IN the first nine months of last year the Honda CR-V was the world's biggest-selling SUV.

That says a lot about a car that has endured itself over decades in what is becoming an increasingly crowded sector .

There's a sense of solidity and an enviable reputation for reliability that has held the CR-V in good stead.

And now there's an excellent high-power diesel engine under the bonnet, along with the option of nine-speed automatic transmission and a suite of safety and connectivity features.

Honda has kept things refreshingly simple but modern for the 2015 version, with the result that although there are a lot of changes to consider the CR-V experience remains familiar.

The doors still open wide, and you slot into the chunky and comfortable seats with ease.

The instrumentation display seems rather staid now, particularly when compared with the visual drama on offer in other cars from the Honda stable, but the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre console is clear and easy to use.

The higher-powered of the two 1.6 i-DTEC engines in the range develops 160PS - a six per cent increase over the 2.2-litre diesel predecessor. That translates to surprisingly strong acceleration that carries the CR-V from standstill to 62mph in under ten seconds.

With an enhanced suspension system, the CR-V provides a settled and stable ride that soaks up the vagaries of potholed and puddle-strewn winter roads. It grips the surface through bends and provides a comforting experience that plays a key role its popularity.

Yes, it has four-wheel drive, but not that you would notice until you venture into more challenging environs.

What might prove more useful to a lot of buyers is its capability to tow up to two tonnes, so those wishing to hook up a caravan or horsebox will find the Swindon-built CR-V up to the job.

The tailgate reveals a cavernous area but the boot is compromised by two large wheel arch intrusions at the sides of the luggage bay. However, the back seats are easily flattened with a single action and you can tilt the bases to make a flat floor. This creates 1,648 litres of flat load space when a full size spare wheel is specified (1,669 litres if space-saver spare wheel specified), or 589 litres with the seats in place. The load length is up to 1,570 mm, allowing the trunk to accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs, although you want want to defer to the roof rails to carry the bikes.

In the front there’s good storage between the seats and a modest glovebox and door bins.

The EX model is not cheap at £32,470, but it has a sombre touch of class that makes it a viable alternative to more premium offerings. The power tailgate and alloy doorstep garnish are indicators to the outside world that this is the upmarket version of a proven workhorse.

There are three trim levels below the EX, and even the entry-level S grade comes with 17-inch alloys wheels, four-speaker CD/DAB audio with USB jack, Bluetooth, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone climate control, auto headlights and heated door mirrors. Step up to SE and extra features include the Honda Connect system, front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera. SR trim introduces satellite navigation, better headlights, 18-inch alloys, privacy glass, roof rails, ambient lighting, heated front seats and auto lights and wipers.

With a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start and electric heated leather seats, the range-topping EX model generates an immediate feeling of wellbeing.

The 120PS diesel models are available with two-wheel drive, while the 160PS diesel units get four-wheel drive. The petrol powertrain is available in four and two-wheel drive, carried over from the previous CR-V. The 2.0-litre i-VTEC has a maximum power of 155 PS.

Now with an updated nose, more sound-proofing and those all-important safety systems. the overall look is purposeful without being elaborate. Probably the single biggest noticeable change on the outside is at the front, where there is now an attractive sweeping line of chrome effect running between the large headlamps, sleek new headlamps that incorporate powerful halogen bulbs, LED daytime running lights and HID projector headlamps.

The CR-V has earned its popularity through its combination of space, efficiency and reliability. The increased quality and the extra features now available make it that much more compelling.

Drop the seats and you have a very practical load carrier, while the good refinement and smooth powertrain means it can handle regular long distance journeys too. What's more, it feels like it would keep munching the miles for ever and a day.