FOLLOWING disappointing sales for two successive generations of CR-V, Honda Australia is pinning a lot of hope on the fifth-generation mid-size SUV.

We spent a week with the front-drive CR-V VTi-S that is one step above the base VTi – and which Honda forecasts to be its most popular variant.

CR-V loyalists keen on previous models’ spacious, airy cabins and a comfortable ride will find much to like here. The good news for everybody else – particularly Honda – is that much of this latest model now compares favourably against some its best competitors.