The Honda Avancier II 240 Turbo, produced from October 2016 to March 2020, represents Honda’s entry into the mid-size crossover SUV segment, primarily targeted at the Chinese automotive market. Positioned as a more premium offering than the CR-V, the Avancier II aimed to provide a spacious and comfortable experience with a focus on technology and refinement. This specific variant, equipped with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 193 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), served as a popular mid-range option within the Avancier II lineup, balancing performance with fuel efficiency. It was designed to appeal to families and buyers seeking a sophisticated SUV experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Avancier |
| Generation | Avancier II |
| Type (Engine) | 240 Turbo (193 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | October, 2016 |
| End of production | March, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | China V |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp, 113 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm, 142.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 193 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 128.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 243 Nm @ 2000-5000 rpm (179.23 lb.-ft. @ 2000-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | L15B7 |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.71 l (7.09 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1708-1764 kg (3765.5 – 3888.95 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 510 l (18.01 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4816 mm (189.61 in.) |
| Width | 1942 mm (76.46 in.) |
| Height | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2820 mm (111.02 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 245/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Avancier II 240 Turbo is the L15B7 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes direct injection and is coupled with a single scroll turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output. Honda’s Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) technology is employed to optimize valve timing and lift for improved efficiency and performance across the rev range. The engine produces 193 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 243 Nm (179.23 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 5000 rpm. This engine is part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, emphasizing both power and fuel economy. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The power is then transferred to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While CVTs are known for their smooth operation and efficiency, they sometimes receive criticism for a lack of engaging driving feel. This CVT is tuned for comfort and fuel efficiency rather than sporty responsiveness.
Driving Characteristics
The Avancier II 240 Turbo offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The CVT provides seamless acceleration, although it lacks the immediate response of a traditional automatic transmission. The 193 hp engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising, but it isn’t particularly sporty. Compared to higher-spec Avancier models with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the 1.5-liter version feels less powerful, especially during overtaking maneuvers. The CVT’s gear ratios are optimized for fuel efficiency, which can sometimes result in the engine holding at higher RPMs during acceleration. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well. Steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Avancier II 240 Turbo typically came equipped with a generous amount of standard features. These included automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was typically a combination of fabric and leatherette, with higher trims offering full leather options. The dashboard layout was modern and well-designed, with a focus on user-friendliness.
Chassis & Braking
The Avancier II utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension consists of independent McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employs an independent coil spring setup. This configuration provides a comfortable ride and stable handling. The braking system features ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The Avancier II’s chassis is designed to provide a balance between comfort and handling, prioritizing ride quality over sporty dynamics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Avancier II 240 Turbo was generally well-received in the Chinese market. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and generous equipment list. However, some reviewers noted that the 1.5-liter engine felt underpowered compared to competitors and higher-spec Avancier models. Fuel economy was considered to be good for its class, averaging around 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg). Compared to the 2.0-liter turbocharged Avancier, the 1.5-liter version offered a more affordable entry point into the Avancier lineup, appealing to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and comfort over outright performance. The Avancier competed with other mid-size crossovers such as the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, and Volkswagen Tiguan in the Chinese market.
Legacy
The Honda Avancier II 240 Turbo, while not widely available outside of China, established Honda as a serious contender in the mid-size crossover segment within that market. The L15B7 engine, with its combination of turbocharging and VTEC technology, proved to be a reliable and efficient powerplant. On the used car market, the Avancier II 240 Turbo remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV. Its relatively simple powertrain and robust construction contribute to its long-term reliability. While the CVT transmission requires regular maintenance, it is generally considered to be durable. The Avancier II 240 Turbo represents a significant step forward for Honda in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement, solidifying its position as a leading automotive brand in China.
