As I’ve grown older my desire for comfort has increased accordingly. Clothes have got baggier, Clarks’ wide-fit shoes look more appealing every time I walk past one of their shops and I find myself longing to get home so I can pop my slippers on.

You can imagine my delight then, when I open the door to the Honda CR-V that I’d been loaned to discover that the seats more than meet my strict requirements: Plush, well-padded and supportive in all the right places. Comfortable, then.

As with any car in this class, passengers get a commanding view of their surroundings but I did feel as if I was sitting on, rather than in, this car. I suspect it was my mind playing tricks on me, however, because steering wheel, pedals and gear lever were all within easy reach.

The dashboard is practical, rather than inspiring. The instrument cluster is dominated by the speedometer, with secondary gauges arranged either side. There’s a small black and white multi-function display (MFD) sunk into the centre of the dashboard with audio and air con controls below. There are also wheel-mounted controls for handsfree phone operation, cruise control and the MFD.

The build quality is excellent and the switchgear is sturdy enough to withstand years of abuse but it feels as though Honda envisaged a far more utilitarian use for the CR-V than is the reality. There’s little doubt that the hard plastics will shrug off bumps and scrapes but its rivals are far more liberal with their use of premium materials.

There’s ample head and leg room in the back and those unlucky passengers who would normally face the double disappointment of having to squeeze into the space that serves as a rudimentary fifth seat and straddle the transmission tunnel will be delighted to discover that being squashed is the only discomfort they’ll have to face as the 1.6 diesel is front-wheel drive only.

There’s no parcel shelf in the boot, just a retractable tonneau cover which, combined with the low boot sill, makes accessing the 589 litres of space -with the seats in place - incredibly easy. The mechanism that lowers the seats - increasing the capacity to 1,146 litres - is such a marvel of engineering simplicity that I just had to share the experience with what became a rapidly diminishing circle of friends. Some people just refuse to be impressed!

Standard equipment across the range is generous. Even the base S model is equipped with dual zone climate control, heated door mirrors and cruise control, while the SR model I drove added heated seats, premium audio system and half leather seats.

The CR-V is also one of the safest cars in its class, with six airbags, ABS, EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), and EBA (emergency brake assist), as well as vehicle stability assist and tyre deflation warning.

The ride and handling are about average for this class, and while the steering is accurate and the little diesel willing, you’ll undoubtedly end up being disappointed if you go in search of fun. Bumps and potholes are dispatched with little complaint. The zero to 62mph sprint takes a reasonably sprightly 11.2 seconds and, while the 118bph engine is audible when pressed, the cabin is generally a place of peace and tranquillity thanks to good sound suppression.

The six-speed manual gearbox - the only option available with this engine - has a slick and positive action. It’s an ideal companion for the 1.6 diesel, although an automatic box wouldn’t be unwelcome.

Honda’s designers have done a sterling job of disguising the CR-V’s size. The tapered rear windows, sloping rear screen high-level tail lights ‘pinch’ the back of the car, making it appear smaller than it is. It can look a little awkward, but it’s effective. The front is dominated by a huge three-bar chrome grille and wraparound headlights and gives the CR-V a bit of visual impact and is certainly the best angle to view the car from.

There’s little doubt that the real star in this car is the little diesel. It’s frugal, refined and willing. That the rest of the car doesn’t quite live up to the powerplant’s undoubted excellence is disappointing, but that’s not an easy challenge to meet. The CR-V is solidly put together, safe, generously equipped and very comfortable. Isn’t that enough?