WITH global sales soaring for the Honda CR-V the refreshed compact five-seat SUV brings new dynamic qualities and refinement to the range for 2015.

Out has gone the big diesel engine and instead there are now 1.6 160PS or 120PS diesels alongside the 155PS 2.0 petrol, with the choice of six-speed manual or a new nine-speed automatic in the line-up and the familiar choice of five 2WD or four 4WD models.

There are subtle styling changes to the five-door bodywork to set the 2015 series apart but it is underneath where the engineering changes have been concentrated to enhance steering, ride, handling and safety along with efficiency and economy.

The new high-power 1.6 diesel pushes out 160PS, 129gkm CO2, and delivers a combined 57.7mpg with a two-stage turbo-charger for low and high speed running. The 2WD petrol versions emit just 115gkm at best.

You can order the new Honda CR-V with a rare nine-speed automatic box including normal and sport modes for ultra-smooth changes and better economy and City Brake Active is now standard to protect from minor urban accidents.

Depending on trim the Honda CR-V is also taking a big step towards autonomous driving with cruise control incorporating a real-time all-round radar and camera system to monitor and anticipate traffic movements and accordingly adjust speed to reduce the likelihood of accidents from other vehicles suddenly cutting infront.

Inside the driver has a new seven-inch touch screen with Garmin navigation, android compatibility for mobile phone, internet and entertainment while the back end can take 1,648 litres of luggage.

The new Honda CR-V range spans £22,345 to £35,620 and diesels are expected to account for 67% sales, with 4WD taking 53% orders and 60% of those will be the new automatic.

We tried a top of the range car with 4WD and the new 160PS diesel 1.6 engine had the new nine-speed automatic transmission for evaluation.

It has a high set lever and moves through a short gate but you can also ease it though the gears with column paddles indicating the particular ratios.

With so many gears to hand the changes are both quick and clean and you can soon end up in top even on a main road at comparatively modest speed.

This helped us get an indicated 48.2mpg on a brief test over country and motorway roads.

There is a more weighty feel to the steering than before, the brakes are delightfully balanced while the ride still felt firm on the standard wheels and tyres.

It was fairly quiet inside but I did find the three information displays a bit distracting and they still suffer from reflections and were not always legible.

It is a very roomy and versatile interior, easy to access or load and visibility is good, helped by the sensors and cameras.

There is a good warranty and service package and you can expect strong residual values as well.