Honda Accord Euro: Honda Goes High Tech

Motoring Channel Staff - 12/February/2008

Tokyo, Japan — Honda's all-new Accord Euro has broken cover ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut.

This new model is larger than its predecessor but Honda is promising an even safer, more agile, more powerful yet fuel efficient car.

It has more interior room than its precursor, is lower and wider and will for the first time feature a wagon model in the line-up.

Honda has used new underpinnings for the 2008 Honda Accord Euro range, featuring new suspension to improve ride control while also sharpening handling.

There's also a range of advanced technologies that should keep the Accord Euro at the cutting edge of the mid-sized segment.

With top grade models, Honda will offer what it calls ADAS, or the Advanced Driving Assist System. This comprises the following technologies:

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Using cameras to detect the car deviating from a traffic lane, it can automatically adjust the steering wheel to keep the car on the straight and narrow. Honda claims this reduces the burden of motorway driving while at the same time enhancing safety.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Using a millimetre-wave radar, this system maintains a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front, able to both accelerate and brake the car automatically. Best suited to highway driving.

Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS): This safety system monitors the following distance and closing rate between the Accord Euro and the car directly in front of it. Honda says the system will warns the driver when a collision is likely and help to reduce the impact when a collision becomes unavoidable.

Honda Australia has already confirmed with the Motoring Channel that the new 2008 Accord Euro will be coming to Australia around mid-year. 

Pricing and specifications are still being finalised but are expected to kick off at around $35,000. 

Wagon models have not yet been confirmed for Australia but are "certainly being considered" according to Honda Australia's spokesman.

Sitting lower to the ground and with a wider stance (and track) the 2008 Accord Euro gets a new look, but it seems that Honda's designers were made abundantly aware of the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mantra.

While owners of the current car will be able to see the differences, the overall silhouette of the 2008 Honda Accord Euro is not vastly different from the previous model and takes most of its styling cues from the Accord Tourer Concept show at the '07 Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to Honda, the styling adopts an emotional, sporty motif. It calls the design "sharp-edged" and the extra width comes from the flared wheel arches which are more prominent than before. 

The front end has also been changed, the most prominent new features being the aggressively styled headlamps.

Wagon versions of the new mid-sized Honda also get a fresh design at the rear, with an integrated clean look.

In addition to the new look, the lower and wider body, new suspension, and the range of high tech driving assist systems, Honda has changed the interior, adding what the Japanese car maker calls 'floating' backlit instruments complete with an LCD multi-information display.

The interior design has also been updated, with a new-look centre console and stereo system and leather will be an option on lower models. 

Like the exterior, the changes are evolutions on the previous design. Honda has been cognisant of the popularity of the previous model and has endeavored to keep the changes from completely changing the car's character.

Along with an updated steering wheel packing a complete suite of controls (audio, cruise control, telephone) that gets more adjustability than before, Honda has developed new seats with larger side bolsters which will please drivers who like to drive hard and fast. There's also cup holders for front and rear passengers.

On top of the optional safety extras like the Lane Keeping Assist System and Adaptive Cruise Control, the Accord Euro gets six airbags (front and side airbags for, plus full length curtain airbags) and a vehicle stability control system.

There's also ISOFIX fittings and tether anchor points for secure childseat fixture on all models and active front headrests that can reduce whiplash related injuries in major collisions.

Launching first in Europe, where a 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel, plus 2.0- and 2.4-litre petrol engines will be offered, Honda is expected to delivers just the one engine choice in Australia initially, the 2.4-litre engine. Vital statistics are as follows:

2.2-litre diesel: 110kW (150hp) @ 4000rpm
2.0-litre petrol: 115kW (156hp) @ 6300rpm
2.4-litre petrol: 147kW (200hp) @ 7000rpm

The diesel engine makes 350Nm of torque and could make an appearance in Australia after the first models are launched as the rival model Mazda6 has a diesel.

Of most interest is the 2.4-litre engine which will definitely be coming to Australia. It now makes 7kW more power, and revs higher as well. Torque has been increased from 223 to 233Nm @ 4500rpm.

There have also been rumours of a new 'Type R' version of the Accord Euro, but Honda has not yet confirmed the presence of a flagship performance variant.

Honda has confirmed the three engines adhere to the upcoming Euro 5 emissions regulations which will come into effect in September 2009. Honda says that "greater frugality is matched by greater performance and flexibility".

All models come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox complete with a shift indicator light that suggests shift points to improve fuel economy, while a 5-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifts will be optional.

With a lower center of gravity, a wider track and all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers (not to mention improved structural rigidity), Honda says the new Accord has less body roll and more responsive handling.

The new Honda Accord Euro will be launched at a 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March, and is expected to arrive in Australia half way through the year.

Related articles:
- Honda Accord & Accord Euro (2008)
- Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR (2008)
- Honda HF-S Concept (2007)
- Honda Jazz (2008)
- Honda Accord Tourer Concept (2007)
- Honda Accord USA (2008)
- Honda Civic Type R (Road Test)
- Honda CR-V (Road Test)
- Honda Civic Type R - sedan (2007)
- Honda CR-V (2007)
- Honda Legend (Road Test)
- Honda Civic Hybrid (Road Test)
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)