Accord Euro-R

The CL7 Accord Euro R

The Euro R was the sports version of the seventh-generation Accord saloon, sold only in Japan. It was offered from the start, when the new Accord went on sale in October 2002, and built until the generation ended in 2008. The engine is the K20A, a 1,998 cc four-cylinder with i-VTEC, tuned for the Euro R to 220 PS at 8,000 rpm and 206 Nm at 6,000 rpm on premium fuel. Drive goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual, the only gearbox, and a limited-slip differential.

From outside a Euro R looks much like any CL7, but it has Recaro seats and a MOMO steering wheel, stiffer springs, anti-roll bars and bushes, and wider 215/45R17 tyres. It weighs 1,390 kg. The Accord was facelifted in November 2005 with new headlights, bumper and grille.

What Euro R owners upgrade

Brakes come first. The saloon weighs about 120 kg more than an FD2 Civic Type R, and owners fit larger calipers and stronger pads from the brake range. Then the engine's breathing: ducts and pod filters from the intake range, and full exhaust systems that let the K20A be heard as it revs.

Uprated clutch kits from the drivetrain range follow the power, and shift knobs are the most common interior change. Engines built for circuits get forged pistons and baffled oil pans. Spoon, Toda, HKS, Mugen, J's Racing and Gruppe M are among the names owners choose.

Genuine parts

The youngest Euro R is now more than fifteen years old. A grinding rattle for a few seconds after a cold start usually points to the VTC actuator, the variable cam timing unit on the intake camshaft and a known K-series wear part, though a worn chain or tensioner can sound similar. Lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar links wear and knock, the exhaust corrodes at its joints and flanges, and dirt trapped behind the rear arch liners can rust the arches from inside. Replacements are in our genuine Honda parts catalogue.

Wheels

The Euro R came on 17x7 +55 wheels, on a 5x114.3 bolt pattern with M12 x 1.5 nuts. More sizes are listed under wheels that fit the Euro R.