ALTHOUGH the anti-4x4 brigade continues to line up for a pop at so-called gas guzzlers and the Government maintains its aim to gear more motoring taxes to exhaust cleanliness, there is just the hint of a fightback from the car companies.
In support of customers calling for help against 4x4 detractors, Honda has responded by sending a special window sticker and letter to owner's of the company's new CR-V models. The message is pointing out that 'not all 4x4s are the same,' highlighting the fact that the Honda CR-V is cleaner, safer and smaller than most rivals.
The CR-V has been recognised as one of the pioneers of the modern day soft-roader generation and, from 1997 after going on sale in Europe, the original model quickly became a family favourite.
The CR-V Mark 2 took over the baton in 2002 and, to date, more than 2.5 million have been sold worldwide and 17,000 in the UK.
Now the Honda CR-V Mark 3 has arrived coming with a brace of engines on offer, a brand new two-litre i-VTEC petrol unit joining the already tried and tested 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel. There are three trim levels SE, ES and EX.
Standard kit levels are high even at entry level, the SE model sits on 17-inch wheels, has electric windows all round, air con, powered and heated door mirrors with in-built indicator, driver information system, sound system with CD and steering wheel controls, plus driver safety aids which include ABS braking with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), Vehicle and Trailer Stability Assist.
Despite a more compact look, the new CR-V continues to offer class leading levels of comfort and space with slightly wider body dimensions, larger front seats, improved standard seat height adjustment and reclining and sliding rear seats all adding further to interior comfort.
There are also some smart solutions to interior living. Storage and loading space include a space-saving position at the base of the centre console for handbrake and gear lever while a glovebox and lidded passenger tray, sizeable door bins and cupholders, CD storage box and a sliding box beneath the front passenger seat are also convenient additons.
The high driving position benefits from a good range of seat and steering wheel adjustment and there is further flexibility in the rear where the seat back splits 20:40:20 to enable the centre section to be folded individually.
The spare wheel finds a new home beneath the boot floor, freeing up a generous 556-litres of boot room with all seats taken and 955-litres with rear chairs folded, all accessed via a much more user-friendly lift-up tailgate.
Fine fit and finish abounds both inside and out and the designers have managed to retain SUV design cues and the chunky look which hint at the car's 4x4 capabilities while introducing some curvaceous styling to provide a sophisticated and more car-like exterior than pure 'toff-roader'.
Larger doors and a lowered step-in height combined provide access to a more sophisticated interior which has managed to shake off the gloomy look and feel of its predecessor with premium quality materials proving easy on the eye and satisfying to the touch, plus the tasteful use of chromework, adds a touch of class.
Wider tracking and bigger wheels add further contributions to the businesslike look provided by the CR-V's good ground clearance.
Driven here is the 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel powered model which is comes with a six-speed smooth-slotting manual gear change.
This refined oil-burner is borrowed from the Accord and provides peak power of 138bhp at 4,000rpm to deliver a 0-62mph time in 10.3 seconds, with the promise of around 43mpg on average.
The Honda design people have opted for a lowered centre of gravity which has added even greater stability to, what was, some decent ride and handling while revised front and rear suspension have further improved ride comfort in all parts.
Progress under normal driving conditions comes via conventional front-wheel-drive with the new CR-V benefiting from Honda's Real Time 4WD system which only kicks in to send power to the rear when the front wheels begin to lose traction
This is an automatic function with no driver input required to enable the CR-V to competently cope with light off-tarmac driving over dirt roads and green fields while also providing greater on-road security and greater stability in poor conditions.
Overall, the new CR-V is another fine effort - and it is built in Britain at Honda's Swindon factory.
It has a reputation of being considered one of the best of its type, feels well put together, is roomy, generously kitted out, competitively priced and qualifies for a better-than-expected insurance rating of 12.
FAST FACTS
Honda CR-V 2.2i CTDi EX
Price: £24,705
Mechanical: 138bhp, 2,204cc, 4cyl diesel driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 10.3 secs
Insurance group: 12
Combined mpg: 43.5
CO2 emissions: 173g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust