Honda Accord 2005 review

People movers long ago replaced anything motorised and modern in this household, so the chance to show off Euro styling was not to be missed. I could pretend those admiring glances at the lights, the second look in the supermarket car park were for me ... but it's all about the car.

Honda has drawn a faithful market among the over-30s with the Euro. Not surprising, really, when the car comes with an impressive range of options, easy-on-the-wallet prices and sophisticated styling. The on-the-road bells and whistles include cruise control as standard, a six-stacker CD and a list of extras that would put much more expensive models to shame.

With the family on board, safety is paramount and a quick flick through the book shows the car's front and side airbags create an inbuilt cushion of safety.

For the technical-minded, standard safety features include ABS brakes (with electronic brake-force distribution) and stability assist.

But for a mum more used to footy boots and schoolbags piled in the back of the family wagon, the real attraction is the driving manners and the special features. The dash is easy to read, courtesy of a decent-sized display. Interior lights go on and off automatically so there's no scramble in the handbag in the dark – and as for the front seat warmers – yes, please.

Living in a temperate climate doesn't mean that a warm driver's seat wasn't appreciated on a frosty Clare morning. And marriage doesn't mean sharing everything, like his passion for an almost icy travelling temperature. The Euro comes with dual temperature zones for the driver and passenger.

You might think that all those little luxuries add up to a hefty hit on the family budget but the Euro has another pleasant surprise. Priced at $42,500 the Accord Euro Luxury falls within the affordable imported range.

On the open road, the Euro shows the benefit of Honda's years in motorsport. You can't throw F1 cars around a track without learning something about handling and Honda has put all that knowledge into cars which love the open road.

All that and still room in the back for the three juniors. We didn't try a whole weekend away, which might have strained the boot space. But it did accommodate a weekly shop and, after all, there has to be some sacrifice for something that's family friendly and has sex appeal to boot.

LOVE IT LEAVE IT

Honda Accord Euro Luxury five-speed automatic

Price $42,500

LOVE IT

SUPERB handling.

Separate temperature zones for the driver and passenger – he can chill while I stay toasty warm.

LEAVE IT

SPACE, space, space – just a bit more in the boot would be great.