2007 Honda CR-V

All new Honda CR-V promises a driving experience as good as a D-sector saloon car, improved equipment levels and Honda's latest advanced safety technology. All this, and the CR-V remains as practical as ever. The outgoing model dominated retail sales charts since launch, set new standards in the SUV sector and remains the benchmark vehicle for its impressive road manners and versatility. With the market becoming increasingly crowded, Honda has raised the bar further – the latest CR-V is even better on the road, has a more sophisticated interior and it's even more practical.

Steering response is faster and feels more direct, while directional stability and all-round agility also benefit from further development to the car's chassis. While the on-road capabilities of the CR-V are much-improved, its off-road skills have been tweaked as well, with a revised Real Time 4WD system that detects front wheel slip and promptly sends torque rearwards. The new system – which, like the outgoing model, features a quiet, dual-pump system with a one-way cam unit – can transfer 20 per cent more torque compared to the existing unit. This 4WD set-up not only allows light off-road driving, but also helps maintain stability on the road.

Power comes from a new 2.0-litre petrol or a 2.2 diesel engine. Honda's celebrated 140PS 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel continues; but as aerodynamic efficiency is improved by 12 per cent, fuel economy proves even better. The petrol engine is an all-new unit based on the 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC from the Civic range. And like that engine the 2.0-litre features latest VTEC and friction reduction technologies, plus the delayed closure of the intake valves combined with a wide open throttle valve during low-load driving conditions. Petrol engine models are also equipped with brand new transmissions: all manual gearboxes are 6-speed, while a 5-speed automatic is also available.

Maximum power is 150 PS at 6,200 rpm (lower in the rev range than the current 2.0), while torque is 190Nm (140lb.ft) at 4,200 rpm. The efficiency of the engine, together with improved aerodynamics and new gearboxes, have boosted fuel economy figures. Performance is also enhanced, with the 0 to 62mph time dropping from 10.8 to 10.2 seconds (manual) and from 13.1 to 12.2 seconds (automatic).

Improvements made to the driving dynamics are reflected in the styling of the vehicle – a coupe-like tapering side window profile gives the CR-V a similar shape to a car. The front has been given a bold presence, with a distinctive double grille as the focal point, flanked by projector-style headlights and a large bumper. It all makes for a muscular front end, emphasised by the car's wide track and 17- or 18-inch wheels. At the rear, a vertically-opening tailgate is the main design feature, sandwiched between roof-high strips of lights, and notably, the spare wheel has gone – it's now hidden under the load compartment floor.

Two active safety systems are available on the new CR-V, and they're unique to the SUV segment. The first, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front, while Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying strong braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. Both these systems are optional. Also includes dual stage SRS airbags for front seat passengers, full length curtain airbags, seatbelt reminders and active front headrests– all fitted as standard.

The new CRV also incorporates Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) as standard which together with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ensures that towing safety is continuously monitored and corrected. Importantly, towing capacity on the diesel-engined CR-V is increased from 1500kg to a very competitive 2000kg. Active Front Lighting headlights also make their way onto the CR V for the first time. This system uses High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.

Inside the cabin, accommodation remains generous and the dimensions are similar to the previous CR-V. The interior is high quality, featuring metallic elements on the dash and doors that contrast with soft textured black trim. Front seats are larger and more comfortable and the steering column is adjustable for reach as well as rake. Relocation of the gear lever to the base of the centre stack brings it closer to the steering wheel and creates more floor space.

Depending on grade, more premium equipment is available, including a driver's 8-way adjustable power seat, leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera. Top spec CR-Vs are equipped with a panoramic glass roof – similar to that found on the Civic – which provides an even lighter cabin. This can be closed off by two electric blinds which are covered in the same material as the roof lining.