First sight of new Honda CR-V 27 | 07 | 2011

HONDA HAS RELEASED a first official image of its new CR-V which is set to enter Scottish showrooms next autumn. Though Honda labels the car as a 'concept', the model uses the all-new platform which will be used for the production car.

With the imminent arrival of the new Range Rover Evoque, the new CR-V (well, the concept?) features a series of styling changes designed to give the Honda SUV a more aggressive stance.

First glances highlight the biggest change is at the front where the newcomer gets a wraparound lower front bumper which is better integrated into the rest of the front fascia than on the current car.

And with it's slimmed-down headlights, the design results in the three-bar horizontal front grille becoming more dominant. The result of that is also likely to make the new CR-V more aero-dynamic.

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There's also some heavily-sculpted bodywork on the sides, plus more noticeable side sills, and the rear of the CR-V is expected to retain the vertical light design of the current car. Interestingly though, Honda has yet to release an image of the car's rear-end.

Expect the new CR-V to also have a more spacious interior, plus a lower floor which will improve the SUV's load-carrying ability. Honda has also yet to release engine plane for the new CR-V, though the range will deliver improved efficiency and fuel economy.

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Mark Stephens