THE hybrid version of Honda's popular CR-V SUV will be good for an average of more than 50 miles to the gallon.

Under the revised NEDC testing regulations for fuel economy, Honda has announced that the front wheel drive CR-V with a 184ps petrol-electric powertrain has been rated at 120g/km of CO2 - the equivalent of 53.3mpg.

The 4x4 model comes in at 51.4 to the gallon with emissions of 126g/km.

The new CR-V is Honda's first hybrid SUV and its engine automatically switches from pure electric to hybrid or combustion power only to optimise performance and efficiency.

The car will be seen at the Paris Motor Show ahead of its launch later in the year.

Honda will also be showing a revised HR-V - the smaller SUV in the company's range - at the Paris show in October.

The new HR-V has a new-look nose which includes a high-gloss dark chrome panel above the grille, projector headlight lenses and LED daytime running lights.

From launch the new HR-V will be offered with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine but the range will be extended in next year with the option of a sportier 1.5-litre VTEC turbo or a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel.