Articulating the phrase ‘Honda Concerto’ immediately brings the colour grey, the smell of urine and the urge to visit a garden centre to mind. However, there is more than meets the eye to the Honda Concerto. It’s not all drizzle and Gala Bingo…
Unleashed in all its plasticy, humdrum glory upon the British buying public during 1989, it’s easy to judge the Honda Concerto as a soulless, drab, clammy attempt at providing an aging population with means of cheap, reliable transport. Victor Meldrew and Hyacinth Bucket appeared to be the prime customer base. A urinary infection appeared to yield more excitement and enjoyment. A comedy routine by Nigel Lawson was less forgettable.
Although basically the same as the Rover 200/400, yet without the Rover K-series engine destroying its head gasket with every crank of the piston, the Honda Concerto was sold in both liftback and sedan variants, constructed in two locations - Austin-Rover’s Longbridge plant for the European market and by Honda in Suzuka, Japan - this replacement for the Ballade and Integra proved to be an inexpensive, reliable wagon for those who darted home in time for Countdown.
Passing down to the next generation for little to no money, boy racers and younger drivers sent swathes of them into the jaws of the crusher after wrapping them around trees or moving on to more modern, juicer offerings. In essence, because the Concerto was very quickly past its design life, finding one now is more difficult than teaching Nick Leeson the value of honesty.
In many ways, this is a tragedy. No only did the humble Concerto lug countless numbers of people around in relative comfort throughout everyday life for the best part of a decade, but it wasn’t all that boring to drive - especially compared to others in its class.
The 1.6-litre DOHC Honda engine churned out close to 130bhp and could ramp up to 60mph faster than certain Jaguars of the time. The handling on offer was also somewhat responsive, in that a speedy roundabout during a fit of madness wouldn’t leave you propelled through the window of the local WH Smith, or upside down in a hedge. Other engines were available, from a 1.4 to a 2.0-litre diesel (although that was exclusively sold in France, Italy and Portugal), while four-wheel drive was an option in Japan. This technology was later shared with the Honda CR-V.
The gearboxes were smooth, too - especially the 4-speed automatics. The manuals allowed in excess of 33mpg, unless the driver kept the gearstick in second - as Maureen would get quite a shock when the revs kicked in and the engine suddenly spewed out all 130bhp in an orgy of torque steer. Suddenly, going to the Bingo never felt so dangerous.
The build quality was impressive and owners seemed content with their chariot. It may not have provided the popular looks of the Ford Escort, nor held road presence like a Mercedes, but it served its purpose with aplomb. However, sales were slow - the Rover equivalent was, remarkably, considered more upmarket - and after only five years in production it all came to a halt - with Rover sold on to BMW all Honda/Rover joint projects were cancelled.
Bowing out in 1994 and fading from roads as the years moved on, the Honda Concerto is one of those vehicles ‘specialists’ will claim aren’t worth their metal. Yet, we feel they are wrong.
Just like the cosseted Ford Sierra or sought after BMW E38 of the same era, the Honda Concerto is a part of British everyday history; the sort of honour that has lately found lampooned vehicles from BL’s strike days enjoying a surge in popularity. And, as we start to hunt for the cars within the Concerto’s era, the little Honda’s desirability will outstrip almost any everyday ‘My dad had one of them’ cars. Especially with that high-revving power plant to work with.
There may be body problems with rust, especially under the rubber surrounds of the sunroof and windscreen, and the engine may require a fair bit of attention - especially the twin-cam 16-valve cars that enjoy oil in the same quantities Oliver Reed did alcohol, but if you source a decent example and keep it sweet you’ll have a serious modern ‘everyday’ classic on your hands.
We can understand your scepticism, but trust us on this one. The Honda Concerto is fun, spacious and well equipped, alongside being sturdier than most new build houses. Pick one up now for a couple of hundred pounds before we are left to fight over the pristine examples at £2k each.
