, or have they gotten cheaper with the latest model????
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July 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I have no doubt it has style… I like the Euro, the previous Euro coming in at 1450kg and 140kw / 230Nm was acceptable, at 1600kg adding 8kw and hardly any torque aint going to help. The Aurion has ample torque. The Falcon has ample torque. The Euro does not have ample torque. The soon to be released Lancer VRX with 2.4L will have 230Nm… at 1400kg…. 230Nm at 1600kg isnt a great combination.
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July 21st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
TP, I must applaud you for managing to reference the Aurion in yet another car review. I am sure if they did a supercar shoot out, you could still manage to somehow note the Aurion’s stunning good looks or scintilating performance compared to a Lamborghini or Ferrari.
You need to make sure you are comparing apples with apples TP. The Euro is a 2.4 litre four cylinder, the Aurion is a 3.5 litre V6. Of course the Aurion is going to have more torque, but it will also use more fuel in the process. Also, the base Accord Euro with manual transmission weighs 1525 kgs, where 1600kg is for the full spec auto version.
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July 21st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I think the target market for such a car, dont really care about the torque of this car, the most likely person who will by this car will be used as a daily driver and unlikely to tow or go mountain trekking as its such a nice car, the vrx on the other hand aims at a sportier crowd so the mention of torque does come into play.
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July 21st, 2008 at 10:41 pm
SteveH it doesnt matter… being 2.4L it should also be lighter thus it can afford to have less torque. In this case you have an Aurion sized chasis with a lawnmower engine. This has nothing to do with mentioing Toyota, I am simply highlighting how people have attacked cars for their torque in the past yet a car like this has “ample” torque when clearly its lacking in this area.
Joober I agree and am thinking that myself. But from my point of view it doesn matter. But yes the people buying this wont really care, it looks good, it a great interior, good build quality… thats what matters to them.
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July 21st, 2008 at 11:19 pm
“The Accord Euro is very heavy and its engine would struggle to go up to the ski resorts” Stupid comment if I ever heard one. Anyone would think there are no hills in Europe.
Never ceases to amaze me why people think going slower than 7 seconds to 100 means a car has poor performance considering they spend 99% of their time doing and average of 30Kmh in traffic.
Great car pity its more evolved than progressed in the looks department.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 am
Enough is to have no need for any more. As Andrew M says, how much is enough? If ample is more than enough, is that not enough itself? It would be ample, if so.
Hey TP, yes, I did look it up when you suggested. My Concise Oxford defines ample as, among other things, abundant, copious and quite enough. All of which is enough.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 1:37 am
Back to Earth. WIELS wrote that the new car has to work harder with the weight increase, but still gets along briskly. Or briskly enough, depending on your point of view.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
Hear Hear my ernest friend Golfie. Ample comments from you or is that adequate. Tee Hee
TP - your comment states the accord as being “abit underpowered”. Come on underpowered or not enough torque.
The 2.2 CDTi engine has 350Nm, err more than that V6 3.5litre Aurion you dream of. I would say that mre than ample for most needs old chum. Its not the most powerful in its class but one of the nicest to drive apparently.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
“No Name” (very appropriate for a nobody), you probably cannot afford to drive to the ski resorts, being the poor car salesman that you are.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
This car is awesome. Loooks like it will be the next car i want to buy in the future
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July 22nd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Tony - me old chum, your wrong again.
1. I went skining in Canada (Whistler/Blackcombe) this year.
2. I have never sold cars for a living in my life. I’m a surveyor.
If you have doubts about what I think cars will do you’re wrong old bean. I drive about 25,000 miles a year a few of those pulling 1 of 4 trailers (biggest 1.3T).
Don’t feel threatened personally, I was just expressing my opinion that your comment, not you, was stupid, which it is.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
TP,
whats your take on 2.4L 4cyl motors pushing around an Aurion sized chassis in the guise of a Camry??
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July 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 am
Awww Andrew - you’re a wind up merchant. My TF magna with a 2.4 wasn’t too bad when the auto box decided it needed to move but consumption was pathetic 12.5’s round town. So I guess the camry struggles at tad at times. The performance is all down to whether its ample enough for the individual.
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July 23rd, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Me? a wind up?
i consider it acting as the Hypocricy Police
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July 23rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Can I be your Acting Sergeant, Inspector?
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July 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Bloody hell we’ll be playing doctors and nurses next, picking up the pieces where Dingo-dog-doodah-blog left off.
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July 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Yes AndrewM the Camry is by no means a performance car. But the biggest difference is that it externally doesnt come across as something more then what it is. The Accord as all Hondas are marketed as some form of sports vehicle… when 230kw and 148kw on a 1600kg means it aint no sports car, its a slug.
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July 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
230nm*
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July 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Was quite a fan of the last Accord Euros. When you had them singing, it really was quite exciting! The manual 6 speeds were pretty fast and not too far off my GTI on 0-100kmph.
Went and had a look at both Mazda6 and Euro. While I like the look of Mazda6, I felt that the doors closing were pretty tinny. They fly out! Would have to watch it on slopped parking. Gotten used to the more heavy feel of Golfs probably.
I agree with TP that, the new Euro has lost just a bit of edge due to the weight. I would no longer consider it as an exciting 4 door sedan. This is not to say that it’s worse in every aspect.
Remember that stock GTIs only have 140kw and 280nm. But the fact that it weighs 1300kg makes a whole lot of difference. (plus the nature of the torque delivery too)…..
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July 24th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
once again,
whats the difference between toyota coming across as having changed the game, yet they havent?
they also try to put across that they are the most economical and greenest cars, yet they are not
this car has an image set that it carries euro luxury, and that it does.
how do you get the impression that it is a race car?
doesnt toyota say in their adverts that their vehicles are “F1 inspired”
Sound the siren Golfie,
this is your time to shine and prove your worth in the field.
get out there and earn them stripes boy!!!!!
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
It’s a challenge, Andrew M, but I’m beginning my line of investigation by imagining the engine and exhaust notes of a Camry at 6000 rpm and a Euro at 6000 rpm. Hmmm. Ponder. I think I have a winner!
How did I do?
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I agree AndrewM Toyota hasnt changed the game, they OWN the game. Double the market share of Ford and Holden.
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I know what they both sound better then… a Ford at 6000RPM… becuase 1000RPM earlier the Ford has sh*t itself
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I also remember the ad in which Toyota claimed that the TRD was the first Australian Built Car with a Supercharged V6 - They obviously forgot the VS Calais back in 1994-96.. Then there was the CV6 Monaro Coupe.
Which is ironic considering a VS also features in the Aurion ad where its trying to avoid the [helicopter] spotlight
As for “the game” if the game you are talking about is Monopoly - I think you’ll find Parker Brothers Own it.
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Andrew M, I mean Boss, neither of our Toyota protagonists understand the concept of yoomah. Is a lack of yoomah and general lack of enjoyment of life and company a typical trait of a Toyota enthusiast? The sample size is extremely small (2), so it’s difficult to be sure.
Dang! I’m out of my depth here, Sir! I shoulda been a psychologist, not a police officer!
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Doesn’t really matter whether or not you are turned on by the Accord Euro…. because going by the photo fo the interior - that the hand brake definitely is!
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Golf,
you are playing in the big game now Kid,
i need a positive response towards your committment.
your next mission is to find out how the aurion apparently “owns the game” (according to dingo), yet it fails to meet the sales results of its competition
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July 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
TP,
you would know all about 6000RPM wouldnt you?
i mean, in the aurion thats the range you have to visit before you get decent take off.
in the falcon, its all over by then.
whats the aurion rev at heading down the H’wy at 110kmh? 6000 RPM??
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July 24th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Andrew M - in a way the Aurion does own the game… there are approximately 500 or so TRD Aurions sitting all alone in a storage facility somewhere playing with themselves
No one wants to play with them… infact its gotten to the point that their Dad [Mr.Toyota] has had to offer incentives inorder to try and get others to play with them in the form of reducing the price on upto 3 occassions
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July 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Sir, Aurion’s been serving underarm. It has lots of muscles but doesn’t have the skill of the big kids. It flops about under pressure, but gets games to deuce by doing the underarm thing .
It never quite gets the break though, as the established favourites have a superior serve and volley game.
It’s cheeky and ambitious, so it tells everyone it owns the game, but the results - as you rightly point out - tell a different story.
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July 24th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Andrew - Why make this into another bashing thread. This is Accord Euro. Move on and get with the program. There\’s a 100 other comment sections with your name plastered all over. I just want to read about ACCORDS HERE.
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July 24th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Aww chippy your spoiling the fun. Even TP joins in now n again trying to serve and ace but hitting the nett.
Carry on folks we’re gonna make a Racquet on Henman hill cos according to Tony the accord couldn’t get up a slope.
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July 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
looks like the chippy has a hold of his tool,
as already pointed out, it is just a bit of fun.
my main mission (code name “stop the w a n k”) has been actually defending the accord if you actually follow what i have said.
when others come in with their fairy headed ideas that a dinosaur age camry has better credentials than this classy sophisticated accord, then how can one not mistake this for a joke session.
if you want to read about accords here, then just do that.
what goes on down here doesnt change the outcome of the review.
this is a great car, and i have said that.
you have totally missed the nail and hit your thumb my friend with the way you throw accusations at people you see ruining threads
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July 25th, 2008 at 10:48 am
What a riot this has been reading through this lot!!!
currently own a 2005 model Euro Luxury and absolutely love it, but can’t wait till this time next year when my lease is up as i will certainly be getting the new Euro Luxury.
Great looks, fantastic equipment and all at a price that destroys most comparable European cars.
I honestly believe Honda hit on a massive winner when they introduced the Accord Euro and this new model just further enhances an already great car.
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July 25th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Your knocking an Aurion AndrewM cos it has a peaky engine? I prefer peaky engines. Thats why Hondas are among the most enjoyably to drive. I dont like a car that completely sh*ts itself when it goes above 4000RPM, which is where the local competition come in at.
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July 26th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I took Delivery of mine 2008 Euro Luxury Nav last week and have driven over 700km. This car is a good balance between comfort and road handling.Driving is fun and can be addictive, at times just don’t want to stop driving. Mileage for city 11.7l/100km and 10.1km for highway, not as low as expected maybe because it is still in the break-in period of 1000km. The navigator works well but default state is Vic, I have to set to WA if I want to use the search icon for restaurant or golf courses. The sound system is terrific and has an auto SVC, it goes louder when speed increases. Specific Ipod jack is missing but auxillary jack is provided. Compared with the Acura TSX the Aussie Euro has less gadgets. Attention seeking! well so far one stranger stop and asked about the car after 1 week of driving around.
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July 26th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Has anyone installed the optional bluetooth handfree phone in the New Euro ? The salesman suggested I go for the Parrot instead. Any opinion? Also the Acura TSX navigator can take voice command, can this this Euro navigator be upgraded. Also has anyone try to play Ipod in the Euro, can the songs be uploaded ?
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July 30th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I am ready to trade my current euro luxury which has the bone interior for a new luxury Nav but can’t believe that it is either black or black for the interior! I am now unsure if I will go ahead and buy the new model. Strange move by Honda.
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August 1st, 2008 at 10:13 am
I have driven the new Euro Luxury(automatic).I really like the new car and have one on order. I currently drive the old model and while it is a great car the new one is better in many ways, however it is not better in every way. I allude to the length of the new car. What is the point of increasing the length if it doesn’t translate into either or both, more interior room, or more boot space? The boot space on the new model is slightly smaller and the legroom in the back seems smaller as well.
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August 1st, 2008 at 11:01 pm
The boot space in the new Euro is wide enough to fit my golf set without having to place it diagonally. Hope this is a consolation for you Rodger.
I manage to get the Ipod working. I bought the 3.5mm auxiliary jack from Good Guys for $7. However, the name of the song played is not displayed on the nav screen. I have tried CD as well but no title displayed. I wonder what does RDS/WMA mean printed on the sound system ?
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August 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 am
As far as I can tell Gin, WMA stands for Windows Media Audio and RDS stands for Radio Data System, but just how they relate to anything in the sound system is a complete mystery to me. Can’t wait to get my new car, but will have to wait until October, as they had to specially order it from Japan, as I wanted a Luxury Navi with manual transmission.
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August 3rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Does anyone feel that this car may be too big for a single chap? I compared the length of this new Euro versus BMW 3. The Euro is longer by over 20cm!!!
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August 3rd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Rodger, I to was looking at the Navi with a manual transmission, but was told that the combo is a special order only and had to be imported from Japan as Honda Aus does not hold stock for them. Did you get told the same thing? Also, you didn’t but it from Ringwood in Victoria did you, as they said they had just had someone order that combo.
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August 3rd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Steve, that story about the manual Navi coming in on special order is true, that’s why I have to wait until October. I have ordered it through Essendon Honda and have been told that I was probably the first to order one with that specification. I’m glad to hear someone else is also ordering one like that, as I wouldn’t be too keen on it being a bit of an orphan.
With regards to Dennis’ query, its very hard to tell whether it would be too big for you, as it depends a lot on whether you carry many passengers, but if I was single, I would probably look for something smaller like a Civic or Mazda3.
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August 3rd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Further to my previous post, my understanding is that the reason you have to order a manual satnav from Japan is because Honda Australia brought in quite a few of the previous model with the satnav/manual box combo and had a lot of trouble selling them. In order to avoid that happening again, they decided to import automatics only and wait for orders for the manual model.
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August 3rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
That seems to be the feeling I get as well Rodger. Its just a pain that if you want a manual in any car nowadays you either wait, or have to go for a lesser model as the top of the range is auto only.
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August 4th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Gin, I have been doing a bit of thinking about the WMA/RDA acronyms. I’m pretty sure now that the WMA is used in conjunction with MP3 music files, which can be played through the sound system. The RDS can be used by radio stations to transmit infomation in addition to music eg, such as the name of the track and the artist associated with the music they are playing at the time. Does the sound system on the Euro show up anything like that when you are listening to the radio?
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August 5th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I still could not turn on the RDS. Maybe this radio data system is not available in Perth. When playing my Ipod, the navigator display just shows “AUX”. It does not display the playlists. All control, other than volume, have to be through the Ipod. Compared with the Acura TSX, this Aussie Euro has minimum gadgets. Even the TPMS is missing but available in the Thai Accord.
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August 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I did a search on the price of the latest Acura TSX Nav with technology pack and found that it is cheaper than the Aussie Euro Luxury Nav even though it has far superior gadgets. In this globalize world where all countries pay the same price for commodities, why is the car industry different? Honda should take the lead and standardise features and let us Aussie have the option of the latest features as well. After all it is a great car and odd to be enjoy all equally.
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August 6th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Gin, I think the RDS info comes from the radio station, so if the station doesn’t broadcast the data then you won’t get anything appear on your screen. You’re right about us getting less equipment on our cars than they do in the USA. It was the same with the last model as well. You would think it would be easier for Honda to standardise all the equipment. The last model Acura TSX even had a different dashboard to the Honda equivalents. However there is one point where I think the Euro beats the TSX and that’s in the looks department. I think the TSX grill looks awful and they only come with 17″ wheels.
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August 7th, 2008 at 1:25 am
yes, very true - the Acura TSX equivalent (with SAT Nav) is almost ten grand cheaper in the US. So we all know who is keeping the difference.
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August 19th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Just test drove Euro Lux Nav and Mazda 6 Lux Sports.
Both great, each around $50 000 with options.
Euro felt better to drive, Mazda felt more roomy.
Mazda boot with hatch very good.
For me the Euro, as a Dad with 2 girls leaning to Mazda. Still deciding.
IPod has no info if plugged into Aux with standard jack. If proper connector used Ipod is somehow wired to provide info and make playlists etc available.
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August 20th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Just serviced my Euro - the one month run-in service- at Burswood Honda. They confirmed Perth radio station does not transmit RDS.I am now trying out 92 octane petrol instead of 95, there is no noticeable differences on acceleration/power. With 95 petrol my best mileage is 10.1 litres per 100km (70% city 30% highway combine).
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September 26th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Nice, it’s now got more character than the previous model. I think it looks more sporty and should come in touring form for the Australian market.
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October 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I hear from a friend at honda that they will have “extreme condition compatible” diesel engines in aus models by 2010 ,apparently thats what honda class aus as ,so hopefully we get them through the model range .
I still think this is a great car .the fit and finish is amazing.You only need to close the door on a honda to feel its quality .it would be nice if more people actually understood how high the quality of most jap cars is . Its also one of the only jap hondas left ,the rest are thai built now .
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October 2nd, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Ohh and Gin i wouldn’t run that engine on normal fuel , i spoke to a honda engineer the other day and he said if this new engine doesn’t run on premium it can have serious issues ,,, not worth the risk for a few dollars mate.Apparently the warranty dept is hot on that too , no premium = no warranty .
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