YOU pay your money and take your choice. In these transitional times as the car industry moves from diesel and petrol power to battery propulsion, there are decisions to be made.

Aside from pure electric, many firms are offering the choice between self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid, which allows a few dozen miles running on battery alone.

The latest Honda CR-V, one of the forerunner SUVs that has been a mainstay of the Japanese firm's range for three decades, is available as either plug-in (the e:PHEV) or self-charger (the e:HEV).

Here, we check out the e:PHEV which as well as stretching the range, has tax advantages for company users.

Now in its sixth incarnation, the CR-V has a smart suit of clothes with a dominant rather macho nose and a rear end that's not totally dissimilar to a BMW X5.

Power comes from a relatively modest 2.0-litre, four cylinder petrol engine that pushes out 181bhp coupled to 17.7kWh battery that is said to allow about 50 electric-only miles.

Translated into every day running, we found that 45mpg was easily attainable with a best of nearly 50mpg over gentle touring. One of the appealing aspects is its immediate throttle response which makes the CR-V feel quicker than its 9.4second to 62mph suggests.

Driven sedately the cabin is impressively hushed but floor the accelerator for full power and the four-pot engine is made to work hard and lets you know just that. As with most Hondas, a CVT - continuously variable transmission - is favoured which tends increase commotion under hard acceleration.

Ride standard is better than most high-riders with ample ability to soak up and cushion against poor surfaces, yet cornering roll and vertical movement is impressively contained. Unlike the e:HEV, this version is front drive rather than four-wheel-drive.

Generally, the lack of the second axle's involvement goes unnoticed. But a sharp getaway from standstill can provoke some wheelspin, particularly in greasy conditions.

The CR-V is really pleasant to travel in with huge amounts of space for five both front and back. A flat floor helps rear accommodation, of course. The facia and furnishings are smart and feel tough, though they aren't perhaps as flashy or luxurious as some rivals.

A relatively small touchscreen - by today's standards - peeps out of the top of the dash and is easy to operate. Knobs and switches are solid and well positioned.

Front seats are well shaped and electrically adjustable to accommodate all sizes and shapes.

The electric tailgate reveals a good size boot area which is regularly shaped and has room for 617 litres of luggage. Rear seats split and fold 60-40 to further expand the cargo area.

In Advance Tech trim, you get all the treats including sliding glass panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, dual zone air con and rear privacy glass. The car we borrowed came with Diamond Dust Pearl paintwork - a sort of metallic white which in some lights appears to have a hint of pale blue. Striking and very effective.

£49,600

2.0-litre, 4 cyl petrol plug-in hybrid, 181bhp engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

121mph

9.4sec

353.0

37

19.0g/km

9%

3yrs/90,000 miles

4.5