Honda Accord Euro Type S: Performance Diesel

Motoring Channel Staff - 10/February/2009

Geneva, Switzerland — The term 'performance car' is usually attached to a petrol-powered sports car. But Honda will take the wraps off its sporty Type S Accord Euro at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

Diesel performance cars have gained traction in Europe and this next model will add to that growing list. 

There are a couple of examples of diesel performance cars on offer in Australia imported by Renault and Volkswagen, but this next model is not slated for an Australian release (at the time of writing Honda could not be contacted for a statement).

From where we sit however, the vehicle is an enticing idea.

It combines the high performance and excellent fuel economy of a turbocharged, intercooled 2.2-litre diesel engine.

The i-DTEC diesel engine is based on the standard 2.2-litre diesel mill that powers European versions of the Accord (called the Accord Euro in Australia), but gets a modified components such as a larger intercooler and turbocharger and new cylinder heads to deliver 22kW more power and 30Nm more torque:

Power: 132kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 2000rpm

The new Accord Euro was highly praised by the Motoring Channel's editor in a recent review and this Europe-only diesel model with its 132kW (180hp) hitting the skids @ 4000rpm would perhaps be even more impressive than the 2.4-litre petrol versions. Compared to the petrol-powered models' 230Nm of torque, the 380Nm would also allow it tow heavy loads.

Appearing at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show alongside vehicles like the Insight hybrid, special edition S2000 and CR-Z hybrid sports car concept, the Accord Type S is being shown in wagon form fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and a few other subtle-but-sporting design cues.

Honda U.K. says the new performance diesel model will go on sale later in 2009 in Europe, and will be available in either sedan or wagon body styles.

"The 180PS diesel model will be a welcome addition to the Accord range, especially for company car drivers that want a high-specification car in an even sportier package," said Honda UK's manager of corporate operations, Graham Avent. 

"This model will undoubtedly appeal to high-performance diesel enthusiasts, looking for that something extra, but we hope it will also create a halo-effect across the diesel Accord range," added Avent.

Related Links:
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)
- Honda City (2009)
- Honda Jazz (Road Test)
- Honda FC Sport (2008)
- Honda Civic Hybrid (Road Test)
- Honda Insight (2008)
- Honda Accord V6 (Road Test)
- Honda OSM Concept (2008)
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)
- Honda Crime Avoidance Sat Nav (2008)
- Honda Civic Type R (Road Test)
- Honda CR-V (Road Test)
- Honda Legend (Road Test)