THE Honda CR-V is not what it seems.
From the rugged off-road looks you'd assume it was ready for anything the British landscape had to throw at it - but you'd be wrong.
This Honda is a bit of a softy at heart preferring a Tarmac terrain to strut its stuff and show its considerable talents.
Does that matter? Well, as the buyer of this type of car normally spends about as much time 'in country' as Osama Bin Laden does in Kansas, 'no' has to be the answer.
Indeed Honda's emphasis on the road-going aspects of the car's design indicates who the compnay thought would be buying it.
The CR-V's customers want space, stature, a powerful engine and sporty feel - but not the ability to chase antelope on the Serengeti.
The two-litre petrol power unit generates 148bhp taking the car from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 110mph.
A recently enhanced four-wheel drive system that switches grip between wheels depending on road conditions is not one to be testing in ploughed fields, but on the highway in difficult conditions it's more than adequate giving excellent levels of grip.
Low emissions and decent fuel economy make the car more wallet-friendly than a lottery win.
The car's styling has been updated for 2005 to give it bolder looks. At the front is a more prominent bumper and foglamp design. A new headlamp cluster features three-beam, projector-style lights and a new grille now features two chrome trimmed bars.
There's also a re-styled rear bumper while the distinctive high-mounted tail-lights now feature clear indicator covers and a larger reversing light.
Other changes include a new hard spare wheel cover, new door handles, new sill trim, revised arch protectors plus front and rear mudguards. Finally 16-inch alloy wheels with new multi-spoke designs complete a makeover Linda Barker would be proud of.
The interior also has a touch of 'Changing Rooms' about it. There's new seat and trim materials, a re-vamped steering wheel with cruise control and audio control switches, revised door armrests and chrome trimmed inner door handles.
To improve rear visibility Honda has given the CR-V teardrop type rear seat headrests which do not obscure vision when fully retracted.
The CR-V boasts one of the most spacious cabins in its class. Rear passengers have plenty of head and leg room and there's plenty of luggage space.
When the 60/40 split rear seats are tumbled forwards there's room for two mountain bikes to be carried upright without the need to remove their front wheels.
Other changes include a blacked-out instrument panel when the ignition is off, transforming to a bright display when the door lock is released and an even higher contrast one when the engine is switched on, thanks to the use of backlighting. The instruments feature white numerals and red illuminated needles and surround.
A useful digital information display positioned within the speedometer shows fuel consumption, odometer and trip.
The handbrake is mounted on the fascia which takes a little getting used to but creates a clutter free flat floor allowing easier movement within the cabin.
For a big car the CR-V is incredibly nimble on the road within a turning circle a jet fighter would be proud of. The suspension and chassis offer passenger-like comfort, stability and neat handling particularly through tight corners.
Honda expects to sell more than 60,000 CR-Vs this year, and with a new diesel engine being introduced to the range for 2005 they've every chance of hitting this target.
FAST FACTS:
Honda CR-V 2.0 SE Sport
Price: £17,200
Mechanical: 148bhp, 1998cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via manual 5-speed gearbox.
Max speed: 110mph
0-60mph: 10.8 seconds
Combined mpg: 31.4
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 216g\km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/90,000, 3yrs paintwork, 6yrs anti-rust