YOU can probably divide drivers into three categories.

Those who are car mad and just love to be behind the wheel, others who want an easy, comfortable ride, and finally the motorist who has driving forced on them and is totally uninterested in cars.

Now the majority of readers of this article will, most likely, belong to the first category - otherwise they wouldn't make the effort to look at a car column. But it has to be admitted that it's the latter two types that form the majority of buyers.

And this is where a comfortable, practical and economical family car with no pretence towards sporting prowess or boy racer appeal, will leave its mark.

Such a model is the Honda HR-V, a smart looking junior SUV with comfortable seating for four, potential 50mpg-plus economy and a smooth hybrid power source.

The smart looking coupe-style five-door, fitting below the CR-V and ZR-V, has some tough opposition in the shape of the high-selling Ford Puma, Seat Arona and Renault Captur, to name but a few.

But Honda buyers are a loyal bunch and many outsiders are won over by the firm's impressive engineering skills and build quality.

Available just with the single power option, it has a 129bhp full petrol hybrid engine, which self-charges, driving the front wheels. Like most small SUVs, an all-wheel drive version isn't offered. It comes with CVT automatic gearbox, a transmission that not everyone favours.

There's a choice of several model variants - Elegance, Advance and Advance Style and Advance Style Plus which we drove. The flagship Advance Style Plus comes with glass panoramic roof, two-tone paintwork and LED active cornering lights. But even the entry level model gets heated seats, LED headlights, 18-inch alloys and reversing camera.

Seating position is quite high both front and back which emphasises the generous visibility, though tall rear seat passengers may find headroom a tad tight. No shortage of legroom, however, either front or rear.

Boot space is more restricted than some rivals thanks to a fairly high platform. The cargo area can carry 304 litres of luggage, less than an Arona or Puma. A clever Honda system allows the rear seats to fold flat and flip up, similar to cinema seats.

Parking is made simple with the rear view camera which offers an aerial view at the touch of a steering wheel button.

While the HR-V is admirably smooth and quiet under gentle throttle applications, push it harder and accelerate fully and the mechanical noise increases noticeably. Throttle back and the general level of refinement is restored.

The ride is quite soft with some cornering roll, but the tyres stay firmly glued to the road as it exhibits safe predictable handling of a non-sporting variety. Acceleration is about par for the class with 62mph coming up in under 11 seconds.

Economy is a notable strength. We managed 53mpg over cross country running, with a best of nearly 60mpg.

Certainly, in its latest form, the HR-V has cast off its dowdy image and slipped on a smart suit of clothes without losing anything in terms of practicality, comfort and economy.

£37,995

1.5litre petrol hybrid, 4cyl, 129bhp engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

105mph

10.7sec

52.3

31

122g/km

29%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.3