Under the changes, the fourth-generation CR-V – the world’s best-selling SUV for the first nine months of last year – gains new front styling, with redesigned headlamps, new bumper and skid plate along with revised LED lamps at the rear and newly styled 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior has been redesigned to be more stylish and functional, with the addition of a sliding armrest (60 mm fore and aft) between the front seats and a redeveloped dashboard to allow easy visibility and access to the new seven-inch touchscreen displaying the new Honda Connect system. Available as standard on all grades above the entry-level Comfort/SE, the new system runs Android 4.0.4 and brings the familiar “pinch, swipe and tap” functionality of a Smartphone. Key features include internet access, two pre-installed apps, Honda App Centre, optional Garmin satellite navigation, DAB / FM / AM and internet radio, phone interface and Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view parking camera with dynamic guidelines; and a range of vehicle information, such as trip meter, fuel economy and journey time.

Engine line-up sees the addition of the 158bhp 1.6 litre i-DTEC four-cylinder unit from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, first introduced in 2013. The Euro 6 compliant unit is unique to the European market and replaces the 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel unit, bringing 10bhp more power and reduced CO2 emissions – down from 149g/km to 129g/km when mated to the six-speed manual transmission – along with fuel economy of 4.9 l/100km (combined cycle). Honda also promises the best power-to-consumption ratio available in its segment.

The i-DTEC is joined by the previous 118bhp diesel engine in two-wheel drive form and the 153bhp i-VTEC petrol unit with two and four-wheel drive.

The 2015 CR-V will also be available with a newly developed nine-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous five-speed automatic. The new gearbox brings responsive performance along with reduced fuel consumption and noise level at cruising speeds.

The new CR-V also includes upgrades to the chassis for better handling and a more refined ride while the front and rear track have been increased to aid stability. There’s also a new steering ratio for a more responsive drive and improvements to NVH.

Other changes see new safety features, including the addition of the Honda SENSING Advanced Driving Assist Systems on the new CR-V Executive grade, which brings both camera and radar technology, allowing for advancements to its Collision Mitigation Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control systems.

And the 2015 CR-V will be the first vehicle in the world equipped with a predictive cruise control system, known as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), capable of predicting and automatically reacting to other vehicles “cutting-in” to the vehicle’s lane. A new automatic low-speed braking system will also be featured as standard.