Combining the best traits of a car, wagon and SUV, the Honda Crosstour has been winning over consumers and industry authorities alike since its launch last year. A five-door hatchback with all wheel drive and standard V6 power, the popular model offers up a just-right blend of flexible cargo hauling, comfort, power and fuel efficiency. It is a fantastic alternative to a minivan or larger SUV for many of today’s shoppers looking for a flexible and upscale driving experience.

Jerry Chenkin, Honda Canada’s executive VP, comments on the Accord Crosstour’s intentions. “Our concept was to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling, while also adapting to shifts in the Canadian light truck marketplace. The all-new Crosstour achieves this by offering a modern interpretation of a Crossover Utility Vehicle, while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan.”

Of course, Honda’s promise of quality and reliable performance has helped garner plenty of attention for the Crosstour. In fact, the East Liberty, Ohio Honda plant that produces the Crosstour was recently recognized by JD Power and Associates with an award for superior quality.

"Creating products of the highest quality and value is the foundation of our business, and it begins with a deep understanding of the customer," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These results are an important demonstration of our focus on the customer and the tireless efforts put forth by Honda associates throughout our organization - in R&D, in manufacturing and in sales - to exceed their high expectations of Honda and Acura."

Other consumer expectations of the Honda brand include vehicles that offer up real-world utility, sportiness and fuel efficiency. The Crosstour delivers on all of these dimensions.

Easy-folding rear seats open up a large cargo-carrying area that packs nearly 730-litres of available storage. The high-opening tailgate and generous trunk aperture translate into easy loading and unloading of gear and there is even a hidden storage compartment beneath the Crosstour’s rear floor that is ideal for keeping smaller items organized and out of sight. Generous seating accommodations for five team up with plenty of at-hand storage facilities for a cabin that hits the mark where clever optimization of space is concerned.

“Honda has a longstanding reputation for maximizing interior space and utility in its vehicles” Chenkin added. “Like the award-winning Honda Fit, the Honda Crosstour uses a versatile design to provide an interior that functions with the practicality of a larger vehicle.”

With a standard 271 horsepower V6 engine, the Crosstour performs like a bigger machine. Paired to a five-speed automatic transmission and available with All Wheel Drive (AWD), the Crosstour’s powerplant is a proven performer that puts plenty of passing and merging power at the driver’s disposal to help tackle any situation. Pleasing acceleration and robust torque are part of the package as well.

Powerful performance aside, the Crosstour’s engine is also remarkably efficient thanks in large part to Honda’s Valve Timing Electronic Control (VTEC) system. A form of Variable Valve Timing (VVT), VTEC helps regulate engine breathing and fuel delivery in real time by continuously monitoring driving conditions and adjusting the engine’s operational characteristics. By so doing, VTEC allows “high performance” and “high efficiency” to peacefully co-exist. The end result for the driver is plenty of on-demand power alongside respectable fuel mileage while cruising.

Interested in more information? Stop in at our dealership for a test drive today. The 2012 Crosstour is available now.