2009 Honda Accord Euro revealed NEWS

With the 2008 Honda Accord set to make its Australian debut later this month at the Melbourne International Motor Show, Honda has taken the covers off its highly-anticipated 2009 Accord Euro edition.

A sharper rendition of the current model, the all-new Accord Euro adopts a more muscular stance as it is significantly wider and slightly lower than the outgoing model.

The Accord Euro range will be one of the first to offer a complete engine line-up which complies with Euro 5 emissions set to take effect in September 2009.

The new i-DTEC diesel engine employs the latest piezoelectric multi-stage fuel injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for significantly reduced emissions.

Power and torque figures of the i-DTEC engine have been increased with 110kW available at 4,000rpm whilst peak torque stands at 350Nm from a lazy 2,000rpm.

The 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine offers similar performance to its predecessor with 114kW of power, but extends its class leading fuel economy.

The more powerful 2.4-litre engine also outranks its predecessor with 147kW of power at 7,000rpm and 233Nm.

All three engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, however the petrol variants also offer an optional 5-speed automatic.

A shift indicator light on manual models advises when to shift gears either up or down for optimal fuel efficiency as opposed to performance; Honda tests have demonstrated fuel savings of as much as 5 per cent simply by following these commands.

The 5-speed automatic transmission incorporates steering wheel mounted paddles which allow manual shifting and gear hold whilst in sequential shift mode.

The lower centre of gravity and wider track have made the new Accord Euro a far more nimble creature, featuring all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity.

Speed sensitive electric power steering and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard on all models. These technologies come together in Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) which detects instability in slippery conditions and automatically initiates subtle steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction.

The optional Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) combines both safety and convenience incorporating a suite of three technologies: Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS).

The first of these is the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) which uses a camera to detect the car deviating from a traffic lane and provides steering torque when necessary, thereby reducing the burden of motorway driving while at the same time enhancing safety.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a millimetre-wave radar to maintain a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front, for more relaxed, less tiring driving.

The third ADAS system is the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) which monitors the following distance and closing rate between the Accord and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver when a collision is likely and helping reduce impact when a collision becomes unavoidable.

Australian pricing, availability and specifications are yet to be announced, however the 2009 Honda Accord Euro sedan and touring models will hit overseas showrooms mid next year.