Honda toughens up with ‘Allroad'

At first glance, the car in our spy shot looks like a Honda Accord Tourer on tiptoes. But on closer inspection, tell-tale signs show it’s designed for the rough stuff.

Set to be badged the Honda CUV, the newcomer blends the all-terrain benefits of a 4x4 with the practicality of an estate, and proves the Japanese maker is toughening up to take on the Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70.

Flared wheelarches reveal the front and rear track is wider. And behind the back doors is an extra inch or two of metal – hinting at an extended wheelbase. The suspension has also been jacked up to give improved ground clearance.

The CUV’s four-wheel-drive transmission will be mated to Honda’s usual 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol engines and 2.2 i-DTEC diesel. Production of the Accord-based newcomer is set to start towards the end of the year.

Honda has also revealed a range of accessories for its new Insight (driven on Page 27). The exterior pack brings a sporty bodykit, chrome B-pillars and Crystal design alloy wheels.

Interior upgrades include ambient lighting for the footwells and centre console, as well as a Honda-branded portable sat-nav that mounts to the dash. Further details and prices will be available later in the year.