Five passenger hatchback gets fuel efficient engine.
TORRANCE, Calif. Honda announced on Wednesday that it is making available a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for two-wheel-drive versions of its Crosstour crossover. This 16-valve engine will be paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and is expected to help the 2012 Honda Crosstour achieve 21 mpg city, 29 mph highway for gains of 3 mpg and 2 mpg, respectively.
Four cylinder equipped Crosstours will begin arriving in Honda showrooms in January. All AWD models will still be powered by the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine only.
Enhanced Power
The new to the Crosstour inline-four makes 192 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 162 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine is found in the Honda Accord and Element and in select Acura models including the TSX. In the Crosstour, the engine has been specially tuned to produce more power, offering a 15 horsepower advantage over the Honda Accord.
The Crosstour’s four-cylinder model will offer body-color door handles and specially-designed 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/65 R17 all-season tires.
Available in EX and EX-L trim levels, the entire Crosstour line will now offer an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display for improved rear visibility in non-navigation models, automatic on/off headlights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a USB audio interface.
Thrifty Engines
Hondas move to a smaller, more fuel efficient engine for the Crosstour is part of a trend that is sweeping the auto industry. Technologies such as variable valve timing, gasoline direct injection and turbocharging have made it possible for larger cars to be powered by smaller, more fuel efficient engines.
The large Ford Taurus sedan and big Ford Explorer crossover are among the vehicles that have recently introduced optional four-cylinder engines to each vehicles model line.
The Crosstour is one of several Honda models that are built in the United States. This crossover is assembled at Hondas East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda introduced the Crosstour to its line up in model year 2010; this vehicle shares its platform with the Honda Accord.
Recovering Sales
Through November 2011, Honda has sold 16,679 Crosstours, down 35.9 percent for the year. Like many Honda models, Crosstour inventory has been affected by Hondas supply chain problems following March’s earthquake in Japan.
In a statement following Novembers sales announcement, John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales, said that Honda expects to close the year on a strong note.
See Also – 2013 Toyota Venza: The Camry Wagon You Wanted
Source: American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
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