HONDA claims to have defined the mid-size SUV market and sales of its original CR-V help back that up.
Launched a few months after the rival Land Rover Freelander in 1997, the model quickly became a favourite with drivers across Europe.
In fact, the model was so successful that all CR-V production for Europe was eventually moved lock, stock and barrel to Honda's UK plant in Swindon.
It was one of the first generation of "soft roaders," designed primarily for use on the road, but with SUV styling and good build quality and equipment spec.
So it's no surprise that the new, second generation, also built in Swindon, is now established as a major team member in Honda's marque.
I took the new 2.2 i-CTDi for a week's test drive and only wished I could have kept it for far longer.
It's been around for a couple of years and, sharing the Civic's compact global car platform, the new CR-V has built on its predecessor's success.
All the best features of the original are still there, including the rugged 4X4 styling, but many new features have been added - for instance there is now much improved interior accommodation.
Honda makes much of the engine's class-leading performance, which returns nearly 43mpg on the combined cycle, according to official figures and records 177g/km carbon monoxide emissions.
It points out that, mileage wise, this compares to official figures of 37.2mpg for the Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi and 39.2mpg for a Land Rover Freelander 2.0 Td4.
It's very impressive, particularly in the top gears and surprisingly quiet, too.
The great thing about it is that it is so practical and versatile. When the 60-40 split rear seats are tumbled forwards into their almost vertical storage position there is a 952 litre area of space.
What that means is that two 26-inch mountain bikes can be carried upright without the need to remove their front wheels - and believe me, with two children aged 10 and 13 who love biking, this kind of thing is significant!
There are also lots of storage features as you would expect. I particularly liked the innovative waterproof storage container beneath the load floor, with a lid that doubles as a folding picnic table.
The two-way tailgate has a useful separate upper glass hatch that allows small items to be quickly popped into the back of the car for maximum convenience, rather than having to open the complete side-hinged tailgate.
The improved, updated, CR-V is also the one which customers wanted. For Honda listened to comments from existing customers and tried to introduce many of the changes they requested. The more rugged, tougher look is a direct response to their responses.
Honda has given the new CR-V smarter styling both front and rear, with a more prominent front bumper and fog light design. The new grille now features two chrome trimmed bars.
Other changes include a new hard spare wheel cover, new door handles, sill trim and front and rear mudguards. All models also now get 16-inch wheels.
While undoubtedly built with practicality in mind, inside there is plenty of refinement and comfort.
The main instrumentation is similar to that of the Accord. It appears as a darkened panel with the ignition off, transforming to a bright display when the door lock is released and a higher contrast one when the ignition is switched on, thanks to background lighting.
FAST FACTS
Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi Executive
Price: £23,000
Mechanical: 140bhp, 2,204cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 10.6 secs
Combined mpg: 42.2
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 177g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust