THE first thing that strikes you about the Honda Crossroad is how much it looks like a mini Hummer. But unlike the big American SUV, the Crossroad is a smaller, cheaper and more manoeuvrable crossover based on a popular Honda model, the Civic sedan.

The Crossroad shares the same platform as the Civic (and Stream MPV) but is slightly narrower because it is a Japan domestic model (JDM) meant for smaller Japanese roads. The Crossroad also has a relatively short overall length - 4,285 mm - for enhanced manoeuvrability but as a result, its third row of seats is suitable only for children and small adults.

However, its 1,670 mm height means interior headroom is commendable, and the driver has good forward visibility because of the higher seating position. In fact, the Crossroad is very similar to the discontinued Honda HRV of the late 1990s, where HRV stands for High Riding Vehicle.

Still, any prospective buyer of the Crossroad will probably be won over by the exterior styling. This car has loads of attitude, especially with its blunt nose and flared plastic wheel arches. Inside, the dashboard is a mix of utilitarian chic and neat, almost military, design. The light electrically powered steering also makes the Crossroad easy to park and drive although at low speeds, the steering can feel a little vague. Nevertheless, the ride comfort is high and the Crossroad corners with little body roll despite being a tall car. This is because, like the Civic it is based on, the car has a low centre of gravity.

VinCar at Ubi Megamart offers this macho Honda in front-wheel-drive or 4WD, and with either a 1.8 or 2.0 litre engine. Both are mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox but the 2.0 litre model obviously has more useable torque. Best of all though, whichever variant you pick, you won't have to pay very much to look this hip.

Honda Crossroad 1.8

Engine: 1,799cc
Gearbox: five-speed automatic transmission
Max power: 140 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Max torque: 174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Top speed: 180 kmh
Price: from $74,488 (with COE)
Distributor: VinCar Pte Ltd, tel: 6749-1119