by Robert Lewis (05 Sep 04)

It's the FR-V with the three-abreast seating layout which will be the subject of Honda's main introduction later this month at the Paris Show, but two current model ranges will also be displayed in their 2005 guise.

The CR-V has managed some close-to-top-seller positions in the 4x4 section of the UK monthly sales charts, even though it doesn't have a turbo diesel to its name, but that's about to change. Honda will soon be marketing it with the 2.2-litre turbo diesel from the Accord, and expects that, as well as considerably boosting CR-V business, the new model will provoke a 52/48 sales split in favour of diesel over petrol.

With 138bhp on tap, and 250lb/ft of torque from 2000rpm, the six-speed turbo diesel version is expected to take 10.6 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint and go on to a maximum of 114mph. Combined fuel consumption should be around 42mpg, and the CO2 rating is 177g/km.

As we suggested in a road test of the current petrol-engined CR-V, Honda could hardly bring in the new turbo diesel variant without updating the general specification. In fact, it has given the 2005 cars a different front bumper and headlamp design, with three projector-style lamps on each side, and altered the grille. Rear bumper design is changed too, and the diesels get a tailgate spoiler.

The rear lights, side trim and wheel arches have also been given a make-over, and there's a solid spare wheel cover. All versions will now have 16" wheels, steel on the SE models, alloy on the Sport and Executive.

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