2014 Honda CR-V diesel on the way

Diesel SUV sales are on the rise, selling more than 16 per cent than 2012, with nearly 100,000 having already rolled out the showroom doors. And Honda is keen to get a slice of that growing pie next year with the addition of a new diesel engine to its medium CR-V line-up.

Hitting Australian in January -- although it's been available in overseas markets for a while -- the turbodiesel CR-V promises fuel economy of 5.8L/100km its 2.2-litre four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The fuel figures for the five-speed auto will be confirmed closer to launch.

The engine develops 110kW of power and a useful 350Nm of torque, sending that to all four wheels as needed with Honda's 'Real Time' system, working in concert with the vehicle's stability and hill descent control systems to better cope with slippery and steep surfaces.

It will also feature the CR-V's trailer stability system that detects and helps correct any dangerous trailer swing while towing, and the high-beam support system that uses cameras to monitor and adjust the headlights.

Honda says they expect a sales boost from the diesel, adding to the near-10,000 CR-Vs they've sold so far this year. Prices will be confirmed closer to launch, and we should also get an indication of whether the new diesel version improves on the petrol CR-V's tow rating of 1500kg braked and 600kg unbraked.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott