Honda has unveiled the Accord Crosstour, aimed at providing a blend of SUV driving position and space with the handling and economy of a family saloon. Perhaps we should say 'family sedan' as this is a variant of the American-market Accord and is unlikely to come to Europe.
Despite appearances the Crosstour does not seem to share any visible panels with the Acura ZDX crossover. What it does offer is the same mix of tall stance and fastback outline as the
BMW X6. Honda calls this type of vehicle a Crossover Utility Vehicle, or CUV. With the Crosstour Honda has tried to provide the high eye-point of an off-road vehicle without the traditional SUV image.
The Crosstour is based on the American Accord saloon and it is claimed to retain the car-like ride and refinement whilst offering the extra ground clearance and 'all-weather potential' expected of an SUV. The styling picks up on the Accord's design but features a bolder grille and more prominent sculpting along the flanks. The roofline tapers to cover a large boot.
Honda has not revealed any technical details as yet, but it is likely that the Crosstour will use a 3.5-litre V6, as fitted to the American-market Accord, combined with a five-speed automatic transmission. We will have to wait for further announcements to see if it is also fitted with the 'Super Handling All-Wheel Drive' as found on the Acura ZDX and other Honda models.
Honda is unlikely to offer the Crosstour in the UK or Europe. The CO
2 emissions are unlikely to be impressive with a big petrol V6 and automatic transmission. However, for Americans concerned about 'gas' prices this could be the answer to providing SUV safety and practicality without the need for heavy, truck-like hardware under the skin. The Crosstour will go on sale in the USA later this year.
John Lambert - 3 Sep 2009