New Honda CR-V ups green credentials

It looks much chunkier and more aggressive than the past models - more solid SUV and less mum-taxi - emissions are down and it is built in Britain at the Swindon plant. It's the new Honda CR-V, a sales success for the Japanese automaker since 1995 and the fourth generation will be on sale in the UK from October.

The height and length are actually smaller than the last one but luggage space is increased. Cargo space is up by 148 litres to 1,648 litres with a 589-litre boot. Definitely aimed at the family market, with Honda using a few time-honoured measurements to convey how much space is inside - it can hold either two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs. There's also a lowered lip, seats that are easy to fold down, and powered tailgate to make it easier to bundle stuff in.

Also keeping things family friendly, it is loaded with the kind of safety features that will soon become pretty much standard on most new cars - hill start assist, hill descent control, stability assist, adaptive power steering, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and collision-mitigating braking.

There will be a choice of two- and four-wheel-drive models on offer with the 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. The 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine is being sold on the promises of reduced emissions - 153g/km compared to 171g/km on the last model. Emissions on the petrol models are down to 175g/km from 195g/km. Stop-start technology is standard on
all six-speed manual models.

Little design tweaks include a more 3D look for the vertical rear tail lights, a more dynamic front bumper and LED lights front and back. The essential touchscreen is five inches and this controls audio, phone and, if you opt for it, the sat-nav. And for some peace and quiet, Honda have worked to reduce cabin noise with sound absorption material in the rear door, rear wheel arches, door frames, front bulkhead and bonnet, as well as double-sealed doors.

Full UK prices and specs to be announced closer to the launch in October.














By Georgia Lewis

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