- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.4i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
148kW, 230Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 8.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Honda Accord Euro Luxury Review
HONDA ACCORD EURO REVIEW
VEHICLE STYLE: Large Sedan
PRICE: $41,290 (plus on-road costs)
On test fuel efficiency: 8.2 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Four years on from launch, the Accord Euro remains a benchmark for the medium sector for its comfort, handling and build quality.
As a testament to its top-shelf engineering and design, the Accord Euro is set to be updated this year, but with only minor styling and mechanical upgrades.
INTERIOR | RATING: 4.5/5
-
Quality: One of the finest interiors in its segment. Apart from the plastics around the door, which are not great, cabin and dash materials are excellent.
Build quality and fit is superb, and the buttons and controls have a premium feel.
-
Comfort: The sports-focused interior is complemented by deep and moderately bolstered front seats that provide good support and a comfortable ride. Steering is height and reach adjustable.
Rear headroom and legroom are good, and space across the rear seat is comfortable for three ‘regular’ adults.
-
Equipment: The mid-range model tested here comes with an electric sunroof, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers, 10-speaker stereo system, steering-mounted audio and cruise controls, aux connectivity, multi-function display and power windows.
Wheels are 18-inch alloys for the Luxury model, and 2xmemory power-adjusted leather seats are also standard for this grade.
- Storage: The 467-litre boot is on par; 60/40 split-folding rear seats increase storage space into the cabin.
ON THE ROAD | RATING: 4.5/5
-
Driveability: The 2.4 litre petrol engine is a standout. It is smooth and responsive, feels stronger than its figures suggest and provides a good surge of power above 4000rpm.
It is well-matched to the five-speed automatic, rarely bogging down or holding a gear too long.
The electrically-assisted steering makes cornering effortless, but, although precise, it can sometimes feel too light on the straight-ahead.
- Refinement: The Accord Euro’s cabin is quiet, with very little wind noise and road noise noticeable only on the most coarse surfaces - thanks in large part to the excellent suspension.
- Suspension: The double wishbone arrangement is compliant enough to disguise most potholes and bumps better than many European models, but sharp enough to inspire confidence in spirited driving. Honda’s renowned handling and balance expertise shines through here.
- Braking: The vented discs up front and solid discs at rear provide responsive and predictable braking performance.
SAFETY | RATING: 5/5
- ANCAP rating: 5-Star
- Safety features: Front, side, curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, front active head restraints, seatbelt reminders for all seats, electronic stability control, parking sensors front and rear.
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
- Warranty: Standard warranty coverage is 3 years/100,000 km with extended warranty available at additional cost.
- Service costs: First service at 1000km, then every 10,000km. Costs vary for Honda vehicles in Australia for each dealer. Consult with your preferred dealer before purchasing.
HOW IT COMPARES | VALUE FOR MONEY RATING: 3.5/5
- Mazda6 Luxury Automatic Sedan ($40,905) - Only a little shorter on equipment and almost equal for price, the sharp handling Mazda6 is however a little down on power (125kW/226Nm). Rear storage is larger at 519 litres.
- Hyundai i45 Premium ($38,990) - Again slightly down on equipment, but it's a couple of grand less and comes with a six-speed auto. Power is equal and torque is marginally greater but doesn’t feel as lively nor handle as well as the Honda.
-
Ford Mondeo Zetec Automatic Hatch ($43,490) - The Mondeo Zetec Hatch is a couple of grand more than the Accord Euro and offers less power. It's just about on-par for features however, and offers similar build quality and an engaging drive. Fuel economy is less impressive (9.5 l/100km).
Note: Prices are manufacturer’s list price and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs.
TMR VERDICT | OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5
Putting aside the badge cachet of some of the more expensive European offerings, the Honda Accord Euro is one of the very best cars available in the medium class.
Its good looks, build quality, engine performance, handling ability and interior comfort give buyers a convincing reason to think twice before spending big on a German, French or Italian badge.