Honda, as everyone is well aware, is a profoundly Japanese automobile manufacturer. In the genesis of the new Honda Accord Euro, though, they have decided to jettison most of the paraphernalia normally attached to such a cultural heritage, and instead aspire to hue close to a more European aesthetic. In style, in quality of design and manufacture, and in finesse of detail, the Accord Euro aims to, and for the most part achieves, a signally continental flourish, while still retaining the reliability and efficiency that have made the Japanese such power players in the global car market. The word Eurasian is too reminiscent of some strange, obscure little Soviet satellite state, puttering along about 60 years behind the time in the West – and so I will abjure it, for there is nothing strange or obscure that I could discern in the performance or composition of this car – and it did rather more than putter along.

In the Honda Accord Euro, the nose and xenon lights (in the Honda Accord Euro Luxury model; the basic version has halogen lights) are sharply pointed and give a very clear message of speed and purpose. The fresh look makes the Euro look a little different from other car marques and is class leading. Chrome trim and alloy wheels complete the sophisticated package.

Plunge into the velour immersion of the Euro’s seats – leather at that, should you wish to upsize to the Luxury model – and, if you can orient yourself such as to resurface, you’ll emerge to the welcome view of a comfortable and refined interior. Dual zone climate control makes your ride comfortable, while the classy 6 speaker audio system that incorporates an AM/FM tuner with a 6-CD in-dash stacker is a pleasure to listen to and easy to control with the steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Cruise control is standard on both versions, as is the 10 amp power outlet and the multi-information display screen that even monitors the outside temperature.

The sure-, and fleet of, footed design in which the Euro basks is married to a 2.4L engine that picks up to 140kW at 6,800 rpm and can push through to 223Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. A refined 5 speed semi automatic is available in the Honda Accord Euro, but the 6 speed manual transmission is quick. The Honda Accord Euro runs up to a reasonable 225km/h. A 0-100km time of 8 seconds shows that this car is made for driving with lots of verve, and the sports suspension set up is magnificent under pressure. With the Smart 17 inch alloys being shod with 225/45 rubber, and the sports suspension, this car feels like it is on rails. Economy is good too, with a combined figure of 31.4 mpg.

The Honda Accord Euro is a most impressive car. The most visually striking vehicle I’ve had the privilege of driving for some time, and the hottest Honda for my money, its gorgeous design is never let down by the performance and heavy lifting of which this middle-weight is capable. I have the hubris to suppose that this job of mine has perks that someone sitting behind a desk jabbing away with their fingers can’t really visualise – the Honda Accord Euro takes it out of the realm of schadenfreude and deposits my cogitation at pure pity for the defrauded majority. Life doesn’t get much easier or better than getting paid to write about cars like this.

Specifications:
• Engine: 2354cc, DOHC, i-VTEC
• Power: 148kW @ 7000rpm
• Torque: 234Nm @ 4300rpm
• Induction: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: five-speed automatic
• Differential/Driven Wheels: Front-wheel-drive
• Brakes: Four wheel discs
• Top Speed: N/A
• 0-100km/h: N/A
• 0-400m: N/A
• CO2 Emissions: 212g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 8.9-litres/100km
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 65-litres
• Fuel Type: 95RON petrol
• EuroNCAP Rating: five-star
• Airbags: six-airbags
• Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA. ESP.
• Spare Wheel: Space saver
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg braked / 500kg unbraked
• Turning Circle: 12.1m
• Warranty: three year/100,000km
• Weight: 1604kg
• Wheels: 18-inch alloy with 235/45R18 tyres