2008 Honda Accord Euro Luxury Review
July 20, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Honda Accord Euro Luxury Navi Review & Road Test
New Euro really strikes a chord.
Model Tested:
- 2008 Honda Accord Euro Luxury Navi 2.4 litre auto – $44,990
Options:
- Metallic Paint – $300
Suitable Performance & Economy; Sporty Looks; Well Equipped
Tyre Noise; Short Service Intervals; Premium Unleaded Costs
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
Bettering the original Euro was always going to be a challenge, after all it’s still a very contemporary looking and highly relevant car. But fortunately for us resting on its laurels isn’t something Honda does and from where I stand, that can only be a good thing.
Sitting atop the second generation Euro tree the Luxury Navi model boasts an evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach to design change, which through cautious, steady and intelligently innovative improvement sees a vehicle superior though not vastly different to the now superseded model.
Dimensionally bigger in almost every direction AccordEuro encapsulates a sporty yet elegant stance with an assertive front end drawing sharper angles and crisp crease lines to a point from its flowing, progressively up swept profile, kind of like a well ironed shirt. The athletically wider track further highlights Euro’s slightly shorter stance and perhaps best of all the rear end is endowed with a softer finish that is more dignified and less boy-racer than the predecessor, again a very good thing.
Inside Honda’s commitment to above average material use and arrangement is clearly evident as are the comfortable ergonomics, tech-savvy equipment levels, sassy appearance and generous proportions. The leather clad heated memory seats offer an elevated level of comfort over those of Euro’s nearest competitors as well as providing decent support and a lovely welcoming feel, which is a refreshing change from the often brash, cheaper leather trims found in so many rivals.
The Euro is affordable but not cheap, so from a critic’s standpoint it had want to offer something above that of the ordinary, something a little more special, worthwhile and meaningful that will retain the loyal as well as attract the new – real value for money. Once more, Euro delivers.
Whilst more mature buyers may admire Euro for its well postured ride, refined comfort levels and sound economics, the younger set will most certainly delight in the abundance of technology, the confident handling and the capable performance from a reworked 2.4-litre engine.
The DOHC, 16-valve power plant has been revised slightly for the new model and now incorporates larger valves, recalibrated VTEC mapping, reduced back pressure and a slightly higher compression ratio (from 10.5 to 11.0:1) to deliver a lissome 148kW at 7000rpm. Best of all with an ample 230Nm of torque on hand at 4200 revs, power delivery is better managed, more linear and impressively smoother than even I thought possible – kudos Honda.
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.
Look much better than Mazda6, I love it… What take it so long to bring 2.2 turbo diesel here? cannot wait for it.
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
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!
Has more power than its competitors: Mondeo, Mazda6, Camry and Subaru Legacy.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Tony,
As in all our reviews the spare wheel type is mentioned in the spec list.
Cheers Matt.
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.:)
The cars in this class is getting better by the day
laurie
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
Ample means enough, so the assessment seems fair.
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!
well how much does one need TP???
you say the Aurion has “Ample”, yet the falcon still has more…….
where does that argument stop???
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????
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
This car is awesome. Loooks like it will be the next car i want to buy in the future
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.
TP,
whats your take on 2.4L 4cyl motors pushing around an Aurion sized chassis in the guise of a Camry??
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.
Me? a wind up?
i consider it acting as the Hypocricy Police
Can I be your Acting Sergeant, Inspector?
Bloody hell we’ll be playing doctors and nurses next, picking up the pieces where Dingo-dog-doodah-blog left off.
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.
230nm*
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)…..
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!!!!!
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?
I agree AndrewM Toyota hasnt changed the game, they OWN the game. Double the market share of Ford and Holden.
I know what they both sound better then… a Ford at 6000RPM… becuase 1000RPM earlier the Ford has sh*t itself
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.
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!
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!
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
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??