HONDA'S CR-V has already proved it's a class-leader with half a million European sales clocked up last year, but now the Japanese manufacturer has really upped the ante by giving the sporty SUV a mid-term face-lift.

It may be in its fourth generation now but the CR-V is as fresh as ever and the latest model boasts new front and rear bumpers, smarter light clusters, a whole host of safety innovations including the world's first intelligent Adaptive Cruse Control, a new nine-speed automatic gearbox along with new powertrains.

Gone is the 2.2-litre diesel engine and in its place is a punchy, more powerful 1.6 variant.

There are four trim levels to choose from - S, SE, SR and EX - along with a comprehensive range of petrol or diesel engines and a choice of two or four-wheel-drive options.

Prices start from £22,324 for the 2.0-litre petrol model in S grade with 2WD and rise to £34,120 for the 1.6-litre diesel EX version in 4WD fitted with the nine-speed auto gearbox.

We tried out the range-topping EX model powered by the new 1.6-litre 160PS diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission.

This car was priced at £32,470 (£34,520 with options fitted) and can reach from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and tops out at 125mph. According to official figures it can deliver 55.4mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 133g/km.

While the design changes on the latest CR-V are not earth-shattering, they have sharpened up its appearance and brought it bang up to date.

In fairness, the CR-V has always been quite a good looking vehicle and the wider front and rear bumpers help to create a bolder more aggressive and ready-for-action stance.

The interior is clutter-free, yet feature-rich with plenty of on-board technology to be explored.

Creature comforts include a panoramic glass roof, electric driver's seat with memory settings, full leather upholstery, a powered tailgate, a striking alloy doorstep, ambient lighting, sat nav, a great sound system and Honda's CONNECT infotainment system which can keep you connected on the move.

The spacious cabin can easily accommodate five adults with bags of leg and head room in the rear and when it comes to storage, the CR-V cannot fail to impress.

The boot has a capacity of 589 litres and the rear seats can be folded flat to the floor in an instant by pulling on a cord which increases the vehicle's luggage capacity to a whopping 1,146 litres.

Comfort levels are superb for all occupants and it's instantly noticeable just how quiet the vehicle is - Honda claims the cabin noise levels have been reduced by six per cent thanks to thicker door seals, the introduction of sound absorption materials in the doors and pillars, better sealing to the front of the bonnet and upgraded carpets.

We took the vehicle on a lengthy road route incorporating busy town centres, winding country lanes and fast-moving motorways and the noise levels were impressively low apart from a little wind noise from the large door mirrors - which is to be expected in all reality.

The powerful new 1.6-litre engine delivers ample bite and acceleration through the gears is smooth and responsive with a constant supply of power on tap.

The road-holding is excellent although it does lean a little into corners if taken at pace, but that aside the latest CR-V is an absolute dream to drive.

And the high-seated driving position offers excellent all-round visibility which is another plus-factor of note.

The car also featured Honda SENSING which is a £1,500 option and introduces a suite of safety features combining both radar and camera technology.

These include collision mitigation braking system which recognises cars and pedestrians and the world's first intelligent adaptive cruise control system which is ideal for drivers who clock up the motorway miles. When driving along with the system activated it can predict if a vehicle is likely to pull into your lane and reacts accordingly.

Honda has announced that its entire line-up is being refreshed throughout 2015 and if the CR-V is anything to go by, there is plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.