Honda takes the wraps off its updated compact SUV, which is more roomy and efficientThis is the new Honda CR-V, which has made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show. It is a rival for the Ford Kuga, which was also revealed at the US show.
It's set to go on sale in the UK in Autumn 2012, and has been updated with a mildly facelifted body. Despite being a bit shorter and lower than the car it replaces, Honda says there is actually more space inside, as the windscreen has been moved forward and the floor lowered.
As well as being more practical, the CR-V has also moved upmarket, with a redesigned dashboard that features better quality materials.
Honda has stripped some weight from the CR-V, and along with improved aerodynamics, electric power steering and taller gearing, the car is expected to be slightly more economical and have lower emissions.
For the UK, engines will be carried over from the current model. This includes a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol and 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel, with the latter returning around 45mpg. There are currently no plans for a hybrid version.
Variable four-wheel drive is carried over from the current car. This is capable of sending up to 100 per cent of the power to the front or rear wheels, depending on which have the most grip.
Gadgets include Bluetooth, a rear parking camera, USB connectivity and a system that allows the driver to text from Blackberry phone.
Honda says a version 'developed and designed specifically for the European market' will arrive later next year. Expect Honda to tweak steering and suspension settings, while the new CR-V will also be built at Honda's Swindon plant.
The US market is crucial for the CR-V, where Honda aims to sell around 200,000 models every year.
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