Honda Avancier

Honda Avancier
Overview
Production	1999 - 2003
Assembly	Sayama, Saitama, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door Crossover
Layout	FWD / AWD
Related	Honda Accord (Japan-spec) Honda Odyssey (Japan-spec)
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L F23A VTEC I4 3.0 L J30A VTEC V6
Transmission	4 speed automatic (F23A) 5 speed automatic (J30A)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,765 mm (108.9 in)
Length	4,795 mm (188.8 in)
Width	1,810 mm (71.3 in))
Height	1,545 mm (60.8 in)
Curb weight	1,690 kg (3,730 lb)

The Honda Avancier is a 5-seat CUV, sold exclusively in the Japanese market.

The Avancier's concept is similar to the Renault Vel Satis, Toyota Opa, Nissan R'nessa, and the Opel Signum—based on the Honda Accord's platform, its tall height allows for an interior more spacious than the Accord sedan or station wagon. The gear shifter has also been moved from the center console to the bottom half of the dashboard, allowing passengers to move between the front and rear seats. The rear seats are not "captain seats" and they can individually recline and the center seat features a hidden table. Its appearance is similar to the 1986-1989 Accord AeroDeck but is a four-door sedan. The Avancier was sold at Honda Clio locations.

Here's a Japanese commercial, with Anthony Hopkins as the spokesman.

Announced in September 1999, the Avancier was available with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, or a 3-liter V6. Both were only available with automatic gearboxes; at the time of launch Honda said the 3-liter is the first Honda with a five-speed automatic gearbox. An Intelligent Highway Cruise Control system, which uses a radar to determine and maintain distance with the car in front, is optional for the V6. All-wheel drive is available for the 2.3-liter. Due to the engines used, it was considered mid-size in Japan for exceeding maximum engine displacement regulations, as well as length and width requirements. The two different engine displacements were offered, giving the Japanese buyer a choice as to which annual road tax obligation they were willing to pay; the larger engine did offer much higher levels of luxury equipment and features to justify the added tax expense.

On October 2003, production of the Avancier ceased due to disappointing sales, and the name was used as the top trim level on the JDM Honda Inspire fourth generation.