top-speed per gear has absolutely no indication of how quick a car is.. infact in my opinion, it's the opposite. a higher top-speed per gear would indicate taller ratios.. this would actually sacrifice acceleration for a higher speed.

The ratios on the new 6-speed are definately CLOSER matched than CL9. wether they've shortend and closed the ratios or simply shortened the final drive, the effect is the same - much snappier !!

I took a Std. Manual home the other night and it was very very impressive.

the mid-range torque is so much stronger than the CL9 and it actually throws you back in the seat when u floor-it in even 3rd and 4th gears !!

there is a definate change in the audible tone at 5,000RPM (or just after) when VTEC engages and while there's less of a 'kick' than the CL9, this is probably due to the gains in mid-range masking the changeover point... like the B16A has a strong VTEC 'kick' but the B18C-R isnt quite as violent at changeover due to the extra torque before the switch point.

But overall this new model is a substantial evolution from the previous model and when you consider the price has dropped $1,000 across the lineup and we have more car with more features - it's definately a good move.

As Aaronng said (i think) that this is the first time in a while he'd felt excited behind the wheel of a new model - i'd have to agree. the FN2 was great but you kind of expect that from that kind of vehicle.. the ACCORD was a huge improvement over the older model also but is also of the standard you'd expect - where this new Euro is even beter than I expected and a significant improvement over the CL9 - which in it's own right is still an exceptionally good car.