PLENTY of cars fit the wolf in sheep’s clothing tag, but Honda has produced a surprising vehicle that turns the idiom firmly on its head.

At first glance, the CR-V looks every inch the formidable ‘gas-guzzling’ 4x4 – except in this case it has neither four-wheel-drive, nor does it have outrageous fuel consumption.

In fact, its official quoted day-to-day consumption tops 60mpg; its CO2 emissions qualify it for no vehicle excise duty in the first year and £30 a year after that, and its potential range from a single tank of fuel is up to 800 miles.

All of this comes courtesy of Honda’s 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine, the first to be launched in Europe under its ‘Earth Dreams’ programme.

Add some skill and the potential from the new car becomes even more apparent. Economy driving experts John Kerswill and Ian McKean drove the 120 horsepower CR-V in a two-day, 509.5-mile test and managed to achieve overall consumption of 77.86mpg.

Now even though most of us will achieve nothing like that in normal driving, it is an impressive demonstration of what is possible with such a large vehicle.

As well as impressive fuel consumption, the Swindon-built CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC offers an impressive combination of practicality and performance.

The fourth-generation CR-V is the first to come with either four-wheel-drive, or two-wheel-drive for those who know they will never need the extra traction, but still enjoy the rugged looks and high-riding driving position.

Despite its size and carrying capacity, the CR-V has won many fans because of its car-like driving position.

The test model, in SR trim, is quieter, lower and slightly shorter than its predecessor, with huge amounts of space for five in the cabin and a whopping boot that is big enough to swallow two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs.

If you want van-like carrying space, Honda has fitted split rear seats that can be folded completely flat with a simple pull of one handle.

Priced from just over £21,000 up to £33,000, the CR-V offers a choice of four trim levels and a choice of three engines.

Equipment levels are high, with standard equipment including everything from cruise control and dual zone climate control, to electric windows and hill start and hill descent systems.

But you have to move to upper-level trims before you get an integrated satellite navigation system as standard.

Also fitted as standard are Honda’s ECON mode, which adjusts throttle response and engine programming for fuel efficiency and the innovative Eco Assist system, which advises you on how your driving style is affecting fuel economy.

My 300-plus miles with the CR-V was a mix of one decent, relatively untroubled cross-country run combined with a lot of stop-start crawling through city traffic, but thanks to its idle-stop technology even I emerged with a more than satisfactory 50mpg average – not bad for a car that packs a real bite.

  • Price: £26,880
  • Insurance group: 25 (1-50)
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 60.1mpg
  • Top speed: 118mph s Length: 457cm/179.9in
  • Width: 182cm/71.6in
  • Luggage capacity: 20.7 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 12.7 gallons/58 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 124g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/90,000 miles