IN THIS FEATURE Hate something? Change it then Frugal competitor British built

Remember the Honda ads from last year in which Garrison Keillor sang "Hate something, change something"? Well, ever since Honda discovered that diesel off-roader sales increased by nearly 25 percent over the past year, it's hated the fact that its CR-V 4x4 hasn't had a diesel variant. It was losing out to oil-burning rivals from Toyota, Nissan and Land Rover. So true to its ethos, Honda has changed the CR-V by fitting its award-winning diesel motor from the Accord range.

The 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine produces 138bhp at 4000rpm and an impressive 250lb ft of torque from as little as 2000rpm. That's identical to the power and torque on tap in the Accord, but the engine's been tuned for the CR-V; this tweaked unit will also feature in the FR-V six-seater MPV and the upcoming new Civic. Unlike the Accord Tourer, a six-speed manual gearbox is standard-fit on CR-V, its gear ratios calibrated to make the most of the engine's torque characteristics. Power is channelled through an intelligent four-wheel-drive system: under normal road driving all the power goes to the front wheels, but if required, the rear wheels can aid grip nearly instantaneously. The CR-V has been designed for 'grass and gravel' rather than hardcore mud-plugging, but should you find yourself with a muddy field that needs crossing, the CR-V should be up to the task. The mass of low-end torque also gives the CR-V better off-road capabilities than its high-revving petrol-powered sibling.

Light steering makes for easy parking, but feel-less cornering at speed

The diesel CR-V reaches 62mph in just over ten seconds and goes on to a top speed of 114mph - more than adequate for a vehicle of its type. Where the engine really shines is during overtaking, as the bulk of the available pulling power arrives at a low 2000rpm, so less downchanging is needed to pass. But rev the engine hard, and you'll certainly hear it louder than you would in the Accord, which has more sound deadening placed between its bulkhead and the cabin. It's not overly intrusive in the CR-V, however, and is actually only marginally louder than the petrol engine.