Honda's CR-V has been a staggering success for the Japanese brand over the years since it was first introduced in the late nineties. Indeed, at times the CR-V has been the single best-selling SUV model in the world.
Already on sale in the US
Looking to build on that legacy is this, the sixth generation of the CR-V. This new model has already been on sale in the US for a while, so its styling won't come as too much of a shock, but it's now arriving in Europe with a choice of hybrid or plug-in hybrid power.
The hybrid model is based around a 2.0-litre petrol engine, and we've already tried that installed in the new Honda Civic hatchback. The system produces up to 205hp and 335Nm of torque. The engine is backed up by two electric motors, which Honda says allows the CR-V to "shift seamlessly between EV, hybrid and engine drive, making it ideally suited to all driving scenarios."
The PHEV model is basically the same hybrid setup, but with a bigger lithium-ion battery and a socket so you can charge it up. It has an impressive electric-only range of 82km on a full charge.
Faster battery charging
Just as impressively, the CR-V PHEV's battery can be recharged at up to 11kW, which means you can top it up in just two-and-a-half hours from a suitable charger when you need to, which should help drivers stay on electric power more of the time.
Honda says that the CR-V retains its 'familiar silhouette', but you can see the influence of the Civic and the US-only Ridgeline pickup in its squarer, simpler styling. The hybrid and PHEV get different grille designs, so you'll be able to tell them apart on the street.
Apparently, visibility was a key concern in designing the CR-V (Honda is doubtless taking heed of complaints that drivers of bulky SUVs can't see smaller children who are close to the car) so the bonnet line has been lowered and the sizes of the side and rear windows increased.
Roomier inside
This CR-V is also considerably bigger than before - it has a 40mm longer wheelbase for increased rear room, and the boot measures a massive 745 litres. The rear seats also get eight levels of adjustment and can be reclined by 10.5 degrees if anyone in the back fancies a snooze. The CR-V is also 69mm longer overall than before, and 10mm wider.
Inside, you can clearly see the influence from the Honda Civic, with a simple dashboard that's dominated not by its nine-inch touchscreen, but by the honeycomb air vent. That has been styled to make it look like it stretches the full width of the cabin. There's a seven-inch digital instrument panel as standard, and an uncluttered centre console with recessed switches for gear selection and driving modes.
There are new safety systems too, including the Honda Sensing 360 camera system, which the company claims eliminates blind spots around the vehicle. "The all-new CR-V builds upon everything the iconic model stands for - progressive design, a premium cabin, class-leading levels of safety, practicality and comfort, and efficient and responsive performance," says Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President at Honda Motor Europe Ltd. "This latest iteration is the ultimate SUV package, offering a unique, dynamic and premium product that perfectly suits the current demands of the European market."