Honda Introduces Compact Crossover Vehicle; Up to 32 MPG
22 February 2007
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| The new Crossroad. |
Honda Motor has introduced the new Crossroad, a crossover vehicle that combines the design and functionality of an SUV with the size of a compact car and the 3-row seating and 7-passenger capacity of a minivan in a package that delivers up to 32 mpg. The new Crossroad goes on sale throughout Japan on 23 February.
The Crossroad comes equipped with either a 1.8-liter or a 2.0-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine that offers responsive low-to-mid-speed driving performance paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
A 4-wheel-drive model is also equipped with Hill-Start Assist function, which temporarily maintains brake pressure after the brake pedal is released when starting on a hill to ensure smoother starts and enhanced ease of use.
The i-VTEC system further improves on Honda’s original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology to allow the engine to retard intake valve closure timing under low engine-load driving conditions.
Valve timing control is complemented by a DBW (Drive By Wire) system that provides optimum throttle valve control for a major improvement in fuel economy while cruising. This ensures ample low-speed torque combined with good fuel economy of up to 13.8km/liter in the front-wheel drive models driven in 10-15 mode (32.4 mpg US or 7.25 l/100km).
The Crossroad tires use a new, three-part tread design that features different rubber compounds for the center and shoulder portions of the tires to achieve higher levels of both fuel economy and braking performance.
All Crossroad types have been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport as having achieved a 75% reduction with respect to emissions regulations for 2005.
Looks like it will compete with Honda's own CRV. Perhaps CRV's aren't sold in Japan, but I assumed they were. Even still, a nice looking mini-ute in my opinion.
Posted by: Schmeltz | 22 February 2007 at 12:32 PM
I think this might be the "Element replacement". When the CRV was unveiled as not having an option for a 3rd row seat (like the RAV4), speculation was rampant that the new Element would.
Posted by: dfreeze | 22 February 2007 at 01:00 PM
The article doesn't mention if or when it would be sold in the U.S. Perhaps this is a Japan-only SUV. It does share some design attributes from the Element. This could be the next Element.
Posted by: Schmeltz | 22 February 2007 at 01:05 PM
OK, now show me the hybrid or better yet, the plug-in prototype.
Posted by: cs1992 | 22 February 2007 at 01:44 PM
I'm just thinking the Mazda 5. Are they similar?
Posted by: ac2046 | 22 February 2007 at 02:00 PM
I think a vehicle this size would be getting the new diesel if it were sold in the U.S., but a hybrid option would be nice. Maybe they could sell both and have the regular gasser be the cheap model.
Posted by: John Ard | 22 February 2007 at 02:22 PM
~32mpg in the 10-15 mode? Probably be ~25mpg EPA combined, if that, like a slightly more efficient CR-V or RAV-4.
Posted by: yesplease | 22 February 2007 at 02:28 PM
I think a version with the 2.2 diesel would be nice for Europe. Shame about the US.
That's clean air for you.
Posted by: mahonj | 22 February 2007 at 03:52 PM
Shame about the US. That's clean air for you.
You mean you'd rather have toxic particulates than a little more CO2? Repeat after me: Green Car Congress, Not Brown Car Congress...
Posted by: George | 22 February 2007 at 08:48 PM
I would like to see a truly compact car, the size of a toyota matrix or VW Jetta, with a variable ground clearance hydraulic suspension, like the old Citroens. This would allow a 30-35 mpg combined on a gas engine. If traction control was standard, plus a tow hook to attach a come-along in emergencies, you could get by without the added weight and drag of all-wheel drive. Include capability for a receiver mounted rear bike rack, and a roof rack with minimum drag, and you would have a nice mini-trekking vehicle
Posted by: SF | 22 February 2007 at 09:32 PM
SF, check out the Ford EcoSport and the VW CrossFox.
Posted by: James | 23 February 2007 at 03:44 AM
Why buy this instead of a minivan???
Posted by: David | 23 February 2007 at 06:03 AM
At 25mpg EPA, why buy this at all?
Posted by: kaz | 23 February 2007 at 06:48 AM
ac2046
Mazda 5 is more like a minivan with sliding doors.
Better economy than the average larger van 25-28 I think.
I like them and think they are ideal for a growing family but my wife doesnt.
They arent selling right now and you can probably get a great deal on one.
Posted by: Lotfw | 23 February 2007 at 10:16 AM
SF; I like your proposal, especially the variable ride height, as the ability to go down the occasional rutted dirt road is for me essential-and I think the idea of traction control plus tow hook would suffice for the vast majority of my needs,even in snow...
Posted by: Richard C Burton | 23 February 2007 at 11:27 AM
Even at 25MPG in the real world, this is much better than the CR-V in the real world, which gets about 19MPG (so I have a heavy foot).
Although this isn't that big of a deal really - they stuffed the new Civic (1.8L) and old RSX (2.0L) engine in a box and called it a Crossroad. How much thought could that have taken? And why isn't anyone else doing it?
As for bringing that to north america - it would never sell. It's too boring and mundane looking - they'd have to restyle it to appeal to the tastes here. Look at the new vehicles coming out these days - pretty extreme looking compared to what was out just 5 years ago.
Posted by: some guy | 23 February 2007 at 01:37 PM
Well... Specifically, it's probably closer to 25mpg old EPA, and 21-22mpg new EPA/real world, which the EPA just started using. A definite improvement, but not exactly something to write home about.
Posted by: yesplease | 23 February 2007 at 07:08 PM
SF and Richard C Burton, I agree - many people buy a truck just for the ground clearance. If I remember correctly, the old Citroen "exhaled" when you turned the key off - and the car sank back down a couple of inches. That would make it pneumatic (air lift) not hydraulic. {EcoSport and CrossFox - are they Euro-only models?}
The Crossroads valve-timing strategy resembles the Prius', at least the part where the Honda intake valve closes late to minimize consumption in low-load situations.
Posted by: Bill H. | 24 February 2007 at 11:47 AM
When are we gonna get the new Yaris Verso (currently known as the Ractis)?
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/12/toyota_ractis_-.php
Posted by: mac | 25 February 2007 at 11:50 AM