Australian 2005 version changes?

[Aratahu]

I'm looking at trading my Honda Civic 2002 VI Hatch (96kw) in for an Accord Euro Luxury Manual (140kw).

The dealer said I would be getting the first of the 2005 shipments, but could not make any comments at all about any potential improvements.

Have any of you heard if anything is changing for the 2005 model? Or if it is just the same with 2005 on the paper instead of 2004?

I remember the Civic changed from 2002 to 2003 with the addition of a fuel / trip computer and moving the antenna to the back, no other cosmetical changes. Then they revised the spoilers a fair bit for the 2004 model.

Have decided on the black exterior/ivory interior colour. Would be great if I could get the dark marble instead of fake wood, but well, I'll live with it.

I was bent on getting the manual version but they only had the auto for test drives; my, that's a nice auto. Still going for manual though, from what I understood it is a pretty nice one?

Had an interesting experience intuitively trying to heel toe the auto whilst braking down - grippy brakes, checked off.

[Noel]

If you do a search on the general forum, you'd find what are general information listed on possible changes that Australia might see. Here are some of the stuff if I remember correctly.

- Steering Controls Backlit
- Memory Passenger Seat (Luxury Model Only)

[ChinchillaX]

also, you can look on Honda Australia's website.

www.honda.com.au

[Tobster]

Tarifs on imported cars are dropping 5% as of 1 January 2005; generally the prediction is that rather than drop prices, the cars will be better equipped instead. The updated Integra just got 17 inch wheels, so here's hoping we might get a wheel upgrade too!

[Aratahu]

Thanks guys! Great to see this much interest in my first post; I will do more research/searches into the forums to see what I've missed.

I've been studying the honda.com.au/accord/euro/ site religiously - that url came from memory and not a bookmark. ;)

The Jan 1 information was new to me and is very much appreciated. Seat memory would be fantastic; personally I'd love to see a current fuel consumption display, however backlit steering controls would be nice too. I'm a touch typist so don't think I'll need it, but it will look good.

I might just wait until January before doing anything about it if they [as in Honda in general] are not prepared to make any concessions before then about the import tax drop and new model improvements etc.

The sales person I spoke to was a good one, though, so hopefully we'll come to some arrangement!

I'm going up to Norway for X-mas anyway so it's not a huge rush for me. I'd love to get it in January though. The only problem for me now is really to decide between manual and auto. I'm a heel toer and like the control but was surprised to see how good the auto functioned. They didn't have a manual for demo. Anyone care to comment on how good it is? Anyone tried both?

[Noel]

The manual is good, trust me. Especially if you're a proficient manual driver. :thumbsup:

The 6MT close gear ratio gearbox, matched with drive-by-wire and the power output. It doesn't fare too far off from the Integra Type Rs and Ss.

If you don't fancy the additional upgrades, you should be able to get quite a bit of savings for whatever 04 models still available just before the 05 models hit the shores. Power and performance wise, there is not going to be a change.

[Joker]

I'm going up to Norway for X-mas anyway
Heja Norge! God Jul :thumbsup:

[Aratahu]

Heja Norge! God Jul :thumbsup:

Hehe ja endelig en hvit jul igjen :) Those hot X-mas'es never felt right!

Seriously, cars are so expensive back home there's no wonder why I moved down to Australia. That I happened to meet my fiance here is a very nice bonus. She gets to meet the family for the first time and there will be a nice car upgrade waiting for us when we get back down under again.

I'm thinking that if I can get the word I'm definitely getting the new 2005 model and that they are not going to reduce the price [thence, increase the feature list instead] then I'll put the order in now. But only if they will tell me as much.

[blueuro]

The manual rocks had only test driven autos then test drove the manual , it is now living in my garage.
As for changes for 2005 honda would not comment on what changes there would be.
But after driving the manual I couldn't wait until next year, and the car was the right colour .
The only problem i've found with the manual is that we have too many straight roads.

[Noel]

What has straight roads got to do with transmission choice?

Welcome as well. :thumbsup:

[Joker]

Hello, and welcome to the Club blueuro :wavey:

Joker - who is happy to see all the new member's from Australia :thumbsup:

[Aratahu]

Ok, it all sounds good - and manual it would be. My problem now is that I'm offered a ridiculously low price for the trade in, and I really can't be bothered to do a private sale. I'll do a dealer trip tomorrow [weather forecast says 34c] and see if I can't get the gap reduced. If not then well now's not the right time for me; the Civic is still not a bad car :) . Btw, dealer said it was all in the air but hinted at possibility of 17"s so definitely some changes coming through.

[Aratahu]

What has straight roads got to do with transmission choice?


Mayhap a longing for the chance to put the gearbox into its right environment?

[Aratahu]

Just managed to get a confirmation from one of the dealers that I will get 17" wheels with the 2005 Euro. Hopefully I'll be able to get a better trade in so that I can get some pics for you by end of January :) I'm a reasonable photographer even though my Nikon 990 is getting old.

[Joker]

Just managed to get a confirmation from one of the dealers that I will get 17" wheels with the 2005 Euro. Hopefully I'll be able to get a better trade in so that I can get some pics for you by end of January :) I'm a reasonable photographer even though my Nikon 990 is getting old.
:woot:
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Joker - who can't wait to see those pic's :thumbsup:

[Joker]

Hehe ja endelig en hvit jul igjen :)
Living where I do, I can only dream of a White Christmas
Joker - who wishes he could join you in Norway :D

[Noel]

I'd like to see what wheels they're offering on the 05s. If I'm not wrong, it should be what the Americas region Acuras are getting but with a Honda badging instead. The change is on Honda.co.jp indicating the current 16s wheels have been phased out.

[Aratahu]

There was one more thing the dealer confirmed: No more space saver spare wheel.

[Aratahu]

To close this thread from my point of view, we decided the trade ins offered were too crap and that since my partner is the one most using the car, she said why don't you get a new bike instead. So I've put the bike you see on the left, a CBR250RR, in for deposit for a yellow and black 2004 GSXR600.

The Euro looks like a great car, but I'll be in a better position to get it when I've paid the car fully off and have the time to do a private sale of it. I read the Edumnds link posted on this site and learned a lot from it. I appreciate the helpfulness of the community, so hope to get a Euro at some later stage. Honda makes great cars though, and I realised the Civic is plenty fine for now.

Until then, so long, and thanks for all the fish.

[Joker]

Best of luck Aratahu, and I know you'll love the GSX-R :nod:

Joker - who used to own a GSX-R750 :thumbsup:

[Noel]

No probs, enjoy yourself on the new bike instead.

[Thorn2004]

Sounds like what I did, I traded in my 2001 Honda Civic Sedan for my Accord Euro! Trust me you will love it, I used to like my Civic, but heck the Euro is SO much better, quieter, more luxurious, more powerfull, handles better.. they are just in a different class !

Bit upset about the news that the 2005 model will have 17 inch rims though, damn maybe I should have waited? !!

[Noel]

16s have their advantages as well. ;)

[blueuro]

my comment earlier about having to many straight roads was because the manulis so much fun on winding roads and loads of fun on the track, it makes you want to find corners

[guzzy888]

:greenboun

2005 Aussie Euro buyers are sooo lucky!!

I just read on the West Australian newspaper that 2005 Accord Euro will get 17" wheels as mentioned in the earlier post. It will get full spare wheel size. It mentioned upgraded suspension. I wonder how will it drive? Will it drive smoother?

I have noticed the Euro does have a harder suspension. I guess it is suppose to be a sporty car? I haven't driven the V6 Accord, apparently different suspension. Has anyone tried both of them? Does the V6 has a smoother suspension?

Gee i want 17" wheels!!! wish i bought the car in 2005!

It also has a new (milano) red colour with black interior available in 2005. They did not mention if the steering control has illumination. Which i would love to see. Mazda 6 has lights.

[Noel]

I have noticed the Euro does have a harder suspension. I guess it is suppose to be a sporty car? I haven't driven the V6 Accord, apparently different suspension. Has anyone tried both of them? Does the V6 has a smoother suspension?

I posted the differences particularly for the Australian version here (http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4727). While these will not ride harder, in fact Honda is moving even it closer to being more performance oriented than luxury. You now get standard Potenza tyres instead which are even more gripper and perform harder/louder than the current Dunlop SP tyres.

As for the suspension setup for the Accord Euro and Accord Midspec, it's quite significantly different IMO. One is harder/stiffer performs better for handling bias while the other is soft/quiet comfortable designed more for luxury cruising.

[jiraiya]

Hello! Just bought Euro Lux 05 model (Sydney Australia) last week, wish I found this forums before...!

Only difference sales man confirm was 17inch alloywheel. did not mention anything about suspension. (may be he did not know?). There are not much information on Australia Honda Website. I read Japanese website. seems like they treat 2005 model as minor model change.
Japanese model have 'Heated mirror (side mirror?)' but don't think we will get this one in Australia?

[Joker]

Hello, congrats, and welcome to the Club jiraiya :wavey:

[johnej]

welcome also

[APOGEE]

Welcome and Hello.

[Noel]

Hello! Just bought Euro Lux 05 model (Sydney Australia) last week, wish I found this forums before...! Only difference sales man confirm was 17inch alloywheel. did not mention anything about suspension. (may be he did not know?). There are not much information on Australia Honda Website. I read Japanese website. seems like they treat 2005 model as minor model change. Japanese model have 'Heated mirror (side mirror?)' but don't think we will get this one in Australia?

Better late than never if you ask me, you'll find plenty of help and information here covering just about everything under the sun of the CL7 and CL9. And don't expect the dealership people including the mechanics and service managers to always be telling accurate or exact information, most of them unfortunately aren't very knowledged in my experience.

And yes, the 05 is a minor change worldwide. No, heated mirrors is not available in Australia as a standard or optional feature from factory.

[MrYoko]

Nobody replied to me for this question in another section. I think I'm going to cry!!! I hope I get better responses here to this question:

Wheel size v's road noise

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello TSX or Accord Euro Owners,

There are two models in Australia Euro & Euro Luxury. The normal Euro has got a 15in wheel with normal profile tyres, while the Euro Luxury has got a 17in wheel with low profile tyres.

I was wondering whether the 17in low profile tyres produce more road noise and vibrations or not? I don't really care about car appearance and sportiness etc. All I really care about is Comfort and I would like a really quiet car and not feel the bumps on the road. I also heard that the Euro Lux suspension has been stiffened or something. Will this also affect comfort?

Does anybody know whether these different wheels have an effect on comfort?

Thanks,
oooo4

[MrYoko]

:greenboun

2005 Aussie Euro buyers are sooo lucky!!

I just read on the West Australian newspaper that 2005 Accord Euro will get 17" wheels as mentioned in the earlier post. It will get full spare wheel size. It mentioned upgraded suspension. I wonder how will it drive? Will it drive smoother?

I have noticed the Euro does have a harder suspension. I guess it is suppose to be a sporty car? I haven't driven the V6 Accord, apparently different suspension. Has anyone tried both of them? Does the V6 has a smoother suspension?

Gee i want 17" wheels!!! wish i bought the car in 2005!

It also has a new (milano) red colour with black interior available in 2005. They did not mention if the steering control has illumination. Which i would love to see. Mazda 6 has lights.

Yes, I've driven the V6 Accord. It's got a lot of pulling power!!! When you put your foot down on the accelerator, it keeps on tugging and tugging. The euro is not quite as powerful but is more fuel efficient (and its only a 4 cylinder). The Accord V6 is also quiter (can't hear the muffler like the euro) and the ride is smoother too (but not as good as the Nissan Maxima). This is because the tyres are higher profile and the car is also bigger and heavier. You can see how much effort Nissan puts into reducing noise by looking into the boot. They put a lot of foam to dampen noise in the spare wheel area, just like the europeans do.

[kula]

Ok, I just picked (yesterday) up an Apr05 built euro regular.

05 Luxury has 17 inch wheels with 225/45/17 tyres and retuned suspension.

the suspension has made the car softer, and less sporty, but its still pretty close.
I test drove a luxury when we were shopping and it did feel softer, but more rolly.

i think road noise will be very similar, size of tyres doesnt effect it greatly, tread pattern and compond has more of an influence on that.

so i think the sportiest combo would be a non luxury with 17s:)

if you are just concerned about comfort and quietness, then the Accord (non euro) or Maxima will be a better car for you.


and heres the first pic of the new family mobile, more to come.

http://www.markpakula.com/pics/Euro.jpg

[MrYoko]

Thanks Kula,

I have just ordered the euro lux auto. I had no choice because I wanted the leather seats and curtain airbags badly.

Also test driven both the euro (16" wheels) and euro lux (17" wheels) around the same circuit. The 17" was noticeably noisier, the car vibrated more and you can also feel more bumps on the road. Maybe it is just because of the Bridgestone Potenza tyres. The salesman also thought I was weird when I wanted to swap wheels to the 16" on the euro lux! I'll change to softer tyres later on when they're worn out, but in the meantime I'll just have to put up with it.

I didn't want the Accord or Maxima because they are more thirsty and they will hurt my pocket with today's fuel prices! Even though they are in the win for comfort and space.

Ok, I just picked (yesterday) up an Apr05 built euro regular.

05 Luxury has 17 inch wheels with 225/45/17 tyres and retuned suspension.

the suspension has made the car softer, and less sporty, but its still pretty close.
I test drove a luxury when we were shopping and it did feel softer, but more rolly.

i think road noise will be very similar, size of tyres doesnt effect it greatly, tread pattern and compond has more of an influence on that.

so i think the sportiest combo would be a non luxury with 17s:)

if you are just concerned about comfort and quietness, then the Accord (non euro) or Maxima will be a better car for you.


and heres the first pic of the new family mobile, more to come.

http://www.markpakula.com/pics/Euro.jpg

[kula]

cool.
nice one
ill swap ya the 17s for my 16s any day of the week ;)

[Noel]

Also test driven both the euro (16" wheels) and euro lux (17" wheels) around the same circuit. The 17" was noticeably noisier, the car vibrated more and you can also feel more bumps on the road.

I also have a mint set of 16s with 90% rubber, the Dunlop 2050M. And yes, they do ride softer and more quiet compared with the 17s with Potenza RE040s. The 17s is even more performance oriented than the 16s. So if you wanna talk about a trade, I'm sure there's more than one person ready to do that.

[Aratahu2]

Hey,

I'm the one who started the thread - interesting to see that it is still alive :)

I forgot to save my original password into passwordsafe and the reset password function isn't working, so I registered a new account.

Well - an update, my GSXR600 is an absolute screamer and I couldn't be happier with it. It looks quite a bit like this (http://www.sdpics.com/cgi-bin/store/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=8000~Motor_Sport/8800~Bikes/500~Australian_Ride_Days_-_Schools_-_Events/07~Australian_Superbike_School/2005/99039~28_March_2005_Australian_Superbike_School/1~Green_Gp&image=894A1087.jpg&img=&tt=&tfile=tn_894A1087.jpg). Yes, had a ball - overtook pretty much everyone at that school day. :) Probably won't do too many track days as I find myself pushing for the limit more than anything, so will have to do more of that when I can afford to have a bad one.

Now, the Civic is about to be superceded by a completely new generation, I'm in need of new tyres, and I need a cruise control ... so I think it's time to do the upgrade. If the finance people say okay tomorrow, I will most likely go ahead with an order for the black 5AT Euro Luxury. I can hear y'all screaming bloody murder at the tranny choice, but most times I'm out there driving these days it seems to be stop and go traffic. For the 2% of the times when I get out into real driving land, the sequential will have to do. All reviewers down here have said some very positive things about this transmission, and from my test drive I must admit that I was marvelling at how smooth it was. I liked the fact that the sequential held the gears to redline. Besides that, if I want performance - what would beat the ~3.6s to 100 km/h I get from the gixxer?

Anyway, wish me luck - I hope to report back with some positive news soon. Won't have time to go shopping before next w/e but that might be good as June 30 is the end of the financial year down here, might get a better deal.

Options I want are: Towbar (for a MTB carry mount), max legal tint (not very much down here), mats, mudflaps, reverse (& front?) sensors, bonnet & headlight protectors.

Ah, and yes, those new 17"s look really good - maybe a tad bit more youthful/aggressive.

Cheers,
Aratahu

[MrYoko]

Thanks guys,

Seems like the balance of trade is not on my side. I think I'll stick with the 17" and invest in a pair of ear plugs instead. My euro is coming!


I also have a mint set of 16s with 90% rubber, the Dunlop 2050M. And yes, they do ride softer and more quiet compared with the 17s with Potenza RE040s. The 17s is even more performance oriented than the 16s. So if you wanna talk about a trade, I'm sure there's more than one person ready to do that.

[Aratahu2]

Thanks guys,

Seems like the balance of trade is not on my side. I think I'll stick with the 17" and invest in a pair of ear plugs instead. My euro is coming!

Grats mate!

Woot! My finance and fiance both gave their approvals; both critical to purchase of an expensive vehicle. Will spend the next week getting some quotes then put the order in.

Have anyone put front sensors on their cars? I guess I should ask that in a different forum but..

[Noel]

Front sensors? You mean front parking sensors? Hmm, definitely not a common item on any Honda in my experience. I personally don't see a need to. But if you want a set for the rear, I can understand.

[Aratahu2]

Front sensors? You mean front parking sensors? Hmm, definitely not a common item on any Honda in my experience. I personally don't see a need to. But if you want a set for the rear, I can understand.

My right eye is 100% dominant as my left is peripheral vision only after an accident at 10 years of age. So in very tight quarters I have a slight disadvantage in judging distances; when reverse parking I find it a bit difficult to see how far the left front is from the car I'm parking behind when turning in. I wouldn't want one for the Civic but this is slightly more upmarket for me. I know that it is a "cheap" car compared to BMWs etc, but it is a pretty big investment nevertheless for some :)

I should be ok though, although just on the paranoid side in the very beginning :) Should really try & find someone who teaches reverse parking and do a half a day drill program. Have done defensive & performance driving courses already [got great marks for my heel toe downshifts ... which will insult a few here I know with regard to the AT...] and have the @ speed skills pretty well sorted. :)

The tall rear makes rear sensors an important safety feature the way I see it; you get little children being killed every year and sensors could have prevented a lot of them. The fact that it makes parking in unknown places a lot easier is just a bonus.

Have looked at a lot of different cars and the Euro really strikes me as fantastic value in terms of features, safety, design and price vs the competitors. I can't wait to receive it.

Hmm, noone bagging the 5AT choice? Must be all right then! ;)

[MrYoko]

I'm used to a hatchback too, where the view is panoramic and the car literally has no butt.

You can install the rear beeper yourself. It's just a kit, and just have to drill 2 holes on the bumper and attach the power in parallel with your reverse light. Works out cheaper than getting Honda to do it. Got this on the MDX. It doesn't work that well since it beeps like mad all the time when reversing onto a curb. Maybe a reverse camera is a better option?

My right eye is 100% dominant as my left is peripheral vision only after an accident at 10 years of age. So in very tight quarters I have a slight disadvantage in judging distances; when reverse parking I find it a bit difficult to see how far the left front is from the car I'm parking behind when turning in. I wouldn't want one for the Civic but this is slightly more upmarket for me. I know that it is a "cheap" car compared to BMWs etc, but it is a pretty big investment nevertheless for some :)

I should be ok though, although just on the paranoid side in the very beginning :) Should really try & find someone who teaches reverse parking and do a half a day drill program. Have done defensive & performance driving courses already [got great marks for my heel toe downshifts ... which will insult a few here I know with regard to the AT...] and have the @ speed skills pretty well sorted. :)

The tall rear makes rear sensors an important safety feature the way I see it; you get little children being killed every year and sensors could have prevented a lot of them. The fact that it makes parking in unknown places a lot easier is just a bonus.

Have looked at a lot of different cars and the Euro really strikes me as fantastic value in terms of features, safety, design and price vs the competitors. I can't wait to receive it.

Hmm, noone bagging the 5AT choice? Must be all right then! ;)

[Aratahu2]

I'm used to a hatchback too, where the view is panoramic and the car literally has no butt.

You can install the rear beeper yourself. It's just a kit, and just have to drill 2 holes on the bumper and attach the power in parallel with your reverse light. Works out cheaper than getting Honda to do it. Got this on the MDX. It doesn't work that well since it beeps like mad all the time when reversing onto a curb. Maybe a reverse camera is a better option?

Cool, thanks for that. I ended up getting the Honda factory system but, along with a couple of other extras. This way everything is included in the 5 year extended TotalCare warranty. Other extras were: boot tray, mudflaps, headlight & bonnet protector, tailgate, premium "cancer blocking" Ming tint, Ming interior protection (which is really just paying for a full warranty of any mishaps with the interior - anything gets soiled for whatever reason, it is replaced).

I'll let you know how it works out, looking forward to posting some pictures!

[Noel]

Sorry to hear that Aratahu2, Honda does the supply the rear sensors for the front as well. It uses the same kit but different mounting method, the front generally be triggered by a switch when parking is required it isn't activated by a gear selection like the rear. The "supplied" Honda version comes color coded to your bumper color and has 4 attachments to the rear and 4 attachments to the front as well.

Would love to see a reversal camera application but that's only found in the JDM model instead. We can't retrofit to use that because the central NAV system is completely different. As usual, we miss out on the most interesting gadgets of all time when it comes to comparison on what's available and what's not.

[Aratahu2]

Thanks Noel. The front sensors are not available down here, and also neither is satnav - at all. So I'll have to get a Garmin 2610 at some point for that; I totally believe in the virtues of using electronic mapping systems for when exploring new places one haven't been to before - which, come to think of it, is a really fun thing to do in a car. The only thing I don't like is the cable stretching that will have to happen. I do also have a www.roadangel.com.au unit [version 1/classic] to help alert me to the various dangers to my licence whilst driving.

[kyotousa]

was there any change in the US TSX?
from 2004-2005? and 2005-2006?