2000 Honda Accord Euro R review from Australia and New Zealand

Needed new clutch at 104000km - covered under my warranty free of charge (expensive job-$1100NZD through Honda).

Red paint has started to fade (mainly on plastic and bootlid/roof) - will look at getting it fixed when I earn some more money.

Well I sold my S14 Q's and went car hunting soon after. I was looking for something quick and fun to drive, but I had to be able to get full insurance for it. I looked through similarly priced Toyota Altezza RS200z, Mitsubishi Evo 4, BMW 328i. I wasn't too keen to get a turbo RWD so all the above cars I looked at were definite candidates. However, I eventually settled for a Milano Red Honda Accord Euro R.

The Euro R is not just some hotted up Accord, but more a potential track monster. It uses the H22a engine in its last guise and produces 220hp at around 7400rpm. This engine is a 2.2 litre, 16 valve, double overhead cam with Honda's vtec system, which kicks in at 5500rpm. This system gives the car a huge increase in power as well as a exhaust and an engine noise change. The engine in this car likes to rev and produces plenty of torque; unlike most Honda engines, however, the rev limiter feels like it is set too low (7500rpm). The 5 speed gearbox has very short ratios, which get the car up to speed very quickly. It also runs a helical-torsen LSD, which provides even grip and better cornering ability. This car has no traction control or stability assist-only ABS.

I have a 2.5" cat back exhaust as well as a short-ram intake with pod filter. Both these make the car a lot more responsive as well as making it sound very cool. The intake noise is phenomenal and will nearly drown out the exhaust. The only other modifications is the Tein Type Flex Coilovers installed, which the car a firm, but stable ride. This suspension set-up is awesome for corners and will be a great asset on the track.

The car handles like a dream, especially for a FWD, and is a great example of Honda engineering. Car runs Double-wishbone up front and 5-link rear suspension, as well as very thick swaybars and factory strut bar. Brakes are also very good - 300mm two pots up front and singles at the rear. They stop the car up very well and are a pleasant sight to see.

The car runs factory 16" magnesium (Enkei?) wheels which I have put on the new Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalins Re001 (205/50/R16). These give great grip and ride and helps the car get very fast mid-corner speeds, as well as wet-traction. Though this car would probably not beat a Integra Type R around a track (both factory) - it is a splendid vehicle that is more refined than the Type R.

The car is very subtle in its looks - lower down than the other Accord models. It has subtle sideskirts and can have a spoiler. The rear taillights are a gem to look at and the front of these cars must be one of the sexiest cars around. The Accord headlights matched with the front bar give this car the aggression it needs. Also the car has factory flares, which makes it look tougher than your average family sedan.

This car has a great interior-not crowded, but just right for the drivers car. The instrument cluster is done nicely in white with the euroR logo shown. The steering wheel is also a very nice momo item (same as in ITR). The car also runs EPS (electronic power steering) which has three settings (light, medium, hard) - I prefer hard.

The front seats are amazingly comfortable Recaros which are also found on late model Evolutions. Very nice seats in which a very nice, almost carbon-fibre fabric pattern woven in. Titanium gearknob is factory as well as lots of carbon-fibre inserts which give this car the sportier interior. Rear leg room is also good. Note this car does not have fold down rear seats which could annoy some people.

The boot itself is very large and can hold a fair amount of luggage. Has dual front airbags, air conditioning and cd player factory. Has very good HID lights which give great white light and has two front foglights.

45L gets me 450km around town and 45L gets about 550-600km open road driving (98 Octane). Full insurance for myself (19 years old) is NZD$590 per year, which is pretty good compared to Evolutions (NZD$1400).

This car has been a gem to drive and live with, and I do not regret buying it. I have only seen one other Euro R in my city so am very pleased with its uniqueness. I am definitely looking forward to taking it to the track. Would highly recommend this car to someone looking for a sporty, unique 4-door car with style.