Honda CR-V Estate (2007 - 2012) practicality

The CR-V, like the Civic and FR-V, was only awarded four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests when most alternatives have achieved the maximum five stars. It comes with plenty of safety equipment though, including electronic stability control, front, side and curtain airbags and Isofix child seat mounting points plus the front head restraints are designed to help prevent whiplash injuries.

EX models are also available with Honda's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). This monitors the distance and closing rate between the CR-V and the car directly in front of it, warns the driver when a collision is likely and helps reduce impact when a collision becomes unavoidable The EX model is offered with optional adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance between the CR-V and the vehicle in front, and 'collision mitigation braking system' which senses that an accident may be likely, warns the driver and starts braking.

One of the Honda's main strengths is its large boot. There's a two-tier luggage area with 556 litres of space (with the shelf removed and the rear seats in place) but this can be increased substantially when the rear seats are folded down. The 40/20/40 split of the rear bench means the centre section can be folded down to accommodate long items while still seating four in the cabin.

But what does count against the CR-V is the lack of a seven-seat option - something which many alternatives such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, offer.