Honda Accord Euro 2011 Review

We turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering ... would you buy one?

WHAT IS IT?

Confusing. There's two Accords. This one tagged the Euro is the sportier one. Don't know why they don't just call it the Euro and be done with it?

HOW MUCH?

Priced from $29,340 right up to $44,290 with satnav. The good news is the price of the entry level 6-speed manual has been slashed by $2150.

WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?

Any of the Jap sedans with sporty pretensions. We'd also throw in the new Kia Optima for good measure (just wait until you see one). But the Euro is the best looking of the lot.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine. Produces a class leading 148kW of power and 234Nm of torque (only matched by the new Optima which actually delivers a bit more torque).

HOW DOES IT GO?

Good blend of performance and economy. The manual change is slick and easy to use. It's a while since we last drove the Euro and we'd forgotten just how good this car is.

IS IT ECONOMICAL?

The 6-speed manual is rated at 8.7 litres/100km. We covered a couple of hundred kilometres at 8.5, but we reckon it will do better than this.

IS IT 'GREEN?'

Gets 4 out of 5 stars from the Government's Green Guide, with a greenhouse rating of 6/10, air pollution rating 8.5/10 and CO2 emissions of 212g/km. (Prius sets the pace with 5).

IS IT SAFE?

Gets a full 5 stars for safety, with six airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution as well as electronic traction and stability control.

IS IT COMFORTABLE?

Nice and quiet and very comfortable. Seats are excellent and the driving position is good, with rake and reach adjustment for the wheel. 10-speaker sound system standard with iPod integration.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Very smooth. Very responsive steering. No red light racer, but has a sporty edge with excellent dynamics. Suspension is firm but not harsh.

IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?

Recently upgraded with some minor cosmetic changes. Now comes with Bluetooth, a new foldaway key, USB connectivity and Trailer Stability Assist on all models. Phone can be controlled from the steering wheel.

WOULD WE BUY ONE?

You bet. This is the best thing Honda makes at the moment. We hear you can get the recently superseded model for just $32K driveaway - what a bargain?