Honda Accord Crosstour

Honda has this week confirmed that it will build a new crossover vehicle for its most important (and lucrative) new car market, North America.

The Accord Crosstour is a curious blend of hatch, wagon and SUV and could wear an Acura badge due its luxury leanings.

At this stage however, the peculiarly-styled crossover is not destined for right-hand drive markets such as Australia or Japan.

Mark Higgins, the National Public Relations Manager for Honda Australia, told the Carsales Network the Accord Crosstour is "not on the radar" as it is earmarked as an 'America-only' model at this stage.

However if a right-hand drive version of the vehicle was developed, which is possible if the vehicle turns out to be a big money-spinner, Higgins said an Australian arrival wouldn't be out of the question: "But if it did [enter right-hand drive production] we'd look at it for the local market".
 
Based on spy photography it's clear that the design takes inspiration from the Acura ZDX concept (pictured), which made its global debut at the 2009 New York auto show early in the year. Already the Accord Crosstour is being called a Japanese version of the BMW 5 Series GT (more here).

Honda's new Accord Crosstour is expected to be powered by the same engines that currently ship the American Accord, including a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-litre V6 powerplant.

Front-wheel drive layouts will be the norm but an all-wheel drive option has been mooted. Furthermore, Acura's high performance 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol could also find its way into the Accord Crosstour range.

The new Accord Crosstour will go on sale in the US towards the latter part of 2009, in the northern Autumn (Spring time in Australia).

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi