8 February 2011
It's hard to be too critical of the new Accord Euro.
Like the recently released Mazda6 and Ford Mondeo, it is perfectly positioned to be short listed on the shopping lists of buyers looking for a more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle, with little or any compromise.
While on first impressions, the sedan's exterior lacks the WOW factor the outgoing model provided on its debut, and the overall dash layout seems a little complicated (which is very unlike Honda), its biggest asset and appeal is simply straight value for money.
This vehicle is so well equipped from a comfort, performance and safety perspective, even at the base level, that those who feel they are being forced into a downgrade situation will find the transition has far more likes than dislikes.
Apart from the vehicle being wider and having a lower centre of gravity, most of the previous suspension layout has been retained albeit reworked to help improve body rigidity and reduce body roll. One of the most noticeable and pleasing changes we noted on the press drive day was the front seat comfort and support, certainly a huge improvement over past models.
All models come on 17-inch wheels and carry a full size spare.
Honda Accord Euro TourerThe Tourer which was a surprise addition to the model line up on press day, will also be a good seller simply because it fills a void Honda has had in its model line up since the mid 90's, when the wagon - as it was known - was sold new in NZ in limited numbers.
The old wagon was built for the American market at the time. The Tourer however carries on the European flavour the original Euro sedan used so successfully, when the model was launched some 5 years ago.
The name Tourer also masks its cargo carrying abilities (406 litres with the rear seats in place) in comparison to the more traditional wagon styled vehicles, with load space best described as adequate rather than spacious.
The engine for both body configurations is a further refinement of the 2.4litre i-VTEC petrol engine used in the outgoing model, upgraded to comply with forthcoming Euro 5 emission regulations due to be introduced in Europe in September 2009.
While achieving the emission target well ahead of time, the engine has also been reworked to provide a 5% increase in power, now delivering a class leading 148kW @ 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 234Nm @ 4500rpm.
Official claimed fuel consumption figures of 8.9 l/100km for the manual and an 8.5% improvement for the automatic of 8.6 l/100km are impressive.
Honda NZ has also run their own version of an economy run for several years now (Auckland - Taupo - Auckland) for their new models and claim figures of 6.47 litres/100km for the new Euro sedan were achieved.
These in-house tests and claims are well past their used by date in our view, and we advise prospective buyers not to use these figures as a sole reason to purchase a new Euro, it may end in tears and the real positives about this vehicle risk being forgotten.
We also notice in the company's own Eclipse magazine a more realistic figure of 7.6 l/100km was achieved by a non-staffer in a Wellington to Auckland run. Enough said.
The transmissions available are either a six-speed manual or a five-speed auto depending on the model and are a virtual carry over from the previous model.
Sequential mode on the auto however is now via steering wheel mounted shift paddles which can be introduced in either 'D' or 'S' modes.
Stability control, curtain and side airbags are fitted standard across the range starting with the sedan base S model, which means buyers are not forced into a more expensive model to achieve top of the line safety features. Top marks for that, and at prices starting at $36,000 (manual) and $37500 (auto) it does represent fantastic value for money.
Upgrades are more angled towards comfort features such as leather interior, sunroof, power seats, rain sensing wipers, auto lights and memory seats and are fitted to the L models, while the top of the range N model includes satellite navigation with a reversing camera and GPS linked dual zone air-conditioning. Prices for the sedan L and N models range between $39,800 and $50,300 which includes a Sport option (body kit, sport grill and spoiler).
The base model on the Tourer starts with the L and retail prices start at $45,500 and top out at $52,300 for the N Sport (body kit and sport grill).
Honda has also joined a growing list of manufactures looking to enhance their on-board stability control programs (Honda's name is Vehicle Stability Assist or VSA) by introducing steering aids to help prevent the vehicle entering into an under-steer or over-steer situation.
Called Motion Adaptive Power Steering, the electric power steering system is electronically linked to the VSA and will provide intuitive prompts to the driver to reinforce steering in the correct direction. Clever stuff as electric steering can also help with fuel consumption reduction.
Accord Euro interior controlsGetting familiar with all the interior gadgetry can be a challenge but once mastered there is little a driver, or their passengers will lack for.
Included is an audio unit delivering 415 watts through 10 speakers, a 6 stack CD changer with MP3/WMA capability, a auxiliary jack point and power outlet and a LCD multi-information display trip computer.
The glovebox and centre console storage box have a feed from the climate control system enabling drinks to be cooled or warmed. All round fit and finish is superb on all models, raising the bar on quality in the medium car segment of the market
With Honda's one price policy and the recent emergence of other new competitor products onto the market, the new Euro sedan and Tourer can expect strong competition.
Do the comparisons though, we believe the model range stacks up extremely well in regards to overall value for money.