Honda Accord Euro R (CL7) | Spotted

Same powertrain as the DC5 Type R, subtle looks and genuine rarity - the Euro R is a forgotten JDM hero

You'd be forgiven for never having heard of the Honda Accord Euro R. Despite its name, the four-door was never officially sold outside of Japan and for one reason or another, it has remained a UK import curio. Maybe it's because this 220hp performance saloon shares many parts with the DC5 Integra Type R, a model that's both more famous and obviously sportier looking than the three-box Accord. The CL7-gen Euro R gets the same screamer of an engine, six-speed gearbox and limited slip differential as its stablemate, so it's certainly not lacking in technical appeal.

Nor has it ever been short of real-world appeal. Laden with 200kg over the Integra and EP3 Civic Type R, it's a slightly less focussed take on the usual VTEC-powered recipe. But with a proper saloon body, five seats and a cabin that mixes flashes of Type R (including a teardrop gear knob) with Accord functionality, it offers something a little more rounded too. We rather like the way it looks; there's nothing in the way of clutter - never a guarantee with JDM products - and the lowered stance and clean bootlid complete the look, helping it to ooze a similar sort of cool to a wingless Supra.

The model's larger footprint does actually give it some handling advantages, too. Where the EP3 and DC5 are renowned for their liveliness, the JDM Accord is considered more stable and predictable. So less fun then, but easier going across country. The Euro R is said to be more polished than the earlier Accord CL1, too, largely thanks to that car's use of Honda's H22A 2.2, an older unit that's not as refined as the K20 2.0-litre. As such, despite the retro image, CL1s don't seem to hold any more appeal than the CL7 Euro R.

Lovers of this sort of stuff may also be drawn to the Torneo Euro R, which also has 220hp and mixes sporting bits onto a JDM four-door frame. But the Torneo has a rear wing and aggressive bumpers to illustrate its ranking. The Accord remains the Q car of the family, opting to not flaunt its 7.3 second 0-62mph and 145mph capabilities. And let's not forget, Honda's VTEC hardware means you're almost getting two engines in one. Send the K20A's internals spinning towards that 8,000rpm (!) peak and it feels as racey as they come. But with a flatter (by VTEC standards) spread of its 152lb ft of torque, there's a refined, efficient engine beneath that gives this car significant daily appeal.

That being said, with so much to love and so few having made it to the UK, prices for second hand Euro Rs in Britain have been rock solid for several years. Just three are listed on the PH classifieds, with prices ranging from £7k and £9k. As a model almost exclusively owned by enthusiasts - because they're the ones who'd find a JDM Q car most appealing and, let's face it, who else would fork out so much for an old Accord? - each appears to be in good condition. Today's Spotted is the youngest and lowest mileage example, and the only one in white. The shade is Pearl White, not Championship White, but it adds to the authenticity of this hot Honda saloon. Combined with the technical highlights and that under-the-radar look, that's plenty JDM goodness for a tenner short of £9k.

SPECIFICATION - HONDA ACCORD EURO R (CL7)
Engine: 1,998cc, inline four
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 220@8,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 152@6,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Recorded mileage: 74,400
First registered: 2007
Price new: (JDM only)
Yours for: £8,990

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Jon_S_Rally

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