Since it was introduced in 1995, over five million CR-Vs have been sold across the world and the new, fourth generation has been comprehensively redesigned for the European market building on the success of its predecessors with greater quality, practicality and refinement.

For the first time, the CR-V is offered with a choice of both two- and four-wheel drive on the 2.0 i-VTEC model, while improvements to the petrol and 2.2 i-DTEC diesel engines have achieved significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, (although they are considerably less impressive than the headline figures of 119 g/km of CO2 and 62.8 mpg, for the firm’s newly introduced 1.6i DTEC two-wheel drive version.) Upon casual observation, the new car doesn’t look massively different from the model it replaces, but closer observation reveals a lower and shorter body, a more steeply raked rear screen and more distinctive front-end, thanks to wrap-around headlights and the grille’s prominent three chrome bars.

CR-V comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SR and EX. SE offers the best mix of kit, including: Bluetooth, parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, and a leather steering wheel. SR trim adds heated, part-leather seats, xenon headlights and a DAB radio, while top-of-the-range EX trim adds full-leather seats, sat-nav, a panoramic glass roof and a powered tailgate. Further optional safety kit on SR and EX includes Honda’s Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

The cabin has a solid quality feel, with liberal use of soft-touch materials and different contours and shapes. Switchgear has a tactile and pleasing quality to it and seats are comfortable and supportive, while offering a range of adjustment. Space also impresses in both the front and rear – there will be no complaints from passengers on head, shoulder or legroom – the latter helped by a lack of transmission tunnel hump. The CR-V provides a class-leading 589 litres of boot space, expanding to a vast 1648 litres, seats down. Accessing this extra space couldn’t be easier; a simple pull on a lever flips down the Honda’s 60/40 split rear seats in one smooth motion. Cabin storage is perhaps less noteworthy, as the glovebox is on the small side and the door bins are of modest proportions. You do get a collection of cup-holders and a generously sized centre cubby though.

On the road, the CR-Vs handling isn’t as sharp as an Accord, but once you adjust to the different Crossover/SUV characteristic, it’s perfectly acceptable. The ride does shimmy around a bit, but this doesn’t detract from the car’s ability to be both comfortable, yet also dynamically satisfying – steering is accurate enough and brakes feel responsive and strong, without being over-sensitive. Refinement levels impress, too: there’s some wind noise and road roar on the motorway, but it never gets intrusive.

The 2.2 litre diesel engine delivers strong performance while being suitably hushed, although the 5-speed gearbox on this automatic version impacted on economy; with a rather disappointing average 35mpg on mixed-route driving. Thankfully the 6-speed manual returns significantly better figures.

Verdict:

This fourth generation Honda CR-V builds on its predecessors’ key qualities of comfortable, versatile and quality family transport. Although Economy and emissions of this 2.2i-DTEC auto model are somewhat off class best, customers demanding higher efficiency will undoubtedly be drawn to the new 1.6 i-DTEC clean diesel alternative.

Tech spec:

Honda CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX 4WD Auto
OTR Price: £33,215
Max power: 150 PS @ 4000 rpm
Max torque: 350 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Max speed: 118 mph
0-62 mph in 10.6 seconds
Combined MPG: 44.5 (claimed)
CO2 emissions: (g/km) 180
VED band: I - Standard rate £220