2012 Honda CR-V Revealed In Concept Form

2012 HONDA CR-V

Honda has released a preview of the upcoming 2012 CR-V SUV, ahead of its gobal unveiling at September's Orange County International Auto Show in California.

Replacing the ageing third-generation model, which hit the international market in 2006, the new CR-V will go on sale in the US later this year - suggesting a production debut could happen at the LA Auto Show in November.

A European-market debut is set for early 2012, and, while there is no news on when we'll see it in Honda showrooms in Australia, it will likely arrive soon after its European launch.

"Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda's latest technologies for convenience and refinement," American Honda's John Mendel said.

Shown here in 'concept' form, the CR-V's styling looks production-ready - with perhaps only the large wheels and blacked-out headlights to be changed in the coming months.

The gloss-black side mouldings could also be replaced with more scratch-resistant matte plastic.

The rear of the concept has not been revealed, although it is clear that the CR-V's familiar vertical tail-lights will carry over into the new generation SUV.

Honda describes the new tail-lights as a more "three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle."

The interior too remains under wraps for now, hidden behind the concept's dark-tinted windows. Honda says we can expect a more spacious cabin, along with a lower floor in the rear storage area.

Mechanical details have not been revealed, although Honda says power will be provided by "a more fuel-efficient" engine, with fuel consumption helped by a lighter kerb weight.

Watch for more details to surface in September.