Scheduled to go on sale from summer next year, the latest HR-V revives the name eight years after the original was withdrawn, with Leon Brannan, head of car at Honda, saying: ‘The HR-V is a very welcome addition to our current model line up, it is a very popular and growing market segment that appeals to both retail and corporate customers.’

Based on the Jazz platform and previously shown in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show, the new model has already been displayed in production form for Japan as the Vezel but this is the first time we’ve seen a production version for Europe.

Highlights include a coupé like design combined with the versatility and stability of an SUV.

Practicality is also top of the agenda and the new HR-V employs a centre fuel tank location to maximise cabin roominess. This is enhanced by the Honda Magic Seats seen on other models such as the Civic and Jazz, which enable a wide range of seating configurations, with the ability to fold the second row seats completely flat for added cargo space.

The model makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday 2nd October.