Honda CR-V (2012) - the European crossover is unveiled

Honda will show this European-spec CR-V crossover at the 2012 Geneva motor show. Until now, we've only seen the US CR-V.

There's still a bit of a wait for the new CR-V, however. It won't be in UK showrooms until autumn 2012, despite being unveiled in July 2011  ahead of its world debut at the glitzily named Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California.

Honda remains tightlipped at this stage, saying only: ' Compared to the previous generation, this Prototype adopts a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.'

That's it. Not a word about any other details.

These two new photos of the Euro CR-V suggest that not much has changed from the US CR-V (third picture). The D-pillar is especially raked, with an exaggerated BMW-esque kink while the front grille and headlamp treatment is much more stylised than today's model.

The new CR-V will carry on where the last model left off, mixing a green message with SUV proportions. Could Honda fit a hybrid powertrain to create a junior Lexus RX450h rival? We wouldn't rule it out.

And the new CR-V is likely to feature Honda's new-gen engines to trim CO2 and other nasties associated with larger 4x4s. Expect it to be avialable in front- and four-wheel drive versions.

See the new European Honda CR-V at Geneva on 6 March 2012.

By Tim Pollard