Some background information on the ideas behind the design
There are a lot of different opinions and ideas flying around the Internet.
And when it comes to the introduction of our new CR-Z, things are no different.
We wouldn't have it any other way. We expected the CR-Z to generate a healthy
debate. And we know there are many of you out there who are as passionate and as
opinionated about cars as we are.
That said, the CR-Z is an impressive little car. We're proud of it and very
much looking forward to late summer when you'll get a chance to drive it. But,
for now, we think the conversation can benefit from some information we're in a
position to provide.
The MPG Conundrum
When we first set out to design the CR-Z, we demanded it be a hybrid. If it
was going to be the next-generation coupe, it had to be a hybrid. But our goal
was to make it a hybrid that's more fun.
The mileage numbers we released-an estimated 36 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on
the highway-are projections of the future EPA mileage estimates. The CR-Z has
three driving modes: Sport, Normal and ECON?. Our numbers were achieved with the
CR-Z in Normal Mode. Which is the default mode and will be how the EPA tests the
car. Driving the CR-Z in ECON mode typically delivers the best fuel economy of
the three modes.
Depends on Your Definition of "Sport"
The CR-Z's 1.5-liter i-VTEC® is estimated to generate 122 hp @
6000 rpm. Which won't set any land speed records. But the point of the CR-Z was
never to produce outrageous horsepower numbers. We've always been more
interested in squeezing every last ounce of performance we can out of a
vehicle.
So if the "sport" in "sport hybrid" isn't about numbers, what is it about?
It's about a nimble, responsive drive. Our designers test drove go-karts and
Lotuses-not muscle cars. It's about fun-a cornerstone of Honda philosophy. And
it's about a feeling behind the wheel-a feeling unfamiliar, until now, to hybrid
drivers.
A Heavy Responsibility
Several comments have focused on the CR-Z's perceived hefty curb weight. We think it wears the weight well, but you can judge for yourself when you take it for a test drive.
Heavy is a relative term, but there's a reason it weighs what it does:
responsibility.
Honda is a responsible company. And as an auto manufacturer, we have an
unwavering focus on the safety of our customers and real desire to meet their
expectations.
That's why every CR-Z will have a full complement of airbags, our ACE? body
structure, Vehicle Stability Assist? (VSA®) and a host of other
safety features. All standard. We think the little extra weight those features
add to the CR-Z is a worthy trade-off.
We also made certain the CR-Z delivers the technology, comfort and
environmental leadership you've come to expect from Honda. So the base CR-Z has
automatic climate control, remote entry, cruise control, 160-watt stereo with
USB, an AT-PZEV rating. The list goes on, cr-z.honda.com/specifications. Each
creature comfort tips the scale a bit more-such is the cost of making a car
convenient, connected and comfortable.
Then, of course, there's the weight of the battery powering the electric
motor. We did develop some unique innovations to shrink the battery size, but
it's still larger than a 9-volt.
Possibilities
Why doesn't the CR-Z get higher MPG or more horsepower? Well, at Honda, we
believe hybrid technology is at its best when it appeals to a broad swath of
society. Here's a technology designed to reduce both fuel costs and
environmental impact, so why not make it accessible to as many drivers as
possible?
The CR-Z strikes a unique balance and will broaden the appeal of hybrids.
It's a hybrid for drivers who enjoy driving and are unwilling to sacrifice
handling and exhilaration for mpg and environmental accountability.
The Best is Yet to Come
We know the discussion surrounding the CR-Z is only just warming up. We hope
this site will serve as a forum for that discussion. We'll provide as much
information as we can to help frame the discussion, so you can form your
opinions. Keep an eye out for upcoming posts with more specific responses to the
questions many of you have already raised.
The fact that CR-Z's introduction immediately sparked so much debate and passion is encouraging. Especially when you consider most of the Internet has yet to even drive it.
The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is set to debut on November 20 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $29,670, plus a destination and handling charge1 of $710, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
The Accord Crosstour combines the sophisticated refinement of a premium sedan with versatile characteristics of an SUV to create an entirely distinct concept within the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Leveraging the many benefits of a car-based platform, the Accord Crosstour starts with the top-level refinement of the Accord V-6 Sedan and further expands utility with a sleek-yet-functional profile for increased cargo space.
The Accord Crosstour is designed to fulfill multiple roles for both style and
function. A bold and sleek exterior conveys a prestigious presence from the
outside, while premium interior styling extends from the passenger compartment
into the cargo area. Increased functionality is provided by an under-floor
storage area in the rear of the vehicle and reversible cargo floor panels ideal
for dirty objects. Cargo area access is further enhanced by a tailgate with a
large opening and a low lift-over height.
The Accord Crosstour is available in two model choices, the EX and EX-L. Highlights of standard features on the Accord Crosstour EX include: dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, cruise control, moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, and more.
The Accord Crosstour EX-L adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, leather steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60 R18 all-season tires, auto on/off headlights, memory driver-side seats, memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, cargo privacy cover, HomeLink? transmitter, Kevlar® cone speakers, aluminum dome-type front tweeter speakers and a USB audio interface.
Available features exclusive to the Accord Crosstour EX-L include the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System 3 and Real Time 4WD, available together or separately. The navigation system includes a backup camera with guidance lines integrated into the display.
Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering? (ACE?) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist? (VSA®), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.
The Accord Crosstour is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.
| Model | Transmission | MSRP1 | EPA City/Hwy/Combined2 |
| Accord Crosstour 2WD EX | 5-Speed Automatic | $29,670 | 18/27/21 |
| Accord Crosstour 2WD EX-L | 5-Speed Automatic | $32,570 | 18/27/21 |
| Accord Crosstour 2WD EX-L Navi | 5-Speed Automatic | $34,770 | 18/27/21 |
| Accord Crosstour 4WD EX-L | 5-Speed Automatic | $34,020 | 17/25/20 |
| Accord Crosstour 4WD EX-L Navi | 5-Speed Automatic | $36,220 | 17/25/20 |
Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.
1MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $710.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
2Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. 4WD models achieve city/hwy EPA fuel economy of 17/25 miles per gallon.
3The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System? is available on the Accord Crosstour EX-L model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.

Honda's Safety
Philosophy
Honda is committed to providing safety for everyone ? not only
for our own drivers and passengers, but also for other vehicle occupants. The
knowledge gained from our studies helps us identify new technologies and
ultimately helps provide safer vehicles on roadways for everyone. Learn more.
2010 Insight: Hybrid Evolution
The new Insight draws upon a rich heritage, and by making
hybrid technology available to more drivers, this vehicle is a pioneer in its
own right.
Stylistically, it bears a family resemblance to the FCX
Clarity fuel cell vehicle. The Insight has improved on the
design of the original Insight with a roomier 5-passenger cabin. Five-door
access and folding rear seats make the Insight perfect for the active lifestyle
of most families today.
The new Insight also benefits from improvements to Honda's latest IMA®
technology, including reduced size and cost along the way. A new level of
affordability and practicality characterizes the 2010 Insight, offering further
evidence of Honda's longstanding environmental leadership and our constant
emphasis on making life better for our customers, and society as a whole.