Honda Accord Euro 2005 Review

Not any more. Thanks largely to Mazda and Honda, the medium segment has been reinvigorated, with Toyota and Subaru getting in on the action as well.

The Honda Accord Euro shook things up when it arrived, shirking the boring tag of its predecessor and giving buyers an alternative to the sharp Mazda6.

Little wonder there are plenty of takers for the Accord range, which has grown to include a four-cylinder VTi model in the bigger-bodied model, but we'll stick with the Euro for looks.

The Euro offers plenty of performance, equipment and quality for its sub-$50,000 price, with 17in alloy wheels, a sunroof (with one of the easiest switches to operate), front fog lights, high-intensity discharge xenon headlights and variable, intermittent windscreen wipers with rain sensor.

The front occupants are also treated to heated front seats, both with power adjustment, as well as the addition of side curtain airbags to the dual front and side airbags present in the standard Euro.

Sliding behind the wheel, the seats are leather-trimmed and comfortable, if a little "on" rather than "in" for seating comfort and support, although the range of movement from the electrically-adjustable seats and reach-and-rake adjustable wheel allows for most to find a suitable position.

Vision is good, as is the layout of the dashboard and the instrumentation with steering-wheel-mounted controls that are straightforward to use.

In-cabin storage includes seat-back pockets and a small glovebox, made up for by a clever centre console that has a two-stage lid.

The dual-zone climate control keeps the cabin comfortable and the six-CD in-dash stacker sound system produces a quality sound, although many will prefer the singing of Honda's powerplant.

The tune of the 2.4-litre variable-valve four-cylinder is dictated by the five-speed automatic – a $2000 premium over the six-speed manual. It's a slick gearbox that features a number of choices for the driver – D-three mode for around town locks out fourth and fifth gears, meaning more punch immediately on offer for those quick lane changes, as the automatic will dwell in higher gears if allowed.

For that spirited run in the country, or to relieve the boredom of commuting, the gearbox has a manual change mode.

This is one of the better tipshift modes on offer in the mainstream market, with the gear selected by the driver remaining in use until the driver decides otherwise.

The Honda won't allow a dangerous downshift or a ridiculous upshift, but should the driver be enjoying the upper reaches of the 2.4-litre's rev range, then far be it for the Euro to change up. The suspension – independent double wishbones, anti-roll bars and dampers at the front and a five-link double wishbones, anti-roll bars and dampers at the rear – provides a firm and well-damped ride, keeping the sporty intent of the Euro range in mind.

Corners are generally handled with aplomb, as body roll is well controlled and torque steer from the driven front wheels almost non-existent.

The stability control system is rarely disturbed by faster-paced cornering, unless it's deliberately provoked.

More enthusiastic driving might be better enjoyed with a little more life in the steering and with a manual – the steps between the first three gears seem a little wide if the driver wants to make the most of the punchy engine.

It's no sports car but that is not its main intention – as an all-rounder, the Accord Euro Luxury represents an excellent package.

At $42,500 for the automatic it's a little more expensive ($700) than the list price of the Mazda6 Sport Luxury hatch, so comparisons between the two will fall to personal preference for the brands and the body types.

The phrase "spoilt for choice" comes to mind, but opting for the Accord Euro Luxury would put a value-packed and talented all-round automotive package in your driveway.