2009 Honda Accord Euro Review & Road Test
February 17, 2009 by Paul Maric
2009 Honda Accord Euro Luxury Navi
Improving on a near perfect product, who would have thought it was possible?
Model Tested:
- 2009 Honda Accord Euro Luxury Navi – five-speed automatic – $42,990
Options:
- None fitted
Styling; interior room; practicality; fuel efficiency; features; price.
Lacks power; rear entry.
CarAdvice Rating: 
Honda’s engineers would have been left scratching their heads when management asked them to improve on the previous Accord Euro. It’s pretty hard to improve on a car that is technically so good.
Well, I’m pleased to say that they’ve managed to do just that, they have improved the previous iteration of the Accord Euro, bringing a fresh interior and exterior design, along with a revised engine. The new Accord Euro is also longer, taller and wider than its predecessor.
From the moment you pull on the door handle, you realise this is a well-built car. Planting your rear on the driver’s seat simply amplifies this feeling. The Luxury Navi model we tested is the ‘top of the line’ model, so it features all the bells and whistles.
The interior features lashes of wood grain and soft feeling plastic accents throughout the dashboard and door trims.
Aside from the volume control – which is far too small and hidden by the navigation controller – all buttons are within easy each and are placed in logical locations.
Rear legroom is pretty limited for adults. It’s a bit of a squeeze for any decent sized adult and climbing back out can also be a bit tricky due to the size of the rear door cutaway.
Powering the Accord Euro is a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine, which produces 148kW and 240Nm. Power is sent through a five-speed automatic gearbox, while the vehicle consumes a combined average of 8.9-litres/100km.
Driving the Accord Euro is a pleasant experience. The intelligent gearbox seems to keep power on tap, but the engine sometimes struggles with a full load on board.
Ride and handling is where the Accord Euro really stands out. The subtle ride is the perfect balance between comfort and sportiness, soaking up the majority of bumps experienced on low quality roads.
The steering is overly light and lacks feel. The lightness of the steering makes for easy parking but becomes a bit annoying during cornering because it’s hard to feel what the wheels are doing.
The exterior has been refreshed with sharper lines all over. An all-new headlight cluster and tail light cluster work with subtle changes to the bumper bars to further enhance the Accord Euro’s appeal. Boot space is quite generous with 457-litres on offer.
Three models are on offer in the Accord Euro range. There’s the base model Accord Euro, which retails for $32,990 with the six-speed manual gearbox, the Accord Euro Luxury, which retails for $39,990 with the six-speed manual gearbox and finally the Accord Euro Luxury Navi for $42,990 – again with the six-speed manual gearbox.
The five-speed automatic gearbox can be optioned on each model for an additional $2000. All vehicles with the automatic gearbox come with steering wheel controlled paddle shifters.
Despite the light steering, the new Honda Accord Euro is a step up from the previous model. The Luxury variant is packed with features and in my opinion, looks superb. This is certainly one of, if not the best mid-sized sedan on the Australian market, well done Honda.
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 2354cc, DOHC, i-VTEC
- Power: 148kW @ 7000rpm
- Torque: 234Nm @ 4300rpm
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Transmission: five-speed automatic
- Differential/Driven Wheels: Front-wheel-drive
- Brakes: Four wheel discs
- Top Speed: N/A
- 0-100km/h: N/A
- 0-400m: N/A
- CO2 Emissions: 212g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 8.9-litres/100km
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 65-litres
- Fuel Type: 95RON petrol
- EuroNCAP Rating: five-star
- Airbags: six-airbags
- Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA. ESP.
- Spare Wheel: Space saver
- Tow Capacity: 1200kg braked / 500kg unbraked
- Turning Circle: 12.1m
- Warranty: three year/100,000km
- Weight: 1604kg
- Wheels: 18-inch alloy with 235/45R18 tyres
Print it: 
Does CarAdvice know whether the V6 version will be coming to Australia?The V6 version was recently introduced at one of the auto shows in America.
yes, it’s a nice car, and one I have considered in the never-ending search for my next car. But for all the improvements over the last model, there is still something ‘missing’. But it’s not just this car, it’s virtually everything in this segment. There is not a supreme all-rounder available i.e. medium to large in size, new sleek design, some herbs under the bonnet for a bit of fun every now and then, and a good daily driver. Wouldn’t seem all that hard to find really, but it is. The new 6 lacks a decent ‘fun’ engine, as does this car if you’re being honest given it’s size and weight, and the Jetta & Liberty are so damn old.
Happy to be proven wrong f I’ve missed anything. But for now I can’t wait for the day that the new AWD, turbo Liberty is out, or hopefully the new 6 MPS (please Mazda!).
oh, and I left out the Mondeo XR5. Nice, but no cigar in terms of the look of it.
This is a great car. Almost bought one of these, although the rear entry/leg room was an Issue, so instead got an Accord V6 Luxury.
This is a brilliant car, and so is the Accord (although I’d probably prefer the V6 now after owning it)
I have a relative who has just purchased the standard model with the 6 speed manual. That is a nice car, and if I didn’t need the room in the back seat, I’d have a Euro with the 6 Speed Mnaual in my driveway.
Honda is on a winning formula with the Euro and the Standard Accord at the moment imo.
Why must car makers insist on making each new generation car bigger?
Why do Japanese car manufacturers have to add ‘Euro’ at the end. Imagine the uproar if a European car maker started using the suffix ‘Jappo’ at the end of one of their models.
A nice car indeed. Unfortunately all interiors come in funereal black. The previous model at least offered some colours with a light interior, as does the current (non-Euro) Accord.
Apart from anything else light interiors appear much roomier and more cheerful. Contray to popular supposition light ineriors do not show the dirt as mauch as black. In our family we have a light interior Volvo and a black interior BMW, and we would not buy another car with black interior.
Next post I will check the spelling!
underpowered??? compared to a ss maybe,or wrx…
grossly overpowered,compared to alot of 1.8/2 ltr pussboxes out there…
The Ford Mondeo XR5 is a much better package for looks and power, Honda Euro hmmmmmmmm not bad overall but nothing special, plus it carries a cardigan and bowling hat tag.
I think those prices are 08 prices.. they’ve increase the prices for the 09 models…
Stevo the “Euro” only has that name in Australia due to the dual Accord models available. In Europe only this version is available. In the States the Euro model is called the Acura TSX and sells alongside the “Standard” Honda Accord.
Love the look of the new “Euro” but as a last model Accord V6 owner (which I will admit is not the best looking car) I love the power and acceleration of the Honda 3.0 V6. This more than matches the Falcon and Commodore due to the lack of heavy rear wheel drive layout. A real wolf in sheeps clothing. For this reason my next car will be the new “Standard” V6 which is even more powerful and uses slightly less fuel.
Mistertwo. Excellent choice. The new 3.5 V6 is a superb engine, and the VCM is an excellent feature.
Have driven the 3.0V6, and it is an excellent engine as well, but the new 3.5 is a cut above.
to the person who says it’s ‘overpowered’ compared to the 1.8/2.0 cars out there… you neglect to mention those 1.8/2.0 litre cars do no weigh 1.6 ton unlike this thing
the old Accord weighed only 1.4 ton…
I think the price listed at the start of the article ($42,990) is the price for the manual version, not the automatic as listed.
Stevo the Devo: It’s only in our market and a few others in which both the European Accord and the American Accord are offered. The Accord Euro isn’t called ‘Accord Euro’ in Europe or America, its called the Accord and Acura TSX, respectively.
1.6 ton of car with mere 2.4 Litre engine? What a shock..!! What an underpowered crap..!!
Yikes. That’s as heavy as an Aurion but the Aurion has a 3.5L V6.
It’s a nice car I agree totally but I am too young to drive something like that. It’s got insufficient horsepower for my age.
Steering Wheel Rating seems odd. In my simplistic, unweighted view, (3.5 + 4.5 + 3) / 3 should be an average steering wheel rating of 3.67 steering wheels (or whatever is the closest fraction of a steering wheel to this value). Seems that looks got the highest weighting for this car, which would make sense as the review is not confidence inspiring re its feel & go (light steering & underpowered)?
I don’t know – maybe I’m just being pedantic…
J:
The additional ratings contribute to the overall rating, but are not proportional to it.
We are looking at revising the ratings as it seems to be causing confusion among some readers.
Thanks Paul.
nice car always liked and admired the euro!! anyone who buys the normal accord over the euro obviously doesnt enjoy driving or the handling of the euro.. my only problem with the new model is its no big improvement on the old euro and its heavier!!
Having come out of Statesman’s along with Calais and most recently a Subaru Liberty Premium, the Euro Luxury just purchased is the only vehicle I have ever said, “I love”. I am not a ‘rev head’, drive only country k’s and for economy. One of my gripes is the road noise from those huge 18″ tyres. Only half as much as the Liberty and twice as much as a Statesman. Will sound deadner around the wheel arches help? I understand it’s a smaller car but it feels large inside with quality appointments including a superby sound system. Also, the reflection from the centre dash screen makes the readings sometimes impossible to read. Can anyone tell me if my car will run satisfactorily on standard un-leaded. I have had varying answers.
P.S. On straight highway running I can manage 6.2 l/100kms on 95 RON.
I can’t believe the differences in the Accords…
These look good but the “other” Accord is Ugly big time.
Just in relation to the “under-powered” notion of the accord, what strikes me as interesting is that 20 years ago, the VN commodore was running a 5.0L engine at 165kw and touted as the great all-round family car.
With the current model accord euro, it’s power-to-weight ratio isn’t far off this “great all-round car”, yet it is seen as under-powered.
Considering the euro is designed as a family car, does it really need to have WRX STi performance (which would come at a cost at the petrol pump), or have Honda been insightful in producing a great family car which has good (not sports) performance yet still delivers remarkable economy….similar traits to that VN commodore from 20 years ago ??
With speed limits the way they are in Australia, is there a real need for a 200kw+ sedan that most of the time cruises at 100km/h or well below ?
If you want a sports car, buy a sports car. If you want a well-rounded family car, I think the accord Euro is a worthy contender.
Just my $0.02 :-)
TopGearNut:
Interesting point TopGearNut, but I think you’re forgetting the most crucial part – torque.
Power in the grand scheme of things doesn’t really mean much in terms of driveability. It comes down to torque and the way the engine delivers it.
In the VN SS example, although the engine produced only 165kW of power, it made 385Nm of torque at a low 3,600rpm.
The Accord Euro on the other hand only makes 234Nm at over 4,000rpm.
Even the 125kW V6, VN Commodore made more torque than the Accord Euro.
When you consider the VN Commodore is some 20-years old, it makes you wonder why Honda chose such an under achieving engine for what is a technically superb car.
I believe they sacrifice torque in return of fuel economy and engine reliability? Personally I never like commodores or falcons in that regard due to their general negligence in improving fuel consumption among other things. I do agree that Honda should try and improve the amount of torques in their engine. Imagine a torquey Honda engine….
Paul,
After a bit more reading about. Torque etc. I see where you are coming from now and can see where the analogy I used with the VN was not a great choice…and that the difference in torque is quite considerable.
I do wonder though if Honda made their choice by the euro’s intended useage ?
Being a mid-sized family car would it not be adequete to get the family around the suburbs and to cruise along the highway with enough guts to overtake when required ?
Admittedly, mountainous travel or towing trailers would give added strain to the euro (compared to similar cars with more torque/power), however families that towed often (I would think) would look at a car better suited to that application.
I know in my situation, I rarely tow anything and 99% of my driving would be highway/city driving so, fo me, 234Nm might be ample, considering the fuel mileage benefit.
If this was Honda’s intention, then perhaps their design isn’t incorrect.
Just another point of view :-)
the accord euro is sure a very nice car, just wanna to make a comment about a car that balances family needs/weekend fun/day to day drives…
unfortunately the car that fits into this category is limited edition but it does exist in several other forms….
Subaru Liberty GT Spec B Tuned by STi 2008 Edition, 250 Produced…
AWD, STi Suspension, Spacious Interior, Fairly good Mcintosh Sound System, Nice Exhaust Note, Power and Torque come smooth, Big Boot, brembo stopping power, wow factor, very good resale value…. Need i mention more?
and yes.. i drive one =) i have personally owned and/or driven most of the better larger and mid sized sedans, both japanese and euro and this is one that that i would say EASILY takes them all on, the BEST handling japanese sedan, outhandles almost all sub $150k Euro branded cars…
pity the new liberty looks like a POS =(
Just test drove a manual this morning. I was concerned about the lack of torque until I drove it. I found it to be really deceptive in this regard…really positive surprise. I’ve been looking for a mid size luxury car to replace my current work vehicle and have been looking at C220CDI Avantgarde mercs, 320ds, etc.
I have to say after today’s experince i would find it hard to justify the extra spend on the mercs or bmws; they are bloody good cars but they simply don’t drive $20k better…
I have been reading the comments about the Euro with some interest. I like the interior and room (and power) of the Accord v6 Luxury but my wife likes the looks of the Euro Luxury.
I know that life will not be worth living if I come home in the v6 instead of the Euro but can anyone assure me I would be getting the same “value” car in the Euro given it has less power, less space etc.
Dollars are about the same for either car with all the add ons and protection packages ($52K).
have recently replaced my golf gti with an accord euro stantard, so far i have only travelled 1,000 klm but have been very impressed by the car over a variety of different road conditions, freeway, city driving and a wet drive through the royal national park. fuel economy so far has been 9.0l/100klm a little heavier than the golf. the car has a nice blend between handling and ride. my use of the the car is mainly as a 2 seater and occasionly 4 adults, and although lacking in touque compared to the gti the car preforms better than the figures suggest. a lot of the readers who critize the car appear not to have even driven the car. there are many good cars in this class, mazda 6, for example, my suggestion is test drive before buying,as stats dont always tell the whole story.
We just purchased a lux Euro in preference to the ordinary Accord which is built in Thailand compared to Japan (Euro). We have done 2500km so far and I love it. It is a manual and is a really engaging drive, it still cruises up hills easily in 6th but drop i back to 4 and it overtakes easily. My son and I are well over 6 foot and can fit in the back with headroom and reasonable foot space, most of the other makes were very ordinary in these areas. The test drive of the Euro showed it to be a step above the Mazda 6 for us, which also needs 95 fuel.
Also my wife thought while the ordinary Accord was a nice drive and had better interior space it looked a bit more conservative.
I can’t recommend these Euros enough
Gordon
I have been a Honda Accord Euro owner since 2003. I am up for a new car and it will definitely be another Euro. Why? It is not ‘the’ perfect car but it comes closer to meeting all the criteria for a car in its class than anything else on the market. And that’s been true since its launch. If there is a problem with the Euro it is that nothing really stands out..it is uniformly good…to some people this equates with boring but you tend not to hear this from Euro owners. I conduct market research on car owners and recently looked at brand repurchase intention. Honda owners(overall)had the highest repurchase intention.
I bought my 6 speed euro luxury 3 months ago. What a fantastic motor car. Before buying the euro I looked at a Lexus IS250, BMW 325i and the new Mercedes C280 elegance. What struck me most of all when looking at all these cars was the difference in price. I can’t for the life of me understand why the euro is so cheap, because in terms of luxury appointments, ride, handling, and power the euro wins hands down. Anyone who says there is a better handling car in the euro’s segment has no idea what they’re talking about. And as for the power, well, all I can say is getting from 0-100 in 7.8 seconds suits me just fine.
In terms of road noise; once you’ve got the euro’s unbelievable sound system on, the road noise disappears, and as you sit back in the magnificent leather seats life’s little worries just seem to vanish into through the sunroof.
I love the euro, it’s a remarkable car at an astonishingly low price. The car is loaded with an array of wonderful features such as front and rear parking sensors, automatic wiper and light sensors, automatic boot release, compartments everywhere. The list is endless, but don’t take my word for it; go drive it. Oh, and if you can, try to get a 6 speed manual luxury, the gear box is to die for.
One other thought; the resale value on the euro is very high when compared to other entry level luxury cars.
All very impressive indeed. Will anyone, (present or past owner) hesitate to make a choice between a NEW Corolla vs a low km Accord Euro (say 55-60K km)?
How’s this for apples and carrots?
That, is where I am at…
O.
I’d still get the Euro as the Corolla is just nothing special. Just make sure the Honda drives like new and has no interior wear.
We have had an Accord(thai made) for over a year now and not one thing has gone wrong.love the interior, it drives well for a car of its size and the fuel consumption is brilliant, I just have one niggle. We have the VTEC 4 cylinder and while on highways and straight roads even with a full load it pulls very well, on a slight incline or even a small hill it takes time to spool up as if it is turbocharged or something. It sounds beautiful when u use the paddles and rev it to 6000rpm, but it takes it time and this is dangerous if you want to overtake on a small hill. Honda should either give it more torque or tune it to deliver its torque lower in the rev range. Just thougth id share
In America they have just released the V6 version of the Euro.I very much doubt that it will make it’s way here.The trade off is that the front end is a little “front(top) heavy” and some reports suggest it contributes to understeer.
I really don’t see Honda adopting a turbo or supercharger in their engines any time soon.
A $5000 price drop or a turbo engine would have made this my car now.