NOW in its fourth generation the Honda CR-V was first launched back in 1997 and was one of the first compact SUVs to hit the market.

The current model was given a facelift earlier this year and is now more premium than ever.

More than 750,000 CR-Vs have been sold in Europe since it was launched and the recent changes were designed to keep it competitive in a crowded market.

This latest car comes with the option of a high-output 158bhp 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine which replaces the older 2.2-litre unit, as well as Honda's new nine-speed automatic gearbox, which improves efficiency over the old six-speed automatic.

The result is superior performance and better fuel economy figures.

Colour plays a large part in how the CR-V looks as in dark shades it can look a bit bland compared to some of the opposition. In lighter finishes and when combined with some snazzy alloys it looks rather handsome.

Wraparound headlights and a grille featuring three prominent chrome bars give it a more aggressive front end compared to its predecessor and tweaks to the rear have also helped its looks.

The CR-V is a big car - it weighs in at 2.2 tonnes - but it is still only available with five seats. It does offer an astonishing amount of room inside and its boot is positively huge at 589 litres and easily the biggest in its class. Using Honda's Magic Seat system this can be increased to a massive 1,669 litres.

The engine line-up is restricted to just three options, including 118bhp and 158bhp versions of Honda's new 1.6-litre turbodiesel, as well as a 153bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Not surprisingly the diesels will be the big sellers and make more sense, with lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy.

Depending on the power unit you can either have a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic, as well as two or four-wheel drive.

The range is made up of S, SE, SR and EX models. All are well specced and feature alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, while you can add things like sat nav and Bluetooth as part of Honda's options packages - with only SR and top-spec EX models boasting integrated satnav as standard.

This car was the flagship EX model with four-wheel-drive and the automatic gearbox and came with all the toys including full leather, electrically adjustable seats, keyless entry, a power tailgate, privacy glass, roof rails, ambient lighting, upgraded sound system, rear view camera, parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, bluetooth, satnav and much more.

As you would expect from Honda, it was all screwed together well with robust rather than flashy materials and the only disappointment was the touchscreen which seemed a bit dated compared to the rest of the equipment.

With 160ps the new diesel unit is a fine performer and it can sprint to 62mph in just 10.6 seconds before going on to 125mph. I found it to be smooth and refined and although I had read other reports describing the automatic nine-speed box as sluggish, I did not find that to be the case. The CR-V is a great motorway cruiser and the claimed combined mpg figure is 55.3. I achieved figures in the mid 40s without trying - not bad for a car of this size.

The CR-V always feels well planted and the suspension easily copes with even our worst roads. It handles well for a big unit and is surprisingly nimble. The four-wheel-drive set-up provides a feeling of security and it will be an even bigger benefit in our winters.