NEW 2009 EURO - at the track...

We had staff training at the AHG Driver Training Facility yesterday and i took a bunch of photos (sorry just phone pics) for you guys.

They only let us take out the Autos on the circuit mainly to demonstrate the new generation VSA system. We pushed the cars as hard as we could and failed to loose control of the vehicle with VSA on.

the chassis, much like the recently released ACCORD, is MUCH stiffer than the old model.

I'll post up some in-car vids and some more of my own personal 'observations' on the new EURO.. but am very interested to see what you all think about the looks of the car etc.

Feel free to post any questions and i'll get around to answering them asap. I have full specs etc here but it's late and I dont have time to post just now.

std auto
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_01.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_02.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_03.jpg

this angle shows the extra width and aggressive appearance from the flared guards
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_13.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_04.jpg

..and yes, they've changed the head to have the cast-in exhaust manifold so u can cancel that order for the TODA 4-2-1..
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_05.jpg

luxury auto with 18's
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_06.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_07.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_08.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_09.jpg

std. 6-speed FTW - and this is my favourite new colour
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_10.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_11.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_14.jpg

and AFTER the track abuse, we were taken on a route including the infamous 'zig-zag' road up in the hills.. this shot shows the funky 3D guage cluster layout while we follow another euro through one of the tight hair-pins.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...09-EURO_12.jpg

enjoy.. I did !!


p.s. the Mazda 6 has NO CHANCE !!!

sexy. i love it. im going to get one

Very nice! Thanks for the pics and report. I notice that the new Euro comes with a proper strut bar too!

nice! hot car there!

i m in for it...

wat price range ?? same as the current model??

It looks like an Autobot.

Very nice looking car... only thing it needs is the diesel engine :p

it DOES look like an Autobot HAHAHA the Mazda 6 is a DECEPTICON boooo.

pricing - i still gotta dig up the official pricing but I think the Std model is $1000 CHEAPER for the Manual but $1,000 more than the old model for the Auto. Luxury has a $1000 rise but the Lux Sat NAv is only $10 more than the old model.

i'll post up the pricing (plus ORC) later today when i get the chance - i got a heap of deliveries to get through.

4th pic look at the flare in the front guards mmmmmmmmmmmmm

looks so tough lol

OK It's time now to start a new forum for the new Euro and to relocate this thread to it. Obviously it won't be called the Euro CL9. So what is it?

looks great!, thanks for posting pics!

VT3C, thanks for the pics. But tell us more: What's it feel like inside? What's it smell like? Is it actually roomier? Is it Quieter? Is there any noticeable performance gain from the beefier torque? Does it track straight or does it wander on the road like the CL9? What's the ride like? What's the steering feel like? Does it have any cup holders? What's the stereo sound like? Is it easier to get into the back? Is the boot bigger? What tyres are fitted? What are the names of the colours? Does the glovebox lid fit properly? What equipment is included above and beyond the CL9? Does the remote control still enable the windows to wind down? Does the door key still enable the windows to be opened and closed?

We're hungry for meaningful info.

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What's it feel like inside?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What's it smell like?

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I'm kinda accustomed to that 'new-car-smell' these days however I did notice the smell of the leather in the Luxury when i first opened the door hahaha.. JDM cows smell better than Thai cows ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Is it actually roomier?

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yes MUCH roomier - especially shoulder room and knee-room in the back.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Is it Quieter?

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Honda definately tried to address the NVH levels of the car and have much more sound deadening material etc, however it doesnt compare with the ANC system on the Legend and V6-L.

when pushed harder, the engine itself is bordering on noisy though with a definate VTEC mini-pop similar to the NEW ACCORD. It has almost the identical composite intake manifold as the NEW ACCORD etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Is there any noticeable performance gain from the beefier torque?

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There's definately much more torque however that tends to flatten out the ower curve so the top-end doesnt feel as wild as the CL9. for 'normal' driving it was super smooth to drive but on the track the 'torque' tends to make it feel slower but am pretty sure it was faster in midrange at least.

The 6-speed when I drove it on the street was great !! they've made the ratios closer or the extra torque helps bring the ratios closer together if u know what I mean. The CL9's gears were too tall and far apart for my liking.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Does it track straight or does it wander on the road like the CL9?

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not sure what you mean as I havnt taken a CL9 to the track before, but the new Euro's chassis was beautiful and stiff and it seemed to go everywhere I pointed it. They've added in revised front suspension geometry and given more negative camber to the fronts so that can make mid corner stability much better sometimes at the cost of some straight line 'twitchyness'.. but I've never noticed what you say in either car.. perhaps yours needs a steering alignment or it's been in a side-impact crash ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What's the ride like?

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even though it's much stiffer than the CL9, the new one feels more luxurious when driven 'normally' but when pushed, the improvements in the chassis and sussy geometry makes it feel pretty agile. being so much more wider in track, it feels a lot different to the old model in that respect.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What's the steering feel like?

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the steering is great !! it has a new electronically assisted power steering system and while it doesnt have the Variable gear rack like the NEW ACCORD, it has a more direct feel for the road offering better driver feedback to the road like the S2000.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Does it have any cup holders?

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yes yes I think it has 8 cupholders for 5 passengers - plus it now has chilled / heated glovebox AND centre-console/armrest bin... like the FN2's glovebox.. so u can fill up the 8 cupholders and keep some cold ones in the glovebox too haha.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What's the stereo sound like?

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GREAT !! it has a new Alpine system with 10 SPEAKERS EVEN ON THE STD MODEL including a sub with separate fader to the sub like the V6-L. It now comes with an AUX input and WILL play your MP3 CD's also (AT LAST !!!)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Is it easier to get into the back?

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while there's more legroom in the back seat, I had a bit of trouble getting out of the rear as the door seemed even shorter than the old model !!! the door opens wider though.. and i'm 6'1"..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Is the boot bigger?

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the boot is a bone of contention.. it's no bigger :( and has a raised hump in the floor as the car was designed for a space-saver spare but we've fitted a full size 17" spare to the std. model. the Luxury has 18" wheels that apparently wont fit into the wheel well so they've had to use a space saver FTL.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What tyres are fitted?

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hrm I think they were michellin but i'll have to check..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What are the names of the colours?

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will have to check - i left my factbook at home LOL..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Does the glovebox lid fit properly?

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not sure what u mean there.. fit properly ? i never had trouble with any CL9' except when having the woodgrain trim kit fitted sometimes got in the way of the latch..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

What equipment is included above and beyond the CL9?

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lots !! will have to check the factbook tonight and post it all later,..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Does the remote control still enable the windows to wind down?

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NO !!!!! has a remote boot release but no auto windows down function anymore :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

Does the door key still enable the windows to be opened and closed?

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isnt that the same question LOL ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VT3C

isnt that the same question LOL ?

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Nope, the old Euro allowed you to autowind all windows up or down using the key when you put it in to the keyhole in the driver's side door and turn twice towards open (holding it at open the 2nd time) to wind the windows down, or turning it twice towards lock to wind the windows up.

Looks OK. At least still the best looking mid-class sedan out there in the market right now.

I notice the grill is much better looking than the American version Acura TSX.

Thanks again VT3C and to aaronng for setting VT3C straight on the CL9's secret drivers door keyhole function.

CL9's were know to have glovebox lid alignment problems. My car's never been in crash (yet) and the alignment is spot-on. I have always had problems with directional stability at high speed (that we used to be allowed to do in the NT) and with tramlining (which I think you've described as twitchiness in the steering).

Please follow-up with equipment and features details as well as colours.

Damn those 18"s look so small on the car... car must be huge !

Looks really nice! Definately like it better now that when i saw the first photos of it.

Kind of off topic, but will there be a euro-r variant of the new euro?

I still don't like the back, front looks quite beastly but. Loving the interior aswell.
Thanks for the pics, but i think ill keep my baby still

The grille sux imho - much prefer the chunker CL9 grille

hopefully mugen can save it's appearance...

Thanks for the write up VT3C!

As with sooo many other cars, i am pretty sure this new gen euro would loook much better in the flesh.
As it stands, i think with this generation, the accord looks better than the new euro.

Looks great, love the stock 18 in wheels. Back is much improved over current. Thx for the pics.

Sounds nice - definitely looking forward to the launch of the new Euro.

Depending on the RRP ... *thinks*

Don't like it at all. It looks like they took styling cues from the new commodore :(

I don't see any commodore......

I don't see a sunroof on the luxury model :(

Nice pics,Good to see some up close pics. Think its starting to look alot more impressive as apposed to previous pics i've seen. Not sure on the back though??

Be interesting to see some of the stlying mugen etc come up with, cant wait to see others start to mod what now is a new a breed to the honda community.:thumbsup:

im drivin them at sandown this thursday. looking forward to it!

Alls I can say is that I hope there are some nice looking after market front grilles in the pipleine. That chromy thing looks hideous, in my opinion. I thought the grille on the current model was bad, but this is worse. I still think the smaller grille on the 2003 model looked the best.

The new model looks absolutely terrible from every angle.

Good luck to Honda, they'll need it. I have a 2005 CL9 I'm looking to upgrade, this car won't even be on the shortlist.

That's look a grown up Euro but definitely looks nicer than the current. I need to see it with my own eyes before I can pass my judgement. Thanks for the sharing.

Even from the pics, it looks like the current Euro got its hands on some steroids and grew some flared arches, became meaner and got released as the new Euro!

The grill looks fine to me. Looks better than the 06-07 grill. Bigger is nice, lets more air into the radiator. As long as it doesn't get butchered like the Acura TSX's grill! Heck, the TSX grill looks like the grill from the Proton Gen2!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ura_TSX_NY.jpg

I am not against letting more air into the radiator,but they could have at least cut down on the chrome and painted the grille black or whichever body color each car is. It looks a bit too ricey at the moment.

ricey? The Aussie version looks class to me.

Where is that sunroof on that luxury?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by centurionau

I am not against letting more air into the radiator,but they could have at least cut down on the chrome and painted the grille black or whichever body color each car is. It looks a bit too ricey at the moment.

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Old people love chrome. :) That's how they will sell numbers. Honda will probably do a Modulo grill or similar. There should be also mugen grills and if you want it cheap, you can respray the chrome to black like what other 1st gen Euro owners did with the chrome.

Well, worse case scenario we just get one of those Acura grilles and paint the top section black, hehe.

its trying to be more like a Merc in case u haven't realised .. big bling grill ..

its growing more and more onto me .. but atm it'd only consider it if its around the same RRP mark as the current model .. not paying anymore for it ..

The new Euro grille is like that of the Accord. Maybe they've decided it's about time to bring in some "family resemblance" with the new schnoz.

^^ I don't see the resemblance with the Accord's grill. I reckon the new Accord's grill is more similar to the 03-05 Euro's grill!

The resemblance is not the overall shape (which is different) but the big Honda badge and the three horizontal bars with the ends notched back.

Apart from the chrome, I see no resemblance between the new Accord grille and the 03-05 Euro!

Grill looks pretty similar except that the Euro's grill gets an extra pointy end at the bottom.

http://asia.vtec.net/Reviews/08Accord/adm.jpg

http://arabam.milliyet.com.tr/fuar/2..._accord_xx.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aaronng

Grill looks pretty similar except that the Euro's grill gets an extra pointy end at the bottom.

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The 03-05 Euro Grille has only one horizontal bar. The Accord has three horizontal bars that are notched back the the ends; much like the new Euro. Look at VT3C's 4th and 5th photos of the Euro front end. It clearly shows the Accord-like three horizontal bars that are notched back the the ends.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SPQR

The 03-05 Euro Grille has only one horizontal bar. The Accord has three horizontal bars that are notched back the the ends; much like the new Euro. Look at VT3C's 4th and 5th photos of the Euro front end. It clearly shows the Accord-like three horizontal bars that are notched back the the ends.

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aaronng is referring to 03-05 model as per his picture, not 06+ model. the 03-05 did have 3 horizontal bars in-between the chrome border, except they are not chromed. Look carefully at the pics and you should be able to make out the 3 bars in the middle.

Does the boot lid have space intruding hinges, or space saving struts?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by centurionau

Does the boot lid have space intruding hinges, or space saving struts?

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http://photo.netcarshow.com/Honda-Ac...9_photo_34.jpg

how's the sunroof on the new luxury? with the annoying noise experienced in the early Euros...

and what tyres are the models running on?

also would the semi auto allow downshift that would see the engine rev hard? like 3rd to 2nd, once connected to 2nd, engine revs bounch near redline, I notice the early Euro's won't let you do that

and are you able to shortshift, with the semi auto? or even go up to third gear in slow slow engine speeds?

many thanks! and what a good job you've got there!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by euro77

aaronng is referring to 03-05 model as per his picture, not 06+ model. the 03-05 did have 3 horizontal bars in-between the chrome border, except they are not chromed. Look carefully at the pics and you should be able to make out the 3 bars in the middle.

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As I own an '04, I can confirm that this is strictly correct. However, the top bar and the bottom bar are recessed further back and are more infill than feature. The middle bar is prominent and visible.

The new Euro has three distinct and clearly visible horizontal bars that resemble those of the new Accord. They share a similar treatment at the ends of the bars where the bars are notched back toward the perimeter frame of the grille. The actual shape of the perimeter frames of the two cars are completely different but I suspect that the rakish design of the new Euro grille might add 5-6 km/h to the top speed.

The operative word is resemblance.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by evolution42

http://photo.netcarshow.com/Honda-Ac...9_photo_34.jpg

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That boot's a bit disappointing. Seems like an afterthought really.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Exar Kun

That boot's a bit disappointing. Seems like an afterthought really.

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ROFLMAO!!! >,,< agreed.

That boot is terrible. It's not square, it's not rectangle and not flat. Most of it is on some kind of angle. The boot to rear seats hole is smaller too.

Boot looks smaller than the current model.:thumbdwn:

wish i had the job of thrashing htat thing on track =( ... newai... wats the engine running on... i saw the boot pic.. where on the window it says "i-ctdi" instead of the cl9s "i vtec"... can someone explain wats it stand for?

o yeh and wtf 10 speakers with sub come as standard thats like beta than my home threatre system lol...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by crinchi

wish i had the job of thrashing htat thing on track =( ... newai... wats the engine running on... i saw the boot pic.. where on the window it says "i-ctdi" instead of the cl9s "i vtec"... can someone explain wats it stand for?

o yeh and wtf 10 speakers with sub come as standard thats like beta than my home threatre system lol...

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It's the 2.2L turbo diesel. if that came out, I think I would upgrade to the new Euro. LOL. Otherwise, I am happy enough with my old Euro.

Awful looking update

Mazda 6 >> New euro

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IAMVTEC

Awful looking update

Mazda 6 >> New euro

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In terms of looks alone? Or the whole car?

I like it :)
Definately going to buy one in a few years when my euro is due for an upgrade!

the new mazda 6 looks ugly... it's only when it the luxury(?) spec with the 17 inch rims and the spoiler that it looks ok(nothing exciting though).

The new Euro looks good in both standard and luxury trim - the 17s on the standard and 18s on the luxury makes it look good.

I dislike the orange blinkers? Why cant have it clear coloured lenses?

Also the boot is a big :thumbdwn: it doesnt look big at all and then its all wierdo shaped.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aaronng

It's the 2.2L turbo diesel. if that came out, I think I would upgrade to the new Euro. LOL. Otherwise, I am happy enough with my old Euro.

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You once said that you would not upgrade to new Euro because you gotta invest in property. Am I right or wrong? :p :confused:

lots of the blokes commin back from the euro track day are raving about it. im pumped for thurs arevo session with the car.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by UNLS1

lots of the blokes commin back from the euro track day are raving about it. im pumped for thurs arevo session with the car.

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I'm looking forward to next thursday... the presentation of the new euro and seeing it up close and personal :p - any news about the euro wagon or the i-dtec diesel engine(with a 5AT being available) mate? My old man is interested in the new euro wagon and the diesel.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Euro76

You once said that you would not upgrade to new Euro because you gotta invest in property. Am I right or wrong? :p :confused:

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Tsk tsk, bringing up private info on this forum is not smart. :thumbdwn: But even if I already had property, I won't get a petrol Euro. I'd keep the old Euro. Only way to make me change is with the diesel. :)

jsut come back from the track,
the 09 euro drive nice, smooth as and look great!
belted it around setting off VSA ABS, very nice!!


but! the back seat is shocking!! if the driver is tall.. u can only fit kits at the back

yeah the new generation VSA is just amazing.. i thought that i'd "tested" VSA in the past but on the track you can really try it out to see how in the extreme circumstances that it really does make all the difference.

Pricing anyone?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Type R Positive

Pricing anyone?

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http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showpos...0&postcount=32


Anybody know the exact release date?

i love the manual shifter the most =p its so nice n firm n kinda short compared to the current model civic euro etc .. lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dilan

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showpos...0&postcount=32


Anybody know the exact release date?

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It hasn't even been released in Japan yet! The Honda New Zealand website states it "Arrives June 19". That sounds about right for Australia even though there's not even a hit of it on the Honda Oz website. As far as they're concerned, the Accord Euro is in end of financial year sale mode. It should be released either on Thursday or Friday of this coming week.

Official launch date is 1 July, however stock is available from about 20 June. All models are $1000 less than old CL9 prices! Honda reduced '08 prices by $1000 a week ago in preparation for the '09. Standard curtain airbags and 10 speakers on all models, paddle shift on all models, front AND rear sensors on both Luxury models, about 2 inches more width inside car. 148kw, torque is slightly higher in manual...extra 4Nm from memory(234Nm?), BIGGER brakes all around with 2 pot calipers up front, narrower A pillars allow much wider field of vision. Everything VT3C said about the "feel" on the road is spot on! New colours inc Cobalt Blue, Buran Silver, Volcano Grey, there's a new Crystal Pearl Black. Pearl White and good ol' Milano Red remain. Aero bumpers are optional, as well as the usual body bits inc a Type R style ducktail spoiler and replacement sport grille insert. Auto dimming mirror is optional on Standard, too. Lots more to come when I get my hands on it this week! :)

mae eps vsa short shfiter (sorta) =p memory seats and the paddle shift auto can go into 3 different modes if i remember correctly .. and the last mode u can actually fuel cut it =p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sonnic

Official launch date is 1 July, however stock is available from about 20 June. All models are $1000 less than old CL9 prices! Honda reduced '08 prices by $1000 a week ago in preparation for the '09. Standard curtain airbags and 10 speakers on all models, paddle shift on all models, front AND rear sensors on both Luxury models, about 2 inches more width inside car. 148kw, torque is slightly higher in manual...extra 4Nm from memory(234Nm?), BIGGER brakes all around with 2 pot calipers up front, narrower A pillars allow much wider field of vision. Everything VT3C said about the "feel" on the road is spot on! New colours inc Cobalt Blue, Buran Silver, Volcano Grey, there's a new Crystal Pearl Black. Pearl White and good ol' Milano Red remain. Aero bumpers are optional, as well as the usual body bits inc a Type R style ducktail spoiler and replacement sport grille insert. Auto dimming mirror is optional on Standard, too. Lots more to come when I get my hands on it this week! :)

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Noice.Was looking to purchase a nissan murano or mazda cx7 cos the kids are getting bigger,but i will def consider the new euro considering it has gotten bigger.

2 pot calipers........ drool...

$1000 cheaper for base model sounds ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!

Missus wants to get a run out model, but I want the new model. She won't let me get a Liberty GT-B, or an Evo X, or what ever the hell other car I want, so I guess I will put the foot down and get a new model. :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dilan

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showpos...0&postcount=32


Anybody know the exact release date?

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Cheers mate!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sonnic

Official launch date is 1 July, however stock is available from about 20 June. All models are $1000 less than old CL9 prices! Honda reduced '08 prices by $1000 a week ago in preparation for the '09. Standard curtain airbags and 10 speakers on all models, paddle shift on all models, front AND rear sensors on both Luxury models, about 2 inches more width inside car. 148kw, torque is slightly higher in manual...extra 4Nm from memory(234Nm?), BIGGER brakes all around with 2 pot calipers up front, narrower A pillars allow much wider field of vision. Everything VT3C said about the "feel" on the road is spot on! New colours inc Cobalt Blue, Buran Silver, Volcano Grey, there's a new Crystal Pearl Black. Pearl White and good ol' Milano Red remain. Aero bumpers are optional, as well as the usual body bits inc a Type R style ducktail spoiler and replacement sport grille insert. Auto dimming mirror is optional on Standard, too. Lots more to come when I get my hands on it this week! :)

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yes, i heard from one of honda dealer the car will be launched officially on July 1st :)

dang.... now my euro is worthless....

if only it got the V6 motor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MKI4EVA

if only it got the V6 motor.

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And SH-AWD!!! :)

I just got off the phone to a dealer in Perth, and he said they are being released this friday, and they were all $1000 cheaper.
$37,300 drive away for the base model 6 speed.

Looks like I will be going to Perth!!!