Honda CR-V Estate 2007 - Present

The Honda CR-V is something of an enigma in the motoring world a 4X4 with impeccable green credentials. As a result it's one of the UK's favourite soft roaders and will not incur the wrath of Ken Livingstone if you want to commute into the capital, keeping well within the figures for the £8 daily charge.

Inside the CR-V both the level of room and detail are impressive. There's room for three adults in the back and the panoramic glass roof option makes for a pleasant, open feel for passengers both front and rear. The back seats can recline if required so long journeys are comfortable for all concerned. The Boot offers ample storage room and has useful options to make the size work better with the sliding rear seats.

Honda have lowered the centre of gravity for the 2007 edition which has given a better sense of security on the road. The car is deceptively agile and rewards the driver with an engaging drive. It's not quite as responsive as the BMW X3 but few cars, let alone 4X4s are. When designing the CR-V Honda use the VW Passat and their own Accord as a standard to keep to in order to ensure that the drive was no more challenging or less fun than a good family car.

The bullet-proof 2.2 i-CTD diesel engine is unchanged from the previous model. It's relatively unusual to see Honda leave an engine unchanged with the launch of a new model but the 2.2 powerplant offers everything that the CR-V needs, the 0-60 is just over 10 seconds and offers 43 mpg from it's fuel load. The petrol option is slightly upgraded but offering little difference in performance and fuel consumption of 34 mpg it's the diesel that's likely to be the bigger seller.

The CR-V throws down something of a gauntlet to family cars and 4X4s alike. It's as agile as most family cars in the market and is certainly as fun to drive. For long journeys it offers great comfort levels to all of it's occupants and will return stellar fuel figures. Don't buy one if you want to take it off road but the CR-V isn't looking to conquer the farmers market it's looking to offer family car buyers with a tempting alternative.

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