Honda CR-V

The sensational shots show exactly how the new Land Rover Freelander rival will look when it comes to the UK early next year. It's very different from the current model, with a distinctive 'face' featuring a bold bumper that curves around the front of the car, flowing into extended wheelarches.

Together with a pronounced bonnet and grille, plus chrome air intakes and large, triangular headlights, it's unlikely that the CR-V will be mistaken for anything else on the road. What's more, at the rear it's equally controversial, featuring a steeply curved C-pillar and chunky tail-lights which rise to meet the roofline.

Underneath the skin lies a platform shared with the US market-only RDX soft-roader, which brings with it an increase in both wheelbase and width over the outgoing CR-V. Flexibility and interior material quality will make similar leaps, too, thanks to a sliding rear bench and more soft-feel plastics.

Honda's adaptive cruise control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) - which steers the car automatically to keep it in its lane on motorways - are likely to be options.

The new CR-V will continue with the current car's 2.0-litre petrol units - although these are likely to be tweaked to offer more power and better fuel economy than at present. The existing 140bhp 2.2-litre i-CTDi turbo-diesel will also be offered, and is set to account for the majority of sales.

The CR-V will get its official public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in September, and be available to order before the end of the year, with prices starting at around £20,000.