Honda Accord Euro

2.4-litre, five-speed auto
Four-door sedan
Price: $35,500

Best features

• Performance
• Smoothness and quietness
• Comfort
• Ergonomics

In the upheaval which is part and parcel of the ABC process, the tiniest of tweaks can make a difference. Just look to Honda’s subtly enhanced Accord Euro which gains the ascendency in 2005 as its former conquerors tough it out against a German upstart. Volkwagen’s bid to swing Golf upagainst tougher foes backfired – just – but caused damage to 2004 winner Subaru Liberty and 2003 champion Mazda6.

Late last year Honda eased Euro’s cost by $750, which lifted its marks for pricing and depreciation. A decision to add a full-sized spare wheel also pushed up the Euro’s practicality. And that silky Honda drivetrain, marginally in front before, now occupies the summit for smoothness and quietness.

It’s difficult to find any dynamic determinant where more expensive European brands beat their Japanese namesake. Honda Euro is a driver’s device way beyond its price point.

Buyers will relish a competent and comfortable ride, the polished match between engine and automatic transmission, and a communicative front-wheel-drive handling package. Other on-road attributes include powerful brakes and a supremely silent cabin.

The Euro doesn’t make the strongest case for value-for-money, but it is no slouch either. Its fuel consumption on premium unleaded petrol is a bummer. Another letdown is security, an issue with other Hondas as well. Honda needs better cabin checks and less accessible engine immobilisers. Otherwise the Euro’s design provides top marks for seat comfort and build quality, thoughtful ergonomics plus high scores for space and safety.

It’s a toss of the coin to decide on the better Golf. The diesel version is more affordable, courtesy of its fuel economy, but less environmentally friendly. Neither car is able to make a major move away from its sibling in design or driveability, but both run the segment’s leading Japanese players a merry race. Space is one of the duo’s few shortfalls.

The Subaru Liberty fell foul of stricter rules for safety and environment in 2005, and slipped back on security, but improved on depreciation cost, and running and repair bills. The all-wheel-drive Subaru stands tall for its on-road qualities and fine design, but is still costly to own and run.