Image gallery: 2018 Honda CR-V

Honda's best-selling SUV is in its fifth generation, and is all-new for our market. Under the striking (if polarising exterior) is an all-new platform architecture, which debuted on the tenth-gen Honda Civic, also coming our way soon. With the new platform, the premium crossover gains 40mm in wheelbase and also a third row of seats, though it's strictly classified as a 5+2 seater. That's still a good thing, adding to the versatility of the premium crossover. And premium it is, with interiors that have been given a complete makeover, and which makes quite clever use of premium-feeling materials to uplift the whole cabin experience. Not to mention, a host of comfort and convenience features.

The other thing definitely worth mentioning is that the CR-V is finally available with a diesel, a brand new 1.6-litre which produces 120PS and 300Nm of torque, mated to a new nine speed automatic gearbox. We've driven the new Honda CR-V diesel variant in its international-spec and came away impressed. The 2.0-litre petrol is the same SOHC unit from the outgoing model, with 154PS and 189Nm torque. This time it's mated to a revised CVT transmission, with six speeds versus the outgoing model's five ratios.

Best view of the CR-V is from the front, though its styling splits opinions

Chrome grille runs over into sharp LED headlights with LED DRLs

New CR-V grown in dimensions, and wheelbase, for a more purposeful SUV stance

18-inch wheels fill out the sharply-defined arches perfectly, wrapped in Michelin Primacy 3 STs sized 235/60 R18

Honda's blind spot assist, called LaneWatch, uses a camera to get an additional 60 deg viewing angle over what mirror offers

Roofline stays high till past C-pillar, then gently drops into tall-CR-V signature tail lights

Side extension of tail lights easily noticeable in rear view, makes for a distinctive looking rear

New 1.6-litre Earth Dreams diesel engine is mated to a new nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox

Cabin carries over the wing-shape design. Top half uses nice mix of materials, definitely looks and feels premium

Incredibly easy-to-read instrumentation, includes a driver attention monitor. Digital linear tachometer a sporty touch

Tablet-like 7-inch infotainment (Apple/Android connectivity), gets rotary dial for volume control. Gearbox controlled by switches on central stack

Looks like leather, isn't. Looks like wood, isn't either. Still provide a nice tactile experience

Plenty of cubby storage areas, with the central tray sliding back to reveal a deep bin and two USB ports for smartphone integration/charging

Panoramic sunroof complements the already-large glasshouse area

Also helps the feeling of space, though second row legroom very good as is. Adjustable for legroom and recline

Twin USB charging ports for the second row perhaps set a little too close to the floor

Third row is set close to the floor, hampering knee room, while leg room is eaten up by seat rails for second row. Recline is adjustable, a useful feature for shorter, smaller passengers

Roof-mounted AC vents only available on the 5+2 variant

Boot space with third row up is 150l, but should take two small suitcases standing up

Cargo space grows to 472 litres with third row down, 936 litres with both rows down. Though seats don't fold completely flat, a separator is provided to level the surface, also provides more storage for smaller items to be reached easily

Also see: 2018 Honda CR-V diesel | First Drive Review