Honda CR-V

Latest iteration of Honda's largest SUV includes a plug-in hybrid option for the first time On sale October Price from £53,995

- Dan Jones

MOORE'S LAW STATES that computer chips become twice as advanced every two years, and the same seems to apply to the Honda CR-V. You see, while the previous version ditched pure petrol power in 2021 in favour of a hybrid-only set-up, this new-generation CR-V introduces a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant as well.

It's the first PHEV Honda has made for the European market, using the same 181bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motors as the new e:HEV hybrid version (due at the same time), but with a larger, 17.7kWh battery. As a result, you can cover up to 51 miles (officially) on electric power - farther than the 30-40 miles that PHEV rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento can manage but well shy of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e's impressive 80-mile electric range. That puts the CR-V in the 8% company car tax band - one up from the GLC.

Like the e:HEV, the battery charges as you drive along, but the e:PHEV can also be plugged in to add extra juice, taking around two and a half hours for a full charge at home. A peak charging rate of 6.8kW means the CR-V gets the job done quicker than the Sorento (which can manage only 3.3kW).