Honda's British-built CR-V has scooped the `4x4 of the Year' honour from respected publication Total 4x4 Magazine.

The judges put the CR-V up against several respected rivals, and after being picked as the best in the 'Medium SUV' segment it became a contender for the overall `best of the best' title which it duly won.

Total 4x4 Magazine's testing process is comprehensive, ranging from interior quality, comfort and practicality to repeated drives of a set road route by different judges.

The publication's editor, Alan Kidd, commented: "Never before have there been so many likely candidates for the overall title. However, from the moment we started crawling around inside the CR-V, it was clear Honda had hit the jackpot. The quality of its interior is on a par with the best, and its flexibility is exceptional - and that was before we actually drove it."

He continued: "Seldom has a new 4x4 put such a big tick in so many boxes. It takes an awful lot to impress us these days. The new CR-V didn't just impress us - it made our jaws drop."

Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK), was thrilled with the honour. "For the new CR-V to take its first award so soon after launch is a real festive treat for everyone and a fantastic way to end the year. We hope it will be the first of many."

The new CR-V is in dealerships now with prices starting from £21,395 OTR for the entry level 2.0 i-VTEC S grade 2WD model.