Facelifted Honda CR-V spotted testing for the first time

A facelifted version of the Honda CR-V has been spotted testing for the first time.

The mid-life refresh for the CR-V – the fourth generation of which has been on sale since 2011 – appears to focus on an extensive update for its front-end styling. While still under heavy disguise, we can expect significant changes to the car's badge, central grille and headlight clusters as well as a new front bumper.

Changes are less dramatic at the rear, and are only likely to include slight alterations to the car's rear bumper and light clusters. As the interior of this model isn't shielded, it's likely to carry over without any changes.

While US versions of the facelifted CR-V are likely to go on sale towards the middle of next year, reports suggest that European versions of the car won't go on sale until several months later.

Like the US car, engine options from today's CR-V look set to carry over unchanged. That means a 2.0-litre petrol with 153bhp and 142lb ft, alongside a pair of diesels in either 1.6-litre or 2.2-litre guise and with 118bhp and 148bhp respectively. Both front-wheel drive and AWD versions will be available, depending on engine choice.

The CR-V has struggled to sell in the past months. According to data released by Automotive Industry Data (AID), just under 42,000 units were sold in Europe last year, in stark contrast to what is an otherwise booming segment.

While Honda's overall European sales have fallen by eight per cent in the first quarter of this year, according to AID, the firm's US arm is experiencing a significant uplift, with sales jumping by nine per cent in the same period. In May alone, 32,430 CR-Vs were sold in the US.

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