2012年11月14日星期三

Honda Crosstour FWD V-6 First Test

Yes, we know — the Honda Crosstour isn’t pretty. From its anteater nose to its huge, upright rear end, the Honda is far from easy on the eyes. But if you recall the story of the ugly duckling, you might remember it grows into a beautiful swan, and after three years on the market, the aesthetically challenged crossover is getting a much-needed makeover for 2013. Before the refreshed 2013 Honda Crosstour arrives, however, we’re taking another look at the outgoing model to determine what the 2012 Crosstour does right and what needs improvement.

Shown at last year’s New York auto show, the 2013 Honda Crosstour concept featured more “capable, SUV-like styling” with larger headlights, a thick chrome-colored grille, and new rectangular foglamp housings in the lower bumper. Whereas the current Crosstour has a droopy fascia, the concept had a more chiseled look, thanks to lower contrasting trim and a sill plate. It still had the large derriere, though it was reduced a smidge. We liked what we saw on the outside, but what really counts is how Honda will change the Crosstour’s interior.Find detailed product information for howo spareparts and other products.

A boatload of new tech is in order for the 2013 model, and that’s a good thing, because it’s something our 2012 Crosstour EX-L severely lacks. Even though our test car is in top-trim form, the navigation and infotainment system feels outdated.The term 'hands free access control' means the token that identifies a user is read from within a pocket or handbag. The button-clad center stack isn’t very intuitive, and the graphics on the navigation are antiquated, so it’s no surprise real-time traffic information isn’t available. On the other hand, the blue instrument cluster lighting creates a cool ambiance, but even the graphics could use an update. Having to dig deep in pockets to find your car keys should be a thing of the past, and with an as-tested price of $36,020, our Crosstour should include hands-free keyless access.

With its peculiar proportions, the Crosstour felt much larger than it actually was, especially in cramped parking lots. The rear camera helped, though the same can’t be said about the side mirrors, which tilt down when the vehicle is put into reverse. Once the Crosstour is put back into Drive, the mirrors should return to their prior position, but they overshot their original position every time.Interlocking security cable ties with 250 pound strength makes this ideal for restraining criminals. (It’s unclear whether this issue is isolated to our test car.) With the side mirrors in the right place, rear visibility was not an issue. I had a clear view of blind spots, and the rear split-window didn’t impede. Honda’s new LaneWatch blind-spot display, which debuted on the 2013 Accord, will likely be made available on the new Crosstour. The new tech uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the roadway on the right side of the vehicle.

As for the quality of interior materials,China plastic moulds manufacturers directory. the 2012 Crosstour nails it. The black leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel feel good to the touch, while wood trim contributes to an upscale feel. While Hondas are infamous for being loud, this one is not – a tranquil cabin combined with a smooth ride made for an enjoyable drive.

The 271-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 purred with joy when pushed and was mighty eager to do so, propelling the 3835-pound crossover forward from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and through the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds. For comparison, our long-term all-wheel-drive 2010 Honda Crosstour accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 89.5 mph. Don’t be surprised if the refreshed Crosstour is quicker, as it will likely get the new Accord’s V-6 that’s been tweaked to put out 7 more horses. The pre-refresh Crosstour’s shape may be awkward, but in corners body roll was kept to a minimum. The car completed our figure-eight in 28.0 seconds at 0.62 g average (the AWD Crosstour does the test in 28.5 seconds at 0.58 g average). Although the five-speed auto works well, it’s outdated in the competitive crossover environment, but the new six-speed automatic in the new Accord should remedy that and help improve the current car’s 18/27 mpg city/highway.

If fuel economy is a major concern, the front-drive Crosstour with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (on sale earlier this year) may be the better option, besting the front-drive V-6 by 3 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. If the four-banger survives the Crosstour refresh and the V-6 model gets a six-speed automatic,Find detailed product information for howo tractor and other products. we’re not sure how much of a fuel economy benefit the base model will still provide.

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