HONDA has resurrected a name from about ten years ago for its latest smaller crossover.

Called the HR-V after that similar rather square offering, its a completely new 4x4 lookalike, although only available with front wheel drive.

In fact it is better looking than most other such crossovers and Honda has managed to squeeze a quart into a pint pot, giving it more interior space than the Nissan Qashqai, but smaller outer dimensions.

Crossovers are big business now and have been for a couple of years. The company already has the bigger, and very impressive, CR-V, but thought something smaller would appeal to more buyers.

The love it or hate it Nissan Juke is a car I could not live with, whereas I would enjoy owning this funky and good looking Honda.

There are two engines available - a new petrol 1.5 with 128bhp and the excellent existing 1.6 turbo diesel with 118bhp.

This is the model I'll concentrate on, since it will almost certainly be the largest seller.

Performance is excellent from standstill and through the gears, with strong mid-range urge for overtaking or losing tailgaters.

It is smooth and quiet and, amazingly, capable of a claimed 70mpg with emissions of just 104g/km.

A hybrid version is available in Japan apparently, but at the moment there are no plans for it to come here.

Road holding and handling are both very good for a taller vehicle and the ride is excellent over rougher country roads and in town.

Hidden rear door handles copied from the Civic help give a coupe look to the rear and inside are an excellent dash layout, soft plastics, comfortable seats and plenty of space.