Michael McAleer takes to the road and onto the grass verge in the Honda CR-V
We have written extensively on the growing popularity of off-roaders with city dwellers who use them for school runs. However, the desire for that added height, without the paraphernalia of locking differentials or that second low-ratio gear level that leaves first-time SUV drivers baffled, has led to the development of yet another market niche, or sub-niche.
It makes perfect sense after all. Why waste time, money and engineering expertise perfecting a strong off-road pedigree if it is never to be used. Hence the increasing popularity of the aptly named soft-roader.
Cars such as the CR-V are therefore free to roam the shopping centre car parks and boldly traverse the footpath outside our nation's school gates. But that is not to dismiss their pulling potential entirely. They remain capable of towing a horsebox (with a pony) or crossing a muddy football pitch or beach track, if required.
Frequently soft-roaders resemble their fully-grown off-road cousins, though it seems the designers have taken the 4x4 blueprints and photocopied them at 75 per cent.
This is the latest version of the CR-V (which aptly stands for Compact Recreational Vehicle) to come on the market. And the years have seen it grow in both weight and performance.
But, while it has widened its girth and added some length, it remains lower to the ground than your full-blooded SUVs and in terms of driving position has more in common with a large seven-seater MPV than say a Land Rover or Land Cruiser.
In design terms, it remains a rather less sophisticated option compared to its stablemate the HR-V which has more sporty lines.
It can also be confused with other Asian soft-roaders and during our test drive two colleagues - who should know better - asked how we were finding the Toyota RAV4.
Other aesthetic points that impact on its overall look - and indeed all soft-roaders - are the small wheels , that buck the trend in some circles to take a normal saloon body and add the largest rims possible. Rap stars, who stick their noses up at anything on less than 20-inch rims, are unlikely to be seen cruising in soft roaders.
While aesthetically the CR-V may not be the most individualistic option, it does possess a very admirable and eager new engine, an all-aluminium i-VTEC 2-litre unit that offers more power than its predecessor. A relatively high-revving animal, it carries the CR-V along at a very competent pace, offering up crisp acceleration.
The term "i-VTEC" refers to a system of "intelligent" combustion control that produces more torque and horsepower for an all-round reduction in fuel consumption, or so Honda informs us.
Compared with the previous 2.0-litre DOHC unit that powered the old CR-V, power is up by 17 per cent to 148 bhp; torque is up from 182 to 192 Newton metres (Nm), an increase of just over 5 per cent; and the combined fuel consumption is now 31 mpg, a 12 per cent improvement. The urban and extra urban figures of 24.1 and 36.7 mpg, respectively, exhibit a similar improvement
While the 2-litre petrol unit is the only option available at present, at the Paris Motor Show, Honda's president Hiroyuki Yoshino announced that the CR-V will finally be getting diesel power from next year.
As for its four-wheel drive credentials, it features Honda's real-time four-wheel drive, operated using what they refer to as the "dual pump" system. This means that under normal road conditions it reverts to two-wheel-drive and only when it senses slippage do the rear wheels join in on the action. However, one discrepancy is the lack of traction control.
Overall, the ride quality is firm and fits well with the power supplied. Vision is aided by the extra height advantage, and the large expanse of glass, although the rear view is impeded by the rear wheel affixed to the outside of the rear door, and this car could benefit from a parking sensor system.
Internally, the CR-V features a wealth of plastic and is more practical than plush. This is to its benefit, for a working car - and that includes ferrying children around - needs to have the capability to handle mud, dirt and sticky hands, and wipe clean without too much effort.
First impressions are of an interior that is surprisingly spacious, though the low seating position is disappointing. The fold-down armrests on the front seats are also slightly awkward when driving, and may not withstand the wear and tear of either off-roading or boisterous school runs.
You may have the impression that, because it looks like a 4x4, you can tower above other motorists, but you soon find it's a matter of inches rather than feet.
A unique feature internally is the handbrake, to be found - after a deal of searching in the darkness when we collected the car - nestled in the dash.
It could be mistaken for one of those handrails common in more work-orientated 4x4s.
WHILE we have come across this dashboard positioning of gears before, it is a first for us to find the handbrake there, and pulling out rather than up should suit those who have served time behind the pumps of our many fine hostelries.
The benefit of moving the handbrake comes with a clever oddments and cupholder tray that folds out of the way to give a sort of "walk through" facility that can help you access the back seats when travelling with kids.
It also offers a great expanse of legroom to the lucky individual sitting in the middle of the centre row, and could represent a compromise prize in the eternal battle for window seats. Further benefits to the rear seat passengers is the ability to recline them by up to 45 degrees. To the rear and beneath the load floor is a waterproof tray, the cover of which doubles as a picnic tray.
As before, the tailgate window can be opened separately, but it is no longer necessary to first open the window in order to open the lower section. Either the glass or the whole door can be opened in a single operation.
So, a roomy interior with an eager engine with perhaps less than stunning looks. In the end, while the CR-V's low ground clearance and occasional four-wheel drive will probably keep most owners away from tackling a mechanical ascent of Croagh Patrick, it will prove popular with urban shopping warriors.