KEY POINTS:
The revamped Honda Accord Euro is a sharp-looking mid-sizer with a revised 2.4-litre engine, sporting 5 per cent more power and about 8 per cent better fuel economy.
As the name suggests, it's European in flavour and its driving dynamics - a seriously good car that comes complete with Honda's no-discount "price promise".
It starts at just $36,000 for the entry S car, $43,500 for the leather-trimmed L and $46,500 for the top-line satellite navigation version.
So really, it's more of the same, except that a wagon has returned to the Accord range after a decade.
The so-called Tourer is more sporting than spacious.
In fact, with the luggage cover in place the boot is smaller than the sedan's, but it looks the business and certainly adds an extra dimension to the new line-up.
Also new is a technology called Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS), which works in conjunction with the stability control system. It alters the weighting of the power steering one way or the other in an emergency situation, to "suggest" the most effective action to the driver.
The company line "The Accord Euro once again steps up to set the benchmark for a true driver's premium sedan, with performance matched by safety, economy and specification."
In the oddly selective way car companies often do, Honda New Zealand argue if you ignore hatchback and wagon sales (neither were offered in the previous Euro), the Accord is the biggest-selling model in the class over its total life.
It's also a favourite with private buyers - the Ford Mondeo and Mazda6 have a "discount" and "company car" image, argues the H-brand.
What we say Now, now, no need to be nasty. It's fair to say the original 2003 Accord Euro redefined the class. It was a real image-builder for Honda, great to drive and the first in the class to introduce stability control as standard.
But it's also fair to say its Ford and Mazda rivals have come a long way since then - both are truly talented and desirable, so it's hard to see the Accord Euro attaining quite the same hero status for Honda.
On the road The 2.4-litre engine is beautifully engineered and meets Euro 5 emissions regulations, which are not due until next year. The outputs are also impressive, with 148kW/234Nm.
However, it's still typically Honda - peaky if you want to take advantage of all that power.
The previous Euro gained a reputation as a real driver's car and the new model does little to change that. It feels like a larger machine from behind the wheel (it's 50mm longer and 8mm wider), but once you're on the move it's still a solid performer through the corners.
The new car is also more refined, although tyre noise on New Zealand's coarse chip seal - always a Honda bugbear - remains an issue with the new Euro.
So what's stopping you? Tourer aside, the Euro might be too similar to the model that it replaces.
It's an impressive car, but the changes feel incremental.
Still no diesel-engine option either.
