A new diesel engine with the option of an automatic will be available on the 2010 Honda CR-V.
The CR-V will gain the more powerful 2.2-litre diesel launched in the Honda Accord in 2008 and will be offered with the same five-speed automatic gearbox option.
The new i-DTEC diesel produces 150bhp compared with the 140bhp i-CTDi engine it replaces, while maximum torque is increased to 258lb-ft from 251lb-ft. Honda also claims improved refinement from the new engine.
Other minor changes include new bumpers, grille, alloys and upgraded interior that the company claims gives a more premium finish.
User choosers can expect significantly higher BIK bills from the automatic i-DTEC - although no CO2 figures have been published yet, automatic versions of the Accord are three to five tax bands higher than manual versions.
However, some will prefer the convenience of an automatic enough to choose it, and it also allows the CR-V to offer an alternative to drivers of premium compact 4x4s who are used to driving an auto.
The revised CR-V will be available in early 2010 with prices and exact specifications announced closer to its launch.
Its arrival adds to speculation that a diesel automatic version of the Civic will be made available when it swaps its i-CTDi engine for i-DTEC in the future.