She: Honda's popular CR-V has been around for two decades. But with more SUV’s emerging than you can poke a stick at, the goal posts are continuously shifting in this very competitive field. 

This fifth-generation model is based on the new Civic platform, minus the Civic’s futuristic design. I think the CR-V looks much sleeker in what is more than just a revamp for the Japanese brand. What’s your take Dave?

He: The CR-V's bodywork certainly is less confronting than the Civic, which has to be good news in this family-friendly segment. Bigger than before, the new CR-V is noticeably roomier than its predecessor, with lots of room for occupants and a generous cargo space. 

Honda's cabin is home to a new touchscreen setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as a driver's digital display - even in the most affordable CR-V VTi we're driving now. What did you think of the interior?

She: You’re not going to get a premium-looking cabin in a base model but it still looks good and i’m glad to see an electric handbrake as opposed to a clunky footbrake. I agree it’s quite spacious with clever storage, especially between the front seats. It holds two USB ports and is deep enough to fit big water bottles. 

A major change for the new car surrounds its new engine, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit similar to what you find in the new Civic. What did you think of it?

He: While a 1.5-litre litre engine sounds a little too small for a family SUV, the CR-V's turbocharger helps produce 140kW and 240Nm outputs sufficient for a car this size. It's not a powerhouse by any means, feeling a little stressed when asked to give its best.  But it certainly gets the job done.

This sort of car has gazumped the Accord to become the default family car for Honda fans, something the brand took into account when tuning its suspension.

The CR-V leans - sometimes literally - toward comfort over cornering prowess, though it is by no means disgraced in the driving department. 

She: I think it rides well for a family car.  The Honda is comfortable and smooth on the road, with evenly-weighted steering.  It brakes and accelerates well but it’s a pity a CVT is the only transmission available. Admittedly, it’s one of the better CVT’s out there but it dulls the driving experience. 

Tech lovers will be happy to see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available - though I still like having the option of sat nav that does not rely on mobile phone reception. I’m not a fan of the 7.0-inch central touchscreen, which feels delayed in responding.

He: I agree that the infotainment system feels a little behind the curve - using it always feels quite deliberate, rather than second nature. Honda could pick up a tip or two from VW here. 

Surely the auto-only proposition won't bother too many people? The sort of enthusiasts who insist on a family car with a manual transmission these days are probably heading for something like a Skoda Octavia RS, though their options are increasingly limited.

This model is priced from $30,690 plus on-road costs, does it feel like good value?

She: I think it’s well priced but it’s a pity you don’t get some safety gear which is standard in other SUVs - though you do get Honda’s Lanewatch blind spot camera system. It’s disappointing a comprehensive safety package is only available in the top spec CR-V, although it's encouraging to hear that Honda Australia has promised to fix that in the future.

He: Yep, Honda dropped the ball with its latest Civic and CR-V, restricting technology such as autonomous emergency braking to the top models while competitors such as Mazda and Volkswagen are rolling it out as standard. 

That's not a total deal-breaker for me, as the Honda has much more space than something like a Mazda CX-5, feeling more like a family wagon than a compact SUV.

Could you see one in the garage at home?

She: More standard safety and a conventional automatic transmission option would’ve increased the appeal for me - the CR-V hasn’t quite won me over. I still think it will continue to have universal charm for families, helped by a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty recently announced for all Hondas.

2017 Honda CR-V VTi pricing and specifications

Price: From $30,690 plus on-road costs

Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 140kW at 5600rpm

Torque: 240Nm at 2000-5000rpm

Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 7L/100km

For all the latest info, visit our Honda showroom.