RM CR-V

HONDA launched its fourth-generation CR-V in late 2012, but far from being an all-new model, it was really a redesign with small if important improvements to safety, comfort, refinement and practicality to match the fresh styling.

The body sits lower, the floor is deeper, the cabin is more spacious, and the boot larger and easier to use.

The biggest news, though, was front-wheel drive availability for the first time and the return of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 114kW and 190Nm, mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

All-wheel drive (electrically activated rather than hydraulically assisted part-time as before) continued with a revised 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 140kW and 222Nm.

Other mechanical changes included a nine per cent more rigid body, revised MacPherson strut front suspension and modified multi-link rear end, as well as a new electric power steering system.