HONDA CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX (Price, as tested, £29,830) (From The Northern Echo)

HONDA CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC EX (Price, as tested, £29,830)

12:59pm Saturday 17th July 2010 in

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LOOK up CR-V on the internet and you will find any number of definitions for the name.

Compact Recreational Vehicle, Comfortable Runabout Vehicle and Civilian Recreational Vehicle are three of the more popular monikers.

While no one can seem to agree what it stands for, what isn't up for debate is this car's pedigree.

Around since 1995 - arguably the dawn of the soft-roader era - the CR-V has gone on to become one of the most popular cars of its kind.

It may have something of a staid image, but since 1996, more than three million have been sold in 160 countries and last year 12,000 made their way onto the roads of the UK.

In that period there have been three generations of the car, the last complete overhaul coming in 2007.

Three years on and Honda has tinkered about with it once more, though it describes this latest version as a revision rather than a redesign.

The company says it has spoken to customers and has made changes to the exterior and interior to reflect this.

However, the main reason behind the rethink is the introduction of the i-DTEC engine and the automatic gearbox for the diesel model.

That engine is quieter than the one it replaces, though all things are relative, has increased power and torque and lower emissions.

The gearbox, meanwhile, has proven its worth in the new Accord and Honda is confident it will do the same in the CR-V.

It is certainly smooth and, located on the centre console is easy to use, unlike the handbrake, which is akin to something found in an airliner and I still find difficult to operate.

The new engine provides more than enough power, wherever and whenever it is required, though I have to admit I did little more than pop down the supermarket and commute to work. Im told the CR-V can handle more challenging terrain, though unsurprisingly it is really aimed more at the urban market.

Some I have met aren't too keen on the way it is styled, but I quite like its almost American, truck like front end and its semi-circle like window arrangement along its flanks.

The rear end, dominated by an array of lights, features a low boot door which makes getting things in and out all the easier.

Apart from the handbrake, Honda has made everything else in the cabin very accessible. It is possible, as perhaps it should be, to sit back in your seat, stretch out an arm and control everything from the air conditioning to the graphically outdated satellite navigation system. If for whatever reason you cannot, theres always the steering wheel mounted controls.

The leather seats in our car were incredibly comfortable, meaning long journeys should pass by without the need to stop for a buttock massage at half distance.

As well as the usual array of gadgets and the like, our car was also fitted with a handy full colour reversing camera and a panoramic glass roof.

The CR-V is designed with the family in mind and as a result there's plenty of space both in the front and behind.

There's also an array of cubbies and hidey places and a boot that is bigger than many of the Honda's rivals. That boot also contains a double deck shelf which is easy to both install and remove. It means that you can separate out your luggage, put heavy things below and store delicate items of shopping above or keep them out of the way of prying eyes.

The space in the rear can be increased significantly by taking advantage of the 40:20:40 split rear seats, which also slide and recline.

The revamp has also seen improvements made to sound-proofing, both around engine and cabin, meaning you shouldn't have to raise your voice just to be heard.

Honda says it expects to sell around 9,000 C-RVs this year, with our model making up 40 per cent of sales.

More than enough to ensure it will be around for some time to come yet.