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The CR-V diesel unsurprisingly scores better than the petrol on the environmental and economic fronts, though. On the combined cycle the diesel achieves 42.2mpg whilst emitting 177g/km of CO2; the petrol manages just 31mpg and 216g/km. The CR-V also compares favourably here to several rivals, including the 2.2 dCi Nissan X-Trail, 2.0 D-4D Toyota RAV4 and the 2.0 Td4 Land Rover Freelander.

The CR-V's steering is very light, which makes parking a doddle, but more feel and feedback would be welcome on the open road. It's also worth noting that the diesel engine increases the kerbweight of the CR-V by a significant 90g - making it a little nose-heavy, inviting understeer when cornering quickly.

2005 brings a mild facelift for the Honda, with cleaner front and rear bumpers, new head and tail lights, new alloy wheel designs, and chunky arch and side sill protectors. More soft touch fabrics, new headrests and a revised steering wheel with built in controls for the radio and cruise control (if fitted) are the only interior revisions, although the Executive trim level gains leather trim around the cabin. As with the petrol CR-V, though, some of the plastics feel cheap, and bring the overall air feel of quality of the interior down. Air conditioning, ABS brakes, six airbags, an alarm and immobiliser, plus a CD player are all standard-fit on all three trim levels of the CR-V, making it a good-value buy. The small refrigerated compartment in the middle of the centre console serves up chilled drinks come summer, too.