Several return runs to South Wales from Oxfordshire have revealed that while the HR-V’s cabin provides a civilised driving environment, it has shortcomings.

The driving position is 10cm above that of its Civic stablemate, which gives a useful higher sight line in all conditions. But long-distance comfort is compromised by no adjustable lumbar support, which I would trade for the EX specification’s luxurious front leather-seat heaters.

In gloomy weather the almost full-length panoramic glass sunroof (see picture) brightens up long-haul journeys and both the sliding glazed section and fabric blind involve easy button-flicking operation.

But Honda’s comprehensive Connect infotainment system remains functionally challenging, with several key operations requiring distracting touchscreen manipulation that is not intuitive.

Our HR-V attracts a 24% fleet factor, while 1.6-litre diesel-engined versions take 66% of business sales. However, the adaptable and economical compact SUV crossover is conspicuously absent from Motability lists. This anomaly on a vehicle with an impressively flexible interior is due to high global demand, with UK retail customers at the front of the queue. That means the Motability channel is currently unnecessary.