| A Week at the Wheel | Bucks, England | Honda CR-V |

Inside & Out:

The previous Honda CR-V was fairly attractive in comparison to its ilk, but maybe in an attempt to disguise its genre, the latest generation CR-V isn't quite so good looking. Unusually, the new model is smaller than the outgoing car, the length having dropped 100mm and height 30mm. Yes, of course it's wider, by 40mm, the broader track at both ends helping stability. Yet inside, the CR-V is larger than the old model, with increased load bay space too. It's just a shame that the boot floor, which doubled up as a picnic table on the old car, was not carried over.

It's not just the picnic table that's gone. The spare wheel is no longer mounted on the tailgate, and the door itself now opens in more conventional estate car style (upwards) rather than being side-hinged. Practicality is verging on MPV territory with rear seats that recline and slide, coupled with the fully reclining front seats and the CR-V can even sleep two in decent comfort. The luggage compartment has a strong shelf that allows the area to be separated into two parts, the lower hidden section is big enough to carry a pushchair.

Engine & Transmission:

The new Honda CR-V is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, our test car being the 2.0-litre petrol version. Maximum power of 150bhp is unchanged from the old model and is developed at a high 6,200rpm. Peak torque is actually a fraction lower than before, at 140lb.ft, but this is a much more efficient engine than of old. Emissions are down and fuel economy is up. On the road, the engine seems less of a mismatch than you might expect; sure you have to rev it, but it's a willing engine allied to a slick gearbox.

Ride & Handling:

That the Honda CR-V rides with aplomb should come as no surprise - it's something the whole Honda range does rather well. That it handles well shouldn't be a surprise either. You sit up nice and high and get a good view out. Push hard round corners and there's a fair bit of roll, but it's all surprisingly controlled and the CR-V manages to fight off understeer until roll angles remind you that you are not driving a sportier model.

How does Honda manage it? For starters the centre of gravity is fully 35mm lower than the old model, thanks to the engine sitting lower, the spare wheel being moved from the tailgate to under the boot floor, and heavy, high-up panels such as the tailgate and bonnet being lighter than before. The four-wheel drive system works part time, switching to all-wheel drive as required, but runs in front-drive mode in everyday use. Just to be sure, the Honda CR-V also has Vehicle Stability Assist in addition to ABS and EBD, and if you want to use the raised towing capacity, there is even Trailer Stability Assist to counter snaking.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

In top of the range EX form as we tested, the on-the-road price is £23,527, but EX level specification is very comprehensive. All CR-V models get front, side and curtain airbags, air conditioning and heated door mirrors with built-in indicators. The ES adds privacy glass, parking sensors front and rear and upgrades to dual-zone climate control, but EX brings 18-inch wheels, leather, heated seats, a large glass roof, DVD satnav and a reversing camera. With economy up and emissions down, the CR-V even has a conscience.

Overall:

It's not the prettiest of its type, but the Honda CR-V is the SUV for the mummy who no longer feels comfortable with the stigma of an SUV. It does everything an SUV does well, but looks and behaves like an estate car too.