HONDA'S popular CR-V has undergone a host of impressive changes for this year making it an even more desirable car.

Out has gone its home grown 2.2-litre diesel engine to be replaced by a smaller but more powerful twin stage turbo, 1.6-litre unit with 160bhp to give better economy and performance.

Linked to the new engine is a super slick nine-speed automatic gearbox which has made an already refined car even more smooth.

And combining this with extensive additional sound proofing has given the latest CR-V limousine-like qualities which tends to cushion you from the noise and stress of the roads around you.

The high set gear shift of the new nine-speed gearbox is tiny and more like those on an electric car than a diesel one but it's very simple to use and you have the option of both Drive and Sport settings as well as paddles behind the steering wheel for manual changing.

Nine speeds might sound difficult when using the gearbox manually but the gearing is such that you can get into top at a relatively low speed so it's not overly complicated.

Another major plus point is the new Adapative Cruise Control, which has the ability to keep you safe when cars try to cut in front of you.

If the system is engaged and someone pulls in unexpectedly on the motorway this hi-tech equipment senses the impending movement using radar and cameras and automatically slows you down so there is no collision.

Externally the new car, the fourth generation CR-V, has been refreshed with new front and rear bumpers and a more distinctive light cluster which gives the car a bolder image.

Inside there is a new look dashboard centred around a seven-inch touch screen for both satellite navigation and any useful apps you might want on it.

Driving the top-of-the-range EX spec you get all the comforts of full leather upholstery with heated front seats - electrically adjustable on the driver's side, a panoramic glass roof with electrically opening sun blinds, a powered tailgate which opens and closes at the touch of a button on the key fob and keyless entry and starting.

And whichever spec you go for you're assured of good all round vision, because of the car's high stance, as well as an abundance of space for five passengers.

Boot space is enormous too, with some 1,146 litres of luggage room with the rear seatbacks folded flat into the floor.

On the move this new CR-V pulls enthusiastically and handles bends well at speed - although you do sense the lean, probably because of its height - and is impressively stable thanks partly to the grip of its four-wheel-drive.

More than 750,000 CR-V models, all of which have been built in Britain, have been sold in Europe since the range was launched in 1997.