Drove MY06 Euro lux with sat nav today!

[UNLS1]

Yes well just got back from Honda Aus....

We had 6 new 06 euro lux's to drive...each car with with 3 sales or service people in them....
i have so much to say but cant be bothered lol

It is the euro that is pictured on this site a number of times with the new alloys (that i dont like as much as the 05 ones), changed front bar and a lil change on the rear ect.....the new dash is great with the intstrument cluster changing for the better now with a trip computer u can toggle through with a steerting wheel button so now it has lt of petrol left to empty....the fuel consumtion bar that the crv and ody has...

The sat nav is the best! Its the 2nd cheapest on the market atm at $3000. That is factory sat nav i mean....we had 2 hours in the car with 3 different routes we had to program into the touch screen sat nav...

Its just fantastic, the climate controll is touch screen or u can use the buttons like the 05, another window panel is on the top of the dash in the middle for duel climate and audio.....

No more black wood in the black leather cars...its now a silver finish and its so much better!
Woodgrain is still in for the black and white euros but its now darker....

I found the throttle not as jerky as the 05 model.....

Um....the rearview mirror is the same as the MDX now with the auto light thingy.... i cant think of much more atm...

We will have our 06 euros on our showroom floor next week i do know that lol.

If anyone has any questions post up and ill do my best to answer....

Also was good to have a test euro there, an 05 lux with the o6 sat nav in it...
I was told it cant be retro fitted into the 06 model...but if it is done will cost over 10k to do so......

Um thats all for now....if i get time at work today ill answer wat i can if not later tonight...


Cheers James

[UNLS1]

forgot to mention the STD euro has new design 16"s also that look cool....lol anything is better than the current ones....

[stephen8512]

nice!
10K RETROFITTED?!?!?!??!!?!?
WAT THE F*%&@$*(%&@$)%&@$)
rather get a portable navman and get a touch screen headunit

[chosen_one]

G'day Jimmy,
Thanks for the info. Ok, you offered so.........
So is the trip computer within the instrument cluster or is it above the hazard lights like we've seen on a few pics?
And the wheels on the lux are those not so flash 10 spoke jobs that were on that poo brown model as well as the blue station wagon from Frankfurt?
What's the stereo system like? Have they gone to the premium package of 8 speakers and is it mp3 compatible?
Did they go with the lane moving technology for Oz?
Last one, bluetooth?

[V205]

Thanks UNS1.

Let us know which pics show the new 16" and new 17" rims.

DBW Throttle has imporved eh? Hopefully a firmware flash on previous years to fix that?

[evolution42]

A couple of questions:
- Is the satnav CD/DVD/HD based? Does it have any voice-activated functionality?
- Do the satnav models have the ugly rectangular cutout in the centre storage box? (below climate control switches)
- Does it have auto-on (light sensing) headlights?
- Did you drive manual/auto/both?
- Does its have the new "flat" windscreen wipers?

[UNLS1]

G'day Jimmy,
Thanks for the info. Ok, you offered so.........
So is the trip computer within the instrument cluster or is it above the hazard lights like we've seen on a few pics?
And the wheels on the lux are those not so flash 10 spoke jobs that were on that poo brown model as well as the blue station wagon from Frankfurt?
What's the stereo system like? Have they gone to the premium package of 8 speakers and is it mp3 compatible?
Did they go with the lane moving technology for Oz?
Last one, bluetooth?


lol yes they are the 10 spoke jobs so u 05 owners dont worry ur wheels are heaps better :)
didnt get much into the stereo, the sound will be the same and its got mp3 im 90% sure, coz it was mainly training for the sat nav...
No blue tooth yet.....and not sure bout premium sound..

The sat nav is a big test for the oz market....took honda oz ages to convince japan we will use it!
If it works out well u will see sat nav in lots of the other models..

oh the trip computer is at the bottom of the instrument cluster in the middle....its a cool little screen.

[UNLS1]

A couple of questions:
- Is the satnav CD/DVD/HD based? Does it have any voice-activated functionality?
- Do the satnav models have the ugly rectangular cutout in the centre storage box? (below climate control switches)
- Does it have auto-on (light sensing) headlights?
- Did you drive manual/auto/both?
- Does its have the new "flat" windscreen wipers?

the sat nav is DVD based and u get the dvd when u get there car.
and NO it doesnt play normal dvds....

doesnt have auto headlights....but it was daytime and they didnt go into that much...lol

no voice activation either

but u can chose a female or male voice to tell u directions....lol we used the female coz the man had attitude in his voice lol

all the cars were auto....

god i cant remember about the winscreen wipers ....didnt look.

Im sorry if i suck at answering lots of these questions....u have to remember it was just sat nav training.....

Ill learn the rest next week when i have one in my showroom...

jimmy

[Tobster]

Do you still get the trip computer/fuel consumption etc. on models without the satnav?

[nexace]

Good job James! :D

How much can you offer me for my 08/05 EuroL? I want to upgrade!!!!!

[aaronng]

Hope that Honda Australia releases pics of the interior soon.

[chosen_one]

Ill learn the rest next week when i have one in my showroom...
Thanks for putting in the effort to answer questions. If your manager gives you a hard time, tell him/her it's homework for next week....lol You'll definitley hit the ground running with questions from this thread....

So do you think they'll be in showrooms across Oz next week?
If that's an affirmative, I'm guessing the first shipment for sale has already landed, or will it be a handful of demo's and then an order and wait scenario? Could be a good time to snag a bargain on an 05 (if there are any left). :thumbsup:

[UNLS1]

Hope that Honda Australia releases pics of the interior soon.


lol they will take for ever just go to your local dealer next week or the week after champ. seats are the same......changed dash

[UNLS1]

Thanks for putting in the effort to answer questions. If your manager gives you a hard time, tell him/her it's homework for next week....lol You'll definitley hit the ground running with questions from this thread....

So do you think they'll be in showrooms across Oz next week?
If that's an affirmative, I'm guessing the first shipment for sale has already landed, or will it be a handful of demo's and then an order and wait scenario? Could be a good time to snag a bargain on an 05 (if there are any left). :thumbsup:

they should be across the country next week....we are getting ours so i assume everyone else will.
There are a few in stock so wont have to wait long for an order.
We only have 1 lux man graphite left, a man std silver, a silver lux auto with full kit and tint and reverse sens, and one demo silver lux with tint spoiler and sensors....

so not many left at all! Cant wait 4 the new one

[euro77]

does the instrument clutter still have big speedo in the middle, or does it have speedo and tacho side by side?

[UNLS1]

does the instrument clutter still have big speedo in the middle, or does it have speedo and tacho side by side?
still speedo in the middle, fuel and temp are the main changes

[yfin]

oooh trip computer - I am jealous - that is one feature I would love to have. Sat nav is nice don't need it when 99% of the time I drive on roads where I know where I am going. Surprised the standard rim size is still 16" rims. Also big shame about the 17" rims - they look crap IMO. The Euro R style rims on the 05 model are now going to be in demand!

Unsl - please tell me they are not going to sell that poo brown colour.

[UNLS1]

lol i dont think so......ill resign if they do...

[vtc]

With the revised front and small changes to the back. What happens to the OEM lips? are there new ones?

[chosen_one]

The Euro R style rims on the 05 model are now going to be in demand!
Are Euro R style rims available as an option when you purchase a car or do you have to import them? What costs are we looking at?

[UNLS1]

Are Euro R style rims available as an option when you purchase a car or do you have to import them? What costs are we looking at?

as far as i know there is NO wheel option for 06 euro....u get wats on the car

[stephen8512]

im pretty sure honda spare parts division can get u a set of 4 17" 05 lux rims
but from what i hear, costs an arm and a leg and a head... $3000 somethin or $4000 somethin was the quote someone got here on this forum from a honda dealer
if any of u's are interested in my lux rims, i will be putting these up for sale in a very short time so keep ur eyes peeled! :D

[Tobster]

Remember too that if you buy a Euro now with 17 inch rims and want to change them to other factory 17s, you won't need tyres as well -- which would have been included (I think) in the quote that was being discussed. Surely they can't be more than $500 a rim?

[hihidamon]

Official Press Release from Honda Australia
http://www.honda.com.au/discover+honda/news+and+events/press+releases/new+look+for+honda+accord+euro.htm

[chosen_one]

The pics in the press release do it more justice than the pics I've seen so far but I don't think it looks as sporty as the 05 model. IMO the bling on the front makes it looks less European and more like something you'd expect from Asia. Still looks good from the back though (even with those wheels).

[albii]

more importantly , has it put on weight in lux or std guise compared to other models.

[chosen_one]

Pics of the new interior with metallic finish at the following links.

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1055/105550_2mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1055/105550_3mg.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3889/euro06interior38ii.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=euro06interior38ii.jpg)

Edit: Fixed your links for you. (aaronng)

[chosen_one]

Here's a couple of larger and clearer Honda promo pics that were in the press release in an earlier post. It's beginning to grow on me.

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1055/105558_2mg.jpg

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1055/105558_00mg.jpg

[msnealo]

The fog lights look so much better, they don't look like an after market add on like the old one's. And the bum doesn't look as big with crease line around the bottom.


enjoy the pics of the new interior with metallic finish at the following links.

http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1055/105550_2mg.jpg

What's the lcd used for located above the hazzard light switch in the above photo?

[UNLS1]

some more news.....no color changes but there will be 17" wheel options...dont ask me wat they look like or how much they will cost....i just got my new parts list for the euros and 2 kinds of 17"s to pick!

good news coz i dont like the new rims so far

[chosen_one]

some more news.....no color changes but there will be 17" wheel options...dont ask me wat they look like or how much they will cost....i just got my new parts list for the euros and 2 kinds of 17"s to pick!

good news coz i dont like the new rims so far
That's the best news I've heard all week. Keep us posted and put up a pic or two when you get the info.

[hihidamon]

That means more $$ to spend....
Good strategy Honda Aust. Throw in some ugly wheels and make sure that everyone pays extra $$ for the options....

[chosen_one]

That means more $$ to spend....
Good strategy Honda Aust. Throw in some ugly wheels and make sure that everyone pays extra $$ for the options....
Yeah I initially thought that too, but they could be cutting their own throats by going down that path. Maybe they're trying to capture an older market?? Either way, the wheels are too conservative for the car and have to go.

[chosen_one]

What's the lcd used for located above the hazzard light switch in the above photo?
Here's what UNLS1 had to say about it in post #1 of this thread.


The sat nav is the best! Its the 2nd cheapest on the market atm at $3000. That is factory sat nav i mean....we had 2 hours in the car with 3 different routes we had to program into the touch screen sat nav...

Its just fantastic, the climate controll is touch screen or u can use the buttons like the 05, another window panel is on the top of the dash in the middle for duel climate and audio.....

[msnealo]

Thank's chosen one. Read the thread and didn't pick up on that.

[PNR888]

Remember too that if you buy a Euro now with 17 inch rims and want to change them to other factory 17s, you won't need tyres as well -- which would have been included (I think) in the quote that was being discussed. Surely they can't be more than $500 a rim?


I was quoted $637/rim (2005 Lux Style) April this yr at one of Honda dealer spare part department in Brisbane. They are so expansive!

But I am sure if you have connection or when you option rims with new car purchase or if you buy a set of 4, they can give you trade price.

[aaronng]

Wow, at $637 per side, I'd rather go for my dream Volks CE28n. Haha. Best is to look for someone with a 05' Lux who upgraded to 18"s!

[aleksandrov]

Is the steering wheel thicker?

[stephen8512]

Wow, at $637 per side, I'd rather go for my dream Volks CE28n. Haha. Best is to look for someone with a 05' Lux who upgraded to 18"s!

or 19's
hehehehe

[UNLS1]

did i mention that there will be a 17" wheel option on the lux at all? :)

[chosen_one]

Jimmy,
Has the latest arrived at your dealership yet? Tell me something, does the standard version still have the cloth finish on the centre console arm rest or did Honda wake up and slap some vinyl on it?

[UNLS1]

Jimmy,
Has the latest arrived at your dealership yet? Tell me something, does the standard version still have the cloth finish on the centre console arm rest or did Honda wake up and slap some vinyl on it?

i honestly dont know i havnt seen a std yet....but knowing honda its gunna be the fuzzy stuff again lol

and we are expecting the euro lux with nav on thurs/fri....

[EuroAccord13]

My friend who works in the Dealership told me that the Sat Nav is 3K but if you decide to put it in after you take delivery of the car, it's going to cost in excess of 10K because the whole dash needs to be taken out as the sat nav is installed in the factory prior to delivery to Australia...... BIG DECISION LOL!

[Justin L]

I love the new bumpers with the subtle lips. Very classy looking. Hate the grille though. Looks like something from the Koreans. I personally like the new lux wheels. Much like the revised Mazda 6 lux. The new steering wheel looks thicker. The old ones were too thin.

[chosen_one]

we are expecting the euro lux with nav on thurs/fri....
did those euros arrive today? any chance of a few snaps of each model and interior?

[UNLS1]

we now have a standard here in silver, interior is the same as 05, just instrument cluster, steering wheel and alloys different on the inside.. out side is changed as normal.

The lux isnt here yet....should be later today or if not monday...

ive sold 2 euro lux with sat nav now...

still waiting for the pics of thr 17" wheel option too!

[UNLS1]

We now have an 06 Euro Lux with Sat Nav in stock to look at, its being cleaned as i type and it will be on the showroom floor by this arvo


Jimmy

[hihidamon]

Thanks for the update, Jimmy!
What colour?
I wonder if the local Honda dealer here in Sydney has got some this quickly?
We now have an 06 Euro Lux with Sat Nav in stock to look at, its being cleaned as i type and it will be on the showroom floor by this arvo


Jimmy

[GYPO2C]

I was driving along homebush bay drive (sydney) about 2.5 weeks ago and I saw a saw a truck full with 06 models. Not sure where they are going... :D

[aaronng]

Nice, UNLS1. Are you allowed to take photos of the interior? Real photos are less forgiving than the publicity photos. Would be great if you could do so.

[UNLS1]

I was driving along homebush bay drive (sydney) about 2.5 weeks ago and I saw a saw a truck full with 06 models. Not sure where they are going... :D

they were on the way to melb for our sat nav training

[UNLS1]

Nice, UNLS1. Are you allowed to take photos of the interior? Real photos are less forgiving than the publicity photos. Would be great if you could do so.


i can take a pic with my phone but will have to send it to a number on here

[aaronng]

i can take a pic with my phone but will have to send it to a number on here
You can also PM the link to the uploaded photo to individual members who want it, so you won't get into trouble for having an image that the whole world can see (if you are under some NDA or similar).

[UNLS1]

lol another thing i noticed that the windscreen wipers are also different too...strange lookin they are now

[eurosp]

UNLS1,
Are the pair of indicator on the headlights no longer bright amber colour?

[chosen_one]

When are Honda going to update their website for the Euro? Gees.

[NeRV]

Hey guys, is the 06 model worth the buy? or save abit and purchase a later model Euro? like a 05 runout sale? im planning to get a Euro, but not sure what year i should be buying... the 06 model looks ok, but its interior updates are awesome, i much prefer the 05 exterior.. so im abit confused about which one is more worth it.. and is the Luxury worth the extra dollars compared to the Standard? sorry for hijacking, i just didnt want to create another EURO thread.

[chosen_one]

Hey guys, is the 06 model worth the buy? or save abit and purchase a later model Euro? like a 05 runout sale? im planning to get a Euro, but not sure what year i should be buying... the 06 model looks ok, but its interior updates are awesome, i much prefer the 05 exterior.. so im abit confused about which one is more worth it.. and is the Luxury worth the extra dollars compared to the Standard? sorry for hijacking, i just didnt want to create another EURO thread.
Hi Nerv,
I'm in a similar predicament. Here is what I consider to be the pros and cons of each.

05 Pros :thumbsup: - Honda are currently running them out with a 5 year warranty and free rego. I'm not sure if or how much they're discounting them for. I guess that comes down to your negotiation skills, their stock levels and how they're travelling against budgeted sales for the year. Better wheels than 06 (although UNLS1 has said there are wheel options for 06 but at what cost).

05 Cons :thumbdwn: - obviously puts you in the non-current model. No sat nav if you were looking at getting it. CD player doesn't support mp3. No trip computer.

06 Pros :thumbsup: - Puts you in the latest model, buy in Feb and you should get an 06 build plated car by then = better for resale down the track. Sat nav available as an option for $3k. New interior loses the fake woodgrain on black interior models. Trip computer. Thicker steering wheel.

06 Cons :thumbdwn: - Wheels are just awful (options as stated above). Bit too much bling on the front grill. Price will be dearer than 05 model and back to a 3 year warranty.

Cost/benefit wise, I probably wouldn't buy an 05 model unless I could get at a minimum $5k off the price which is doubtful.

[D_Lude]

I would be interested how it will look with the oem bodykit with the new cosmetic changes

[bigdongers]

When are Honda going to update their website for the Euro? Gees.

when they sell out of the old model :)

[UNLS1]

the new o6 models are the same price RRP as 05 models.only difference is the sat nav.
Im still waiting for pics of the wheel options...

i dont mind the new std 16"s though

[cupnoodle]

when they sell out of the old model :)

Seems like it was just updated. Check it out
http://www.honda.com.au/Euro/euroluxury/index.htm

They finally updated the brochure too
http://www.honda.com.au/Euro/euroluxury/downloads/accordeuro_brochure_dec05.pdf

[chosen_one]

Good spot cupnoodle.

I like the Lux wheels better on the black model in the brochure than I've seen so far. Still prefer 05 lux wheels.

UNLS1, can't really get a good look at those 16's on the std but from what I can see they don't look real flash. Might be better in flesh.

[Tobster]

The new 17s have been growing on me -- I'm actually starting to like them.

But those new 16s aren't too good. You can see them on the UK and Japan websites:

http://www.honda.co.jp/ACCORD/image/main.jpg

[stephen8512]

would the 06 headlights fit the 03-05 model? i love the black outline....the 06 headlight seems to be more "smoked"....i like it

[me_kevinly]

honestly
at first i wanted the 06 bcause its newer and more features
but seems like our 03-05 looks more aggressive,
also since i wanted to upgrade my audio i recken its not a good idea to go witht he sat nav
but i do like the headlights and the new auto "stick"

[chosen_one]

They kept a lot of the old brochure in the new. A bit of mix and match between the 05 and 06 models. The only pics that changed were anything inside the cabin and any shots of the front of the car. It's amazing how they retained most of the rear shots of the car. I thought there were supposed to be changes with the rear. Obviously not noticeable enough to warrant new photos. Lovely interior but that's where it begins and ends for me (compared to 05), oh and the new fog lights are good also.

[chosen_one]

me_kevinly, it's funny you should mention audio. I couldn't find anywhere in either the brochure or website any mention of the audio unit being mp3 compatible. I thought that would have been the norm these days.
EDIT: was just reading the Acura TSX gets a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for MP3 players.

[cupnoodle]

if you don't get the sat nav option, what's in the space where it originally exists?

[chosen_one]

if you don't get the sat nav option, what's in the space where it originally exists?
Most likely be just like the 05 dash.

[me_kevinly]

me_kevinly, it's funny you should mention audio. I couldn't find anywhere in either the brochure or website any mention of the audio unit being mp3 compatible. I thought that would have been the norm these days.
EDIT: was just reading the Acura TSX gets a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for MP3 players.

yep, also the "Multimedia player" which is the mp3 player is still avaible as an option

[EuroDude]

Concerning the stereo, both the non-mp3 and the mp3 one are 6-disc units right?

Is it true that all the 06 models have mp3 as standard now (not an option anymore)?

[chosen_one]

Concerning the stereo, both the non-mp3 and the mp3 one are 6-disc units right?

Is it true that all the 06 models have mp3 as standard now (not an option anymore)?
Stereo in either standard or lux is a 6 disc in dash changer, however from what I'm reading they aint mp3 compatible. The US version of our Euro has an auxillary jack on the centre console. So I'm not sure if that means you can plug in an ipod or not????

I stopped in at a Honda dealer today to have a look at the latest. They only had one blue 06 lux (no sat nav) in the yard. She was all the way down at the back still with most of the shipping plastic on it. Even a couple of the wheels had these funny looking shipping protectors on them. The lux wheels look a lot better in the flesh IMO (05 are still better). The interior looked super schmick too (even without the sat nav). Even the bling bling on the grill looked better in the flesh too.

[UNLS1]

We have a nice red 06 with sat nav on the floor and a 06 lux without too!
:D

[ant234]

I'm tempted to come down for a look james... When I'm back to Melb during christmas times!

[stephen8512]

im just wondering, can someone clear this up?
does the 06 euro's sunroof be closed even after u take the key out of the ignition?
cuz as some of u with luxury euro's know, if, say, u had ur sunroof on tilt or fully opened and lets say you were parking ur car and turned ur car off forgetting to close the sunroof, the sunroof can only be closed if u put the key back in the ignition and turning it to the "ON" position.

does the euro 06 model have an independant switch or something that gives the driver 30 seconds or something like that to close the sunroof?

[_CiVIC_]

We seriously need to consider bringing the Acura range into Aus... My cousin in the U.S has an Acura TL, and I must admit I do fancy it more than the Euro. It has voice activated bluetooth/calling capability, Sat Nav via DVD, DVD audio, full leather interior, a bit of Carbon Fibre here and there, the choice of tiptronic or 6spd manual, electric sunroof, HID's, all of these which are standard. The Acura TL worked out $35,000US which when converted is about the price of an Accord Euro.

BRING THE ACURA TL TO AUSTRALIA!!!

[Catcha]

We have a nice red 06 with sat nav on the floor and a 06 lux without too!
:D

They say the maps are DVD based ??? so if your using your cd player listening to music you can't use the sat nav ?

[UNLS1]

lol nah its got the norm 6 stacker for mp3 and cd and where ur old storage lid thing was is the dvd player champ...

[Catcha]

Doh hahah........so with these maps when they are update how much will they cost from honda..i bet and arm and a leg :)

[UNLS1]

lol dont hate me but i was told around $500 :|

[msnealo]

They should include map updates for the length of the warranty.

Another idea would be to include updates while you own the car for say $500 at time of purchase.

Another idea might be to offer like a subscription service, you pay a $100 a year and are entitled to free updates.

[Catcha]

They should include map updates for the length of the warranty.

Another idea would be to include updates while you own the car for say $500 at time of purchase.

Another idea might be to offer like a subscription service, you pay a $100 a year and are entitled to free updates.

That would not be a bad idea I reckon, but obviously they need to milk you for everydrop.........:D
or updates for $100 a year would be reasonable I reckon......

[stephen8512]

hey can someone answer my question plz

[msnealo]

hey can someone answer my question plz

Give people a chance :confused: , it was only two hours between you asking a question and then asking again for someone to answer it.

oh and I don't know the answer.

[UNLS1]

im just wondering, can someone clear this up?
does the 06 euro's sunroof be closed even after u take the key out of the ignition?
cuz as some of u with luxury euro's know, if, say, u had ur sunroof on tilt or fully opened and lets say you were parking ur car and turned ur car off forgetting to close the sunroof, the sunroof can only be closed if u put the key back in the ignition and turning it to the "ON" position.

does the euro 06 model have an independant switch or something that gives the driver 30 seconds or something like that to close the sunroof?
\

same in 06 model mate

[EuroDude]

Dont u mean 'same in 05 model'?

Whats the answer anyway? Im curious myself :)

[msnealo]

I think he means by same in 06 model that the setup for the sunroof hasn't changed from 05.

[matt]

We seriously need to consider bringing the Acura range into Aus... My cousin in the U.S has an Acura TL, and I must admit I do fancy it more than the Euro. It has voice activated bluetooth/calling capability, Sat Nav via DVD, DVD audio, full leather interior, a bit of Carbon Fibre here and there, the choice of tiptronic or 6spd manual, electric sunroof, HID's, all of these which are standard. The Acura TL worked out $35,000US which when converted is about the price of an Accord Euro.

BRING THE ACURA TL TO AUSTRALIA!!!


i think you would find that the next facelift/model change would probably have most of these features in any way, american and euro countries seem to get the goodies first.
And about the price, its more than just a currency change to work out the price, its related to the market as well as many other factors eg Acura sell 100000 Acura TL where honda aus sell 20000 accord euros per year, who's going to get the better price? (random figures but you get the idea)
i get the same line at work all the time "i can but product x for $1000 from the US but its $3000 here, why?"

[msnealo]

We seriously need to consider bringing the Acura range into Aus... My cousin in the U.S has an Acura TL, and I must admit I do fancy it more than the Euro. It has voice activated bluetooth/calling capability, Sat Nav via DVD, DVD audio, full leather interior, a bit of Carbon Fibre here and there, the choice of tiptronic or 6spd manual, electric sunroof, HID's, all of these which are standard. The Acura TL worked out $35,000US which when converted is about the price of an Accord Euro.

BRING THE ACURA TL TO AUSTRALIA!!!



i think you would find that the next facelift/model change would probably have most of these features in any way, american and euro countries seem to get the goodies first.
And about the price, its more than just a currency change to work out the price, its related to the market as well as many other factors eg Acura sell 100000 Acura TL where honda aus sell 20000 accord euros per year, who's going to get the better price? (random figures but you get the idea)
i get the same line at work all the time "i can but product x for $1000 from the US but its $3000 here, why?"

Couldn't agree more. The cheapest 3 series BeeM in America is the 3 litre 325i starting at US$31000. Our 325i starts here at AUS$72000 (nearly double even after currency exchange).

[matt]

i just had a good look over the new web page, "gold exhaust finisher" seems a little tacky to me, was that an option on the pre-facelift?
no mention of the optional 17" wheels, be nice ot see what they look like.

[ant234]

actually while we're talking about the 06 car... any indication when a brand new model might come out? rough estimates...

[chosen_one]

actually while we're talking about the 06 car... any indication when a brand new model might come out? rough estimates...
Suggestions are that the new model may resemble the red concept car from the Tokyo Motor Show (I think) due for release in 2008.

[Tobster]

On a number of points:

The TL works out at about AUD$46000 -- but it's made in the US. There are no overseas shipping costs which we're faced with here in Australia.

The US is also a much bigger market in general, which makes the base unit cost of anything smaller (for those with no experience of sales and marketing). The population of the US is about 15 times that of Australia -- the population of California alone is nearly double Australia's population.

The 3-series is made in South Africa, and we have no idea of what sort of trade agreements there are between the countries. We also don't really know about local taxes and economies so you can't really compare pricing on anything.
(I've edited my original post -- weirdly their 325 is 3 not a 2.5 but not as powerful as the 330!)

The gold exhaust finisher (like the gold badging) was always available from when the car was first launched in 2003. I have seen a few cars with them.

I agree that the Tokyo concept is probably the basis for the next Euro -- I think you can see the lines of the current car in it...

While I've heard 2008 is the release of the next model, most cars work on a 6-7 year manufacturing lifespan, so I doubt we'd see anything here before 2009. You might see the car revealed in 2008 or stocks made available in December 2008 at the earliest (just speculating).

[accordoholic]

Just one question to some of you guys to clear things up.

Do you guys know what the Acura range means?

They rebadged it in the states to Acura for marketing purposes only. The cars they have under the brand Acura is the upper range of the Hondas we have here so we don't really need to bring the Acura range over here to Australia. We have it here like the Integra (aka RSX), NSX, and Accord Euro (aka TSX). The only one we don't have currrently is the TL which is known as Legend which we are getting here anyway and we had Legends before as well.

And Acura is not like the Eunos that was marketed by Mazda or the Lexus by Toyota. The Acura range is actually the Honda range itself.

1 more thing, the gadgets that come in the TL in the states may not be the same in the Legend here when it comes out. It's up to how Honda Aust wants to market it. And if they want to, they can put all those gadgets into a Jazz if they really want it to. Those are really just extras and not really a necessity for the car to work.

[UNLS1]

very true, my 06 integra has the rego RSX-000, not many people know its the US version integra name rsx....



yes u can option the same gold exhaust thingy on the 06 like the 05

[Tobster]

The only one we don't have currrently is the TL which is known as Legend which we are getting here anyway and we had Legends before as well.


The TL isn't the Legend -- it's basically a V6 TSX (Euro) with fatter wheel arches.

The RL is the new Legend.

I read a while ago that Honda were contemplating introducing Acura as a brand in Australia: it's basically a maketing strategy to enable them to pitch certain cars against established luxury marques like BMW. You have a high-end range and a low-end.

Nissan does the same thing in the US with its Infiniti brand.

Lexus is much the same story: the brand was created for the US market and has apparently only just been launched in Japan where everything was just badged Toyota.

[albii]

i gotta say i went and saw the 06 today and it's definitely a sideways step from the 04-05 euro..the front bumper looks good in darker colours but the grille is hideous and the sideskirts look good also..i thought i liked the new steering wheel but after i saw it in person i dont.....overall def a sideways step ..if you have an 04-05 euro dont even bother with trading it in .btw the 17s look ok but the standards 16s are fugly.

[aleksandrov]

The TL isn't the Legend -- it's basically a V6 TSX (Euro) with fatter wheel arches.

I believe it's a totally different car, which only looks similar to the TSX (Euro) from the front. The most obvious differences are the side panels, the rear end, the interrior (which is not only different to the Euro, but also to the TSX, which itself has a different interrior to the Euro), and the front bumper bar. It's also supposed to be a larger car. Go to the TL section on the Acura homepage and take a close look at the image gallery.