New Honda Accord Euro edges into town

The first Euro did much to revive the Accord nameplate; the new, edgier second-gen model aims to continue that success.

Softer edge
The design of the new Euro, despite its crisper edges and details, is clearly a softer evolution of the first Euro. There are three trim levels in the new range: a suffix-less Euro, Luxury, and Luxury Navi.

Big changes inside
Step inside the second-gen Euro and the classy, refined air of the first Euro has given way to something a little more sporty. All three models get a 10-speaker audio system with six-disc CD stacker, steering wheel audio controls and a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for an MP3 player. Luxury model buyers gain powered leather seats, with the driver and front passenger seats being heated too. The sat-nav system seen here, with integrated reversing camera, is only available in — no surprises — the Luxury Navi model.

2.4 to the fore
As before, all Euro models are powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. In the new model, power and torque have been given a small boost — to 148kW and 234Nm respectively &mdash while official fuel economy has been trimmed to 8.9L/100km. A six-speed manual and a five-speed auto with steering wheel mounted paddles are available throughout the range.

Spot the changes
For comparison's sake, here's the first-gen Euro.

The price for entry-level second-gen Euro is AU$32,990, the Luxury is AU$7k pricier at AU$39,990, while the Luxury Navi has a sticker price of AU$42,990. Add another AU$2,000 to all the models if you don't like using a clutch.