AIMS: Honda adds value to Accord Euro

HONDA Australia has continued its aggressive range-wide pricing strategy with the upgraded Accord Euro, cutting $1150 across the series – now starting at $30,340 for the entry-level six-speed manual – despite the facelifted model bringing a significant increase in standard equipment.

The Luxury version now starts from $37,840, and the auto-only Luxury Navigation from $43,140.

On other models, the five-speed automatic transmission continues to add $2300, while metallic paint is an extra $475 across the range.

As GoAuto has reported, the Model Year 2012 Accord Euro – which was unveiled at today’s Melbourne motor show, following its world debut in Geneva in March – has arrived with steering-wheel-integrated Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a new foldaway key design and trailer stability assist as standard across the range.

The entry-level Accord Euro also picks up automatic headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, plus an 18-inch alloy wheel option, while the Luxury Navi model benefits from standard bi-Xenon headlights complete with automatic low/high beam and a cornering function.

Left: Honda Accord Euro interior and exterior. Below: Honda Accord.

Styling changes include a new two-bar grille replacing the three-bar version and restyling for the front bumper, foglight surrounds and air intakes, while at the rear there is a chrome strip on the bootlid and a ‘softer’ red colouring for the tail-lights.

Revised cabin detailing includes a new satin-finish garnish on the doorhandles, centre console, steering wheel and other interior trim.

An ‘anti-dust feature’ has also been applied to the cloth trim on the entry model.

A 148kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine continues to power the Accord Euro range, although minor tweaks see fuel efficiency improved by 2.2 per cent for six-speed manual variants – now at 8.7 litres per 100km on the Australian combined-cycle standard – and 4.5 per cent for those with a five-speed automatic transmission, down to 8.5L/100km.

Honda has also revealed a $39,990 retail price (plus on-road costs) for the new luxury-oriented VTi-LN variant of its larger-bodied four-cylinder Accord, placing it $1000 above the recently repositioned VTi-L.

The N-spec model includes high-grade equipment such as satellite-navigation, a reversing camera, premium audio system (including subwoofer), ‘intelligent’ dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning and new five-arm twin-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

2011 Honda Accord Euro pricing:Accord Euro $30,340
Accord Euro (a) $32,640
Accord Euro Luxury $37,840
Accord Euro Luxury (a) $40,140
Accord Euro Luxury Navigation (a) $43,140