[CU2] 2009 Euro Launch for Ozhonda members in melb!

[UNLS1]

just an update, the night is looking to be a bit bigger than expected, we now have 120 confirmed guests!

[EuroAccord13]

Do OzHonda members get VIP parking there? ..
Looks like it is going to be a good event! See ya all there!

[UNLS1]

lol id get there early for a park or park in our ford or honda car parks

[EuroAccord13]

Mmmm.. Don't think I can be there any earlier than 7 LOL!

[IVTECS4]

I'll be there on time... hmm have to leave early to avoid traffic jams..

[UNLS1]

as i said, just park in the honda car park round on bell/banksia st or go to the ford one off dora st if ur there around 7 or just after!
Euros arrived today, lol the F1 honda car arrives tom morn

[panda[cRx]]

travis honda in frankston is having their euro launch night on the 24th of june.
call 9786-1022 during business hours or pm me to rsvp

[UNLS1]

why so late?

[N3M3SIS]

just if you guys wanna have a look at a website with the new euro, although some different varients

www.honda.co.uk has the new euro under the name accord saloon EX
but doesnt offer the 2.4 engine in base trim, only lux

[EuroAccord13]

Sorry James, won't be able to make it tonight due to last minute work problems with my overseas counterparts.

Will pop by and speak to you another time....

[yfin]

Thanks for the invite to this - it was great! I am tempted by this new model after the presentation from the product trainer. And the price on the standard of $32,990 + ORC is really great! Luxury manual is $39,990+ORC. +2000 for auto. Good pricing I think.

Lots of improvements on the old model as demonstrated by the detail the product trainer went through with us.

Need a test drive now! Apparently the new model is faster than the old one (despite the weight increase) due to shorter gearing, 148kw, electric steering, more torque as well as high cam VTEC set lower at around 5300rpm. Fuel consumption is 8.9 combined - 0.5 lower than the current model.

interestingly the auto has slightly lower torque - 230nm vs 234nm for the 6mt. Unsprung weight is improved due to the use of more alloy (i think the trainer said the hubs are now alloy compared to the old model?).

Larger rims and brakes is nice as well is the 10 speaker stereo with sub woofer even on the standard, aux input standard for mp3. Air con glove box, strut brace, shorter throw on the gearshift.

Apparently handling is much improved -significantly flatter than the current model around corners due to lower centre of gravity, and a much stiffer chassis (car is also lower to the ground). Revised camber and castor settings all round.

I asked about a sport model - it will not be available for 2 years until the model 'refresh'.

I also asked about wanting more power like the K23 turbo. Unfortunately there is no more power coming. If anything the trainer said Honda is looking at a trend towards lower power due to chasing better fuel consumption figures.

The car is also significantly quieter on the road as honda has increased the sound deadening. The interior noise levels are less than a 3 series BMW.

Some additionals whilst I remember - memory seats on the luxury, parking sensors, dipping mirrors, reversing camera with sat nav model. Curtain airbags even on standard model now.

some facts from the brochure
Kerb weight 1525 manual standard - auto 1555
Kerb weight 1570 euro lux mt - auto 1605!!! Big increase in weight....My old manual was 1375kg.

Overall - excellent value for the money and made in Japan. I know people say that the Thai models are just as good - but lets see which Accord holds up better in 10 years time. New model is bloody good value for the money - now just need to drive it.

edit --- some more facts.. The luxury has 18x8 rims but only a space saver in the boot due to the size of the rim. The standard has 17" rims but a full size spare. This makes the boot slightly smaller in the standard. Overall I don't see the boot being significantly different to the old model - this one is 467 litres versus the capacity of 418 on the old model. (I think the boot size of 467 litres is a mistake as the wide body accord is listed as 450 litres and I have seen this wide body accord boot and it is huge compared to the euro...)

A diesel may well be on the way - but is manual only at the moment.

Interior trim colour for all models is now black - there is no cream interior anymore.

[SPQR]

Thanks yfin. It sounds really good and worth the wait. No cars in Darwin yet. They'll probably turn up two weeks from now given that the new Accord appeared here two weeks after everywhere else in Oz. Having said that, I'd better check the dealership tomorrow!