ALTHOUGH not the prettiest on the motors catwalk, it's easy to see why the Honda CR-V has been so popular with families in particular.

It is roomy, immensely practical with its one-pull folding and tumbling rear seats, huge boot and cabin storage and it is relatively cheap to run.

None of those things have changed, in fact in some cases have got better including the economy and the looks for this year's revamped model.

The British-built CR-V has been around for quite a while now, quietly going about its business of steadily increasing sales since it was launched in Europe in 1997.

Since then more than 750,000 units have been sold, with nearly 50,000 sold during 2014.

This year Honda has introduced styling changes, new suspension, a new diesel engine and nine-speed automatic gearbox, major safety upgrades, including adaptive cruise control, plus new app-driven connectivity system to improve what was already a pretty impressive package in the SUV market.

Available in two or four-wheel drive, the powerful, but frugal 160ps diesel engine tested here not only delivers impressive economy, claimed 55-odd mpg,but low CO2 levels, of 139g/km which will make it attractive to business users.

Honda says it delivers one of the best power-to-consumption ratio of any engine on sale today and is more more powerful and refined than the 2.2-litre engine it replaces.

The engine line-up also includes a 1.6-litre 120ps diesel and 155ps 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual or the nine-speed automatic gearbox tested here, which replaces the previous five-speed automatic.

The new, smaller and 65kg lighter gearbox, offers a wider spread of gears which reduces fuel consumption. There are normal and sport settings and paddles behind the steering wheel for a bit more fun.

The spec range starts with S, SE, SR and the range topping EX models.

All feature alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, while this range topper includes goodies like powered tailgate, full leather upholstery on the heated, powered, memory adjustable front seats and panoramic glass roof.

So it's attractive from an economy point of view, but styling enhancements also make it attractive from an aesthetic point of view.

It looks sleeker and more dynamic, with new grille and headlamp cluster with LED daytime running and projector headlight. There's a new bumper and skid plate give it a wider appearance and improved stability.

LED combination lamps also feature at the rear and new design 17 and 18-inch alloys round off the package.

The interior feels much more upmarket as well. It has large glass areas and feels light and airy, especially with the panoramic roof.

High quality plastic trim complements the re-shaped chrome-effect inlay running the width of the dashboard.

This is dominated by the new seven-inch touchscreen displaying the new Honda Connect system and infortainment controls, although I found some a bit fiddly to use. The binnacle centre point is one large dial which glows red, amber and green to tell you how economically you are driving.

Together with enhanced soundproofing and refined engines, the cabin is a quiet and comfortable place to be and accommodates five occupants in comfort.

On the road, the engine pulls well and enough with good torque levels for motorway overtaking and remains reasonably stable on bends, with only the slightest of wallowing. With four wheel drive, the car will also grip well when pushed.

In practical terms the already spacious 589 litres of spaces in the boot, but the tumbling and folding seats open this up to an enormous 1,648 litres of flat load space and with a length of 1,570mm it can easily accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs.

The infotainment system is fitted as standard on all grades above the entry level and gives front-seat occupants fast and easy access to everything from vehicle information and rear-view parking camera, to music and Bluetooth connectivity for smart phones. The new system's functions include internet access, two pre-installed apps.