Honda’s Jekyll-and-Hyde machine

Despite their similar looks, Honda’s new wide-body and Euro Accords come with substantial differences, and target entirely different markets.

The wide-body Accord – which Honda offers with either a 2.4-litre (118kW) four-cylinder engine or a very powerful 3.0-litre (177kW) V6 – is slightly larger than the Euro.

The Euro is something of a Jekyll-and-Hyde. It looks sporty but feels very refined, even sedate, around town. But open it up on a country road and it can be exhilarating, with spirited performance and excellent cornering. Sure-footed, its six-speed manual provides total control and the perfect gear for any situation. It offers more power than many of its rivals.

A sports version, the Euro competes with Mazda 6, Vectra CDX, Camry Sportivo and a number of sporty European imports.

Both Euro models (Euro and Euro Luxury) feature a punchy 2.4-litre DOHC V-TEC four-cylinder engine, which delivers an impressive 140kW at 6,800rpm and 223Nm at 4,500rpm.

Outside, Euro’s more aggressive front end features narrower headlamps with projector-style lenses, and a bolder front grille and larger air intake. A lower stance and low-profile tyres enhance its profile, while the rear end features a deep-section bumper and dual exhausts.

...offers more power than many of its rivals.
Blessed with good looks...

Standard features on both Euro models include:

• Dual-zone climate-control air conditioning.
• Power windows and mirrors.
• Keyless entry.
• Cruise control.
• Security alarm.
• Front and side airbags for driver and front-seat passenger.
• ABS brakes and vehicle stability assist system.
• Six-speaker, six-disc CD audio system.

In addition, Euro Luxury comes with:

• Leather trim.
• Electrically operated, heated and multi-adjustable front seats.
• Electric tilt-slide sunroof.
• Front and rear curtain airbags.

Drive is to the front wheels, through the standard close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, or an optional five-speed Grade Logic automatic transmission, with sequential-shift “manual mode”. At normal acceleration rates, the engine is whisper quiet and seems sedate. Pushed hard, however, the engine quickly and freely accelerates all the way to redline (7,000rpm) and has no trouble propelling the 1,400kg Euro out of the blocks at a surprising rate.

The six-speed manual gearbox is one of the best the Police Journal has used. Gear changing is light and easy, almost oily smooth. Similarly, the five-speed automatic is silky smooth, with most changes going unnoticed.

Blessed with good looks, the Euro is superbly appointed and beautifully finished inside. Its seating is very comfortable, and ergonomics, particularly for the driver, are good. All seating positions come with the bonus of a three-point seatbelt and headrest.

Accord’s narrow, emergency-type spare wheel – which we’re not mad on – contributes to its massive boot. Perhaps unfortunate, too, is Euro’s requirement for premium unleaded fuel. However, in light of its size and power, the car is very fuel-efficient.

At $34,250 (Euro manual) and $40,800 (Euro Luxury manual) both cars are well priced. Automatic transmission adds an extra $2,000.

All power and luxury

Since its huge success with CRV, Honda has made a foray into the large 4WD market, with its Canadian-built MDX. Designed to compete with the likes of BMW X5, Mercedes M-class and Lexus RX330, this is not a serious rock-hopping, off-road machine.

To that end – and with limited off road ability, reasonable ground clearance but no low range – MDX is big, wide, luxurious and powerful.

On a Police Journal test-drive – in the suburbs and hills, and on the highway and unsealed roads – it performed faultlessly. An excellent highway cruiser, it is smooth and comfortable. And it returned good economy for a vehicle of its size, as the tacho read a leisurely 1,700rpm at 100km/h. On test, it averaged 13.4 litres/100km.

MDX is powered by a lusty 3.5-litre, all-alloy, multi-valve V-TEC V6 engine, which delivers 191kW of power at 5,800rpm, and 345Nm of torque at 3,500rpm. The engine is mounted transversely, with all power normally distributed to the front wheels via a slick five-speed automatic transmission.

If the going gets tough, its variable torque management four-wheel-drive system (VTM-4) activates, and distributes torque progressively to the rear wheels. The driver can lock the system at low speeds with the push of a dash-mounted button, but only in first, second or reverse gears.

Inside, MDX is luxuriously appointed with the usual leather, electric everything, lots of wood grain, heated seats with memory, plenty of airbags, a good sound system, and climate control systems for front and rear. It offers comfortable seating for seven in three rows – the rearmost is best suited to kids. The cargo area is massive and flexible, with various seat combinations.

Few hardcore off-roaders are likely to buy an MDX, but its $69,990 price tag makes it one of the cheapest of the luxury SUVs.