LA Auto Show 2011 - Honda CR-V

Honda unveiled the US version of the new CR-V at the LA Auto Show, but little will change for the European version, which is due to be launched in autumn 2012.

Honda has yet to confirm details, but the differences aren’t expected to extend beyond engine choice and minor changes to the lights and bumpers.

The new CR-V has a similar side window profile to the current car, but there’s a bolder look at the front and rear. The new CR-V has also grown slightly, so it should be more practical; rumours of a seven-seat version have yet to be confirmed.

European versions of the CR-V will be built at Honda’s Swindon factory, which has just started producing the new Civic. The CR-V is likely to use some of the same technology, including the CR-V’s 2.2-litre diesel engine. An updated 2.0-litre petrol is also likely.

Technical details are sketchy, but we’d expect the next CR-V to use a development of the current car’ four-wheel-drive system, which only sends power to the rear wheels if they start to slip.