New Avancier To Top Honda’s Chinese SUV Range [w/Video]

Honda has pulled the wraps off their new Avancier flagship SUV, in an attempt to sell Chinese customers on their first ever Coupe-like off-roader.

Based on the Concept D SUV which was on display during last year’s Beijing Auto Show, the Avancier will slot itself in right above the CR-V, providing more credibility to Honda’s image in a market where they’re not exactly well-known for their SUVs.

Right now, only two Honda SUVs are being sold in China, namely the CR-V (sold by Dongfeng Honda) and the HR-V (sold under X-RV by Dongfeng & Vezel by Guangqi Honda).

Power is said to come from a 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged petrol unit, but the entry-level version is expected to use a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine – with the former mated to a nine-speed automatic and the latter possibly getting a CVT/6-speed manual combo.

Also, rumor has it that a hybrid version will show up later on, but as of right now nothing has been confirmed.

In terms of looks, there’s a chrome front grille with LED headlamps at the front, roof rails on top and of course a sloping roofline with wrap-around taillights, helping it get that sporty coupe-like appearance.

As for the interior, though the image released by Honda wasn’t as revealing as the exterior shots brought to us by Autohome, we can make out the fact that there is no traditional shifter – the car will make due with a button operated transmission.

According to carlist, the new Honda Avancier is set to go on sale in China later this year, when it will compete directly with the likes of the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge.