Honda CR-V: Full details

Honda has revealed its new, fourth-generation CR-V, and it’s charged with taking the fight to crossover class leaders like the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai. Auto Express has been given a sneak preview of the car, which is more efficient, practical and capable than ever before.

The wraps originally came off the new CR-V late last year at the Los Angeles Motor Show, but the version that arrives in UK dealers this October will be very different.

For starters, it gets a bolder look, with a new three-bar grille at the front. The European CR-V also has deeper body sculpting to help it stand out from the pack. The shape is far more aerodynamic than before, reducing drag by 6.5 per cent, which should make the car quiet on the move.

The newcomer is 30mm lower than the current CR-V, but Honda has maintained the car’s generous interior space by lowering the floor. This means a large boot and adequate rear headroom for six-foot passengers.

The highlight of the interior is an innovative seating system, which allows the back seats to be folded with the simple pull of a lever. The clever operation lifts the seatbases and buries them in the floor, while folding the headrests and lowering the backrests in one movement.

Initially, the CR-V will be available with two engines: a 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2 diesel. The former will be offered with front-wheel drive for the first time. Both will get a six-speed manual box as standard, with an automatic optional.

Company car drivers will also be pleased to hear that a frugal new 1.6-litre diesel is set to join the line-up next year – following its debut in the new Civic – in a front-wheel-drive CR-V. There are no official figures yet, but we’d expect this 150bhp car to return around 65mpg and emit 100g/km of CO2. That will make it cleaner and cheaper to run than the 2.0-litre petrol car, which emits 173g/km in 4x4 form and 168g/km in front-wheel drive.

Under the skin, the CR-V sits on an updated version of the existing car’s platform. And it’ll be generously equipped, with USB and auxiliary inputs beneath a sliding armrest, plus three cup-holders in a large centre console. The well laid-out dash features clear heater and audio controls for easy operation on the move.

Honda aims to have the CR-V in dealers by October, with first deliveries commencing towards the end of the year. All but base cars will get Bluetooth, parking sensors and a reversing camera, with prices from around £24,000.