Like the Toyota RAV-4, the Honda CR-V really established the formula by which all small SUVs are judged. It is a formula that has worked, as this is the sixth generation in 28 years. As you'd expect, the latest CR-V has grown and is smarter, but the biggest news for fleet buyers is underneath this Honda's curvier body. 

It is hard to believe, but this CR-V is the first plug-in hybrid the iconic Japanese brand has ever launched in Europe. It is made up of the same 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine as the ZR-V, combined with a 17.7kWh battery and electric motor. Together they produce 184hp and 335Nm of torque, which, when compared with the RAV-4 in PHEV guise's 302hp, looks underpowered. There are also e:HEV full hybrid versions, mechanically the same, but fitted with a smaller battery.

This is all held together by the e-CVT system, that despite the name is not a continuously variable transmission - in fact, there's no gearbox at all - confused? We were. What happens is, the clever clutch pack seamlessly switches between each power source. Cleverer, is the way the system simulates gearchanges and changes in exhaust note in Sport mode. This illusion is carried on with the proper rev counter and steering-wheel-mounted paddles - although these don't change gear and instead adjust the regenerative braking.  

Outside, the latest CR-V follows the Civic's look. At the front, this means slim LED headlamps, which are integrated with the large, but neatly detailed grille and front air dam. At the side of this Honda, the wheel arches are sharply defined, plus there's a distinctive cut-out at the bottom of the doors. Move to the back, and the vertical rear lights are a visual link to previous generations of the CR-V. This sixth-generation CR-V is roughly the same height, but is 69mm longer (now 4,706mm), 10mm wider (up to 1,866mm) and there's a 617-litre boot - as the batteries live under the floor.  

Inside, the look of the new CR-V has been influenced by the Civic, with the slim dashboard dominated by the 9in touchscreen and the mesh detailing down the centre, hiding the air vents. Talking about ventilation, in an age where other manufacturers are hiding the controls in their touchscreens, Honda gives us welcome physical inputs. A high centre console houses the drive controls, welcome bottle holders and wireless charging unit. Space is good in the front and the seats are impressively comfortable and supportive. Move to the back of this Honda, and the rear seats cleverly slide and recline - even with already decent legroom.

Choose the e:PHEV version, and it is only offered in the range-topping Advance Tech equipment grade. Choose the hybrid version, and there is the further choice of Elegance and Advance grades. 

Hit the road, and this Honda surprises at how good, if undemanding it is to drive - even in 'Sport' mode it's not really sporty. The ride on the standard 18in wheels is impressively smooth and is not too bothered by road imperfections. The steering has reasonable weight and feel, although the model's tall body and bigger battery equals some roll in corners. Still, it's well-controlled and there's good grip in corners. 

All of this and in PHEV form, this Honda remains impressively frugal with its official 353mpg figure, plus it emits just 18g/km of CO2 and can travel up to 51 miles on electric power alone - meaning this CR-V comfortably fits in the 8% company car tax band.

This new CR-V is available now, with the first UK PHEV customers getting hold of their cars this month. A great all-rounder, with impressively low running costs on the PHEV version - but it's costly and the plug-in version of the similarly-priced Toyota RAV-4 is the more impressive performer.