Revscene Quick Take: 2000 Honda Accord Euro R

[!Aznboi128]

As some of you might know I have somewhat of a fascination with Accords. It think it started back when I was younger watching BTCC. The Accords, Volvo S40, Nissan Primera and others were racing around tight technical tracks and they all looked amazing. Those races really showed off what these family haulers can do. So when the time came for me to purchased my first car I got myself a 1999 Honda Accord v6 Sedan, with an automatic…. It was only good for grocery runs. My Accord was a fat North American version while other parts of the world get a lighter, tighter, smaller and much more agile version of the Accord and this Euro R is the finest example. The Euro R was basically the Type-R version of the Accord while retaining sound deadening, with a H22a it has 220hp and it sings all the way to a redline of 7200. The power deliver is smooth with a notable hit of the good ole DOHC VTEC. To aid the agility the Euro R only weigh in at 2932 lb which is some 400 lb less than the North American model and only 300 more than the Integra Type R. And since it has more torque then the Integra at 163 comparing 135 ft-lb, it easily kept up on a track at Tsukuba, just watch some era specific Best Motoring episodes.





Dynamics play a big part of the car’s character and the Euro R is gushing with it.The shifter is precise, with minimal slack. Throws are short and accurate even a bit notchy, steering is tight with a good on centre feel. After a few minutes with this car I felt a strong connection unlike any modern cars I’ve driven this car has a sense of urgency about it. This particular example has 112k kms and it feels as tight if it was new, the additional chassis bracing doing its job over the past 16 years. Brakes have great initial bite and able to slow the car down with ease without triggering ABS. Suspension was soft and compliant but stiff enough to take corners with minimal body roll. In the corners the car feel neutral, lift off the throttle the car will rotate as it helps the front dig in. And at the exit the factory limited slip diff pulls the car out without any hassle and minimal wheel spin.






Inside the cabin the car can be somewhat basic. There’s minimal toys although the owner did put in a double din Pioneer App-Radio for some tunes but there’s not much to distract you from the pure joy of driving. Some might find the drivers seat just a bit high, but it wasn’t something that bothered myself as it just brought me closer to the Momo designed steering wheel, similar to the srs unit found in the Integra but with a bronze H logo instead. Unlike the Integra, and this is where it shines, the accord still has a spacious rear seats and ample legroom and tons of trunk space for any storage thats needed.





After a couple of hours with the Euro R I’ve already fallen in love, from the way it drives to how surprisingly good it was on gas this car has it all. Even with its smaller 16” wheels the car’s body lines just flows and because it’s a Japanese import, it’s rare and there’s not going to be many around. And don’t get fooled this isn’t a SIR-T with the smaller f20b engine, this is the full on Euro-R as marked by the badges, fender flares and those fabulous Recaro seats.



Lastly I just want to say Thanks to Alex (Tofu1413) for letting me drive his car, it currently is on sale but don’t wait too long this vehicle is worth much more then what he’s listing it for. http://www.revscene.net/forums/70927...rd-euro-r.html











Words and Photos by: Jimmy Mak

[asian_XL]

awesome, that's original paint? it seems need a really good polisher.

[68style]

Beautiful car, so many era-specific details to set it apart, thanks for the history lesson Aznboi and glwts Tofu

[underscore]

Stupid question, but since it's a Euro R and RHD, is it from the UK?

[flagella]

Got any vid of the car in action for the review?

[tofu1413]

Originally Posted by asian_XL

awesome, that's original paint? it seems need a really good polisher.

yep original factory paint.


nicely faded spoiler too


@underscore - the JDM market cars were called EURO R's, whereas the British version was strangely called the Accord Type R.


there are minor cosmetic differences between UKDM and JDM cars, such as the spoiler, interior trim, rims and such. Also for some reason the UKDM cars get an even shorter ratio gear box, as the Euro R itself is essentially a Prelude gear box with shorter gearing and LSD (that works just like the ITR)



Wide flared arches, factory dual exhaust, deep air dam, light weight 16" rims and the recaro / momo interior sets the difference between the run of the mill Accord SIR and the euro R.


the Car itself is an impressive package - auto climate control, power folding mirrors, factory Xenon lighting, and even an adjustable early version of the Honda's Electric Power steering (EPS)

Clearly this car was aimed at the E46 BMW 3 series when it came to chassis dynamics, and of course the weight advantage of the Honda is evident in its eagerness and agility that is not a wholelot different from the DC2 Integra R.

Its not exactly the fastest Honda, eclipsed by the lighter and more focused CTR and ITRs, but Euro R is a very well rounded and competitive package that can give those two smaller siblings a good run for the money when it comes to raw performance, in a much more mature package.

[twitchyzero]

Originally Posted by underscore

Stupid question, but since it's a Euro R and RHD, is it from the UK?

Euro R is exclusive to Japan (as confusing as the naming is)
Europe got the Type R trim of this chassis though

[!Aznboi128]

Originally Posted by flagella

Got any vid of the car in action for the review?

Sadly no, I didn't get a chance to get any videos of the vehicle.

[StanleyR]

you should do a review on a Volvo 850R

[!Aznboi128]

Originally Posted by StanleyR

you should do a review on a Volvo 850R

Would be amazing if I can find one, and a SVT contour....

[white rocket]

Wish I could get comfy with RHD. This is the perfect daily!! Nice review

[!Aznboi128]

Originally Posted by white rocket

Wish I could get comfy with RHD. This is the perfect daily!! Nice review

This was my 2nd RHD car I've driven. Although some left turns were a bit sketch overall I found it to be pretty liveable.

[ae101]

not sure if this is good car review or just great car sales ad lol

[tofu1413]

Originally Posted by ae101

not sure if this is good car review or just great car sales ad lol

oh yeah its great.



why havent you taken delivery of my car yet

[flagella]

Great car. If only I could live with turning left in an RHD car...