The Honda CR-V has impressed us in the past. Now it’s back, with new looks and a new automatic gearbox as well.

Unfortunately, it’s the gearbox that is the CR-V’s undoing. Choosing the auto over the manual wipes 500kg from the towing limit at a stroke, and means the Honda can’t legally pull an 85% match.

The auto also blunts the Honda’s performance. The 30-60mph time of 18.6 seconds may be only slightly behind the Mazda, but the Honda’s test took place in still air, while the Mazda battled a stiff headwind in one direction. Practical Caravan has previously tested these two cars towing identical caravans and found the Mazda 3.2 seconds quicker. What’s more, the automatic gearbox can also be annoyingly indecisive, chopping and changing gears when towing at a steady 60mph.

Next to the firm and sporting Mazda, the Honda’s suspension feels rather soft. That benefits ride comfort, but gives a less solid feeling when towing. However, the CR-V put in a respectable performance in the lane-change test. Eventually the front tyres would push wide, but the back end of the car resisted any pushing and shoving from the caravan.

There were few complaints about the hill start. So long as the handbrake was pulled on firmly, the outfit stopped still on the 1-in-6 slope. The Honda pulled easily to the top of the hill.

The large boot managed to take almost every item of luggage, but points were lost for the space-saver spare, which Honda told us was not suitable for towing.