A couple of months after its (unofficial) online debut, Honda released the full press pack of its brand new Crossroad which will go on sale throughout Japan on Friday, February 23. Honda’s “crossover-in-a-box” is a cross-segment model, combining the design and functionality of an SUV with the convenient size of a compact car and the 3-row seating and 7-passenger capacity of a minivan –or at least that what Honda says.

The 4,285mm long Crossroad will be available with either a 1.8-liter or a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Buyers will also be given the choice of 4-wheel-drive versions, equipped with Hill-Start Assist function. There’s no word out yet on whether the Crossroad will find its way into overseas markets including the US and Europe where it could replace the aging HR-V. -Continued: Click “Read More...” below to see the official press release plus 60 xtra images

PRESS RELEASE: Honda Announces the New Crossroad

TOKYO, Japan - February 22, 2007–Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the new Crossroad, an automobile which transcends existing categories by combining the design and functionality of an SUV with the convenient size of a compact car and the 3-row seating and 7-passenger capacity of a minivan. The new Crossroad will go on sale throughout Japan on Friday, February 23.

The Crossroad was designed as an “active life navigator”—a car that helps people enjoy their active new lifestyles, unbound by conventional thinking.

The square motif of the exterior design conveys a feeling of solid presence and strength, while areas around the center pillars and windows are deeply beveled to achieve a sturdy, robust look.

The interior design features sculpted molding around the instrument panel to achieve a fun, confident feel. The square motif is continued throughout the interior, creating a refined, urban tone.

With its innovative packaging, the Crossroad offers a confident presence and versatile 3-row seating, yet is a breeze to handle around town thanks to an overall length of just 4,285mm. And the distinctive angular design around the front headlights gives the Crossroad an effective minimum turning radius¹ at the top of its class².

The Crossroad comes equipped with either a 1.8-liter or a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine that combines responsive low-to-mid-speed driving performance with outstanding fuel economy. The engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission to deliver nimble performance. The 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.

1 Measurement based on front corner of vehicle body

2 1.8-liter to 2.0-liter class minivans and SUVs

Key Features of the Crossroad

DESIGN: Exterior design
The square motif of the sculptured, robust form conveys the image of having been carved from a solid block of metal, communicating a feeling of strength and presence.
The front corners have been angled for an intrepid look and easier handling in tight spaces.
The areas around the center pillars and windows are deeply beveled to achieve a sturdy look.
The vertically arranged rear combination lights are sculpted and finely detailed.
Six body colors are available, including one new color: Atlantic Blue-Gray Metallic.
Interior design
The tough, modern interior provides a space that is solid and stable, yet refined and comfortable.
The instrument panel features a sculpted form that facilitates intuitive recognition and operation and giving it a fun, confident feel.
The size and positioning of the four irregularly shaped gauges are varied to achieve an energetic, carefree effect.
The seat coverings feature a newly developed suede-finish tricot with bold ridging for the main section, with durable, dimpled jersey on the sides to provide a soft feel and a sculpted look.
Two interior colors are available: Titanium Ivory and Black.
Packaging
The refreshing, smart packaging creates a versatile space inside a convenient body size.
Versatile 3-row seating offers plenty of convenience yet the overall length of 4,285mm makes it a breeze to handle around town.
The Crossroad’s effective minimum turning radius of 5.6 meters³ puts it at the top of its class⁴.
The rear doors feature a wide opening angle of around 80^ο, making it easier for passengers in the second- and third-row seats to get in and out.
The seating can be set in a variety of arrangements with easy operation. The second-row seats tilt and slide forward with the pull of a lever located on the shoulder of the second-row seatback, making it easier for passengers in the third-row seats to get in and out.
The Crossroad is equipped with an emergency puncture repair kit, replacing the spare tire and securing more space for third-row passengers while helping to make the vehicle lighter.
3 Measurement based on front corner of vehicle body (Honda calculations)
4 1.8-liter to 2.0-liter class minivans and SUVs

Power train
The Crossroad is available with a choice of two engines, a 2.0-liter i-VTEC and a 1.8-liter i-VTEC. 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 outstanding fuel economy.
The 4WD model combines VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist system, which includes an Antilock Brake System, Traction Control System, and sideslip control) with Hill-Start Assist—a Honda first—which temporarily maintains brake pressure after the brake pedal is released when starting on a hill to ensure smoother starts.
The new Real-Time 4WD system operates as front-wheel drive under normal driving conditions, instantly distributing optimum power to the rear wheels during startup and acceleration or on snowy roads and other times when driving conditions require it.
The Crossroad achieves class-topping⁵ fuel economy of 13.8km/l⁶.
5 1.8-liter to 2.0-liter class minivans and SUVs
6 Fuel economy for front-wheel drive models driven in 10-15 mode (Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport test specifications)

Chassis and body
The tires feature a new, three-part tread design⁷ that features different rubber compounds for the center and shoulder portions of the tires to achieve high levels of both fuel economy and braking performance.
The front suspension features a McPherson strut design for outstanding straight-line stability.
In the rear, a compact, reactive-link, double-wishbone suspension helps provide increased space for passengers in the third row of seats. All types are equipped with a rear stabilizer bar.
The tailgate opening features a box-type perimeter frame for greater rigidity.
Expanded use of strong, lightweight, high-tensile steel contributes to increased rigidity and weight savings.
7 Standard equipment on 2.0-liter types

Advanced features and safety performance
The IHCC (Intelligent Highway Cruise Control)⁸ vehicle speed and distance control system helps reduce the burden on the driver during freeway driving.
The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS)⁸ provides audio and visual warnings and braking to alert the driver and to help avoid a rear-end collision or mitigate damage and injuries in the event that one should occur.
Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body enhances passenger protection while mitigating impact on the other vehicle.
The vehicle is also designed to mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision.
The rear frame features a large cross-section along with two internal impact-absorbing frames. The frames have a polygonal cross-section to enable them to effectively absorb the shock of a rear-end collision.
The door mirror on the passenger side features a built-in prism under-mirror, which takes advantage of the prism’s light-refracting capabilities to secure a field of vision twice that of a convex mirror of the same size.
8 Standard equipment on the 20Xi (4WD) ; factory option on the 18X and 20X (4WD)

Environmental performance
All 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.
The 4-wheel-drive 20Xi features fuel economy 10% better than Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010; all front-wheel-drive types achieve fuel economy 5% better than those standards; and the 18X and 20X 4-wheel-drive vehicles⁹ conform to those standards.
9 Varies depending on the factory options the vehicle is equipped with


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