THE latest version of the C-RV promises improvements across the board. One of the main areas is efficiency. So does the smaller engined SUV cut the mustard?

On the road: A WHILE back if you wanted a diesel powered C-RV you had to have a big lump under the bonnet. Now, following on from the Civic, Honda is offering a smaller, more efficient 1.6 litre unit. There’s an obvious drop in oomph, but it’s not so great that you would begin to question its worth and such are the benefits that it becomes rather inconsequential. In addition, changes to the body design, including a flat floor underbody, help increase efficiency still further. Being two-wheel drive helps it shed some pounds as well. None of these measures alter what is essentially a good looking, solidly put together, motor that handles itself well over most surfaces. The suspension setting is family friendly, so while it will soak up most imperfections, don’t expect it to get your juices flowing if you throw it into a bend.

On the inside: THE C-RV’s interior has a contemporary feel, unlike the space age design of the Civic and the Insight, for example. It’s neat, tidy and easy to understand. The seating position offers a good view of the road ahead, and while the rear view isn’t as clear, it doesn’t really present a safety issue. Built for comfort, it doesn’t let you down. The fixtures and fittings of this British-built car are also impressive and it certainly stood up to everything my brood could throw at it.

What do you get: THE SR trim of our test car had everything I would want in a car. Upgrade to top spec EX and you can add a panoramic glass roof and electric boot, but I am quite happy to live without them and save a few quid. For our £27,000 we got, over and above the usual equipment, 18ins alloys, privacy glass DAB radio, ambient lighting, heated front seats, half leather and Alcantara seating, Bi-High Intensity Discharge headlights, Active Cornering lighting and roof rails.

How practical is it: THERE’S no shortage of space onboard the C-RV. Head and leg room is very generous and boot space comes in at 589 litres with the split-folding rear seats up - or, according to Honda, space for two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs. Drop them - an easy process - and that increases to 1,648 litres enabling you to carry, as I did, huge amounts of carpet and other spring clean items to the tip. The lip of the boot, meanwhile, has been lowered making loading and unloading straightforward.

Running costs: NOT the cheapest out there, but for mechanical peace of mind it’s hard to fault the C-RV. The option of a smaller diesel will cut running costs. Our test car had an official fuel economy rate of 60.1mpg. Our ‘real world’ rest managed to hit a best of 49.9mpg. CO2 emissions come in at 124g/km, putting this version in the D tax band.

Verdict: THE 1.6 litre i-DTEC is a welcome addition for what is already a popular car.

Alternatives: Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage