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Honda CR-V Prototype points to next SUV

The current CR-V outsold both the five-seat Holden Captiva and Kia Sportage last year.

When the fourth-generation mid-sized SUV arrives here late this year it will also herald the launch of a two-wheel drive variant alongside the all-paw variant, adding to the appeal of the already competent crossover car.

That should snare buyers who liked the size and space of the CR-V but didn't want to be saddled with the weight or extra cost of an on-demand four-wheel drive system.

Ignore the prototype label of the Geneva Motor Show car - the CR-V on the stand is basically production ready and looks more assertive than the current car.

It's not a radical departure but has modernised the look of the vehicle - and that was one of the very few areas that let the ageing CR-V down.

The crease lines are more chiselled and the deeper front bumper has a raked-back underhang that gives the vehicle the impression of being able to drive to most recreational places that owners will demand.

The vertical rear taillights wrap around the flanks of the CR-V to give what Honda calls a more three-dimensional style. The current CR-V outsold both the five-seat Holden Captiva and Kia Sportage last year with 5748 units and is a core model for Honda.

The launch of the new vehicle will give the Japanese company a major boost at it looks to rebuild sales after last year's floods shut down its Thai factory.

The engine has also been massaged to improve fuel use from the existing car's official 10.0 litres/100km - and there's a diesel model due Down Under in 2014.

There's no official confirmation on capacity - but Honda has said it is developing a 1.6-litre oilburner with 88kW/300Nm that will first be seen in the Civic.

The figures stack up well against the 125kW/225NM for the 2.4-litre petrol engine in the CR-V and make it the logical choice to slot under the SUV's hood. Honda Australia spokesman Lindsay Smalley says the Australian-spec car will have elements of the prototype's styling, but Carsguide believes the styling will virtually mirror the show car. 

"The CR-V is an extremely important model for Honda and we recognise the need for both drivetrain options for our customers," Smalley says.