New look for Honda CR-V

Honda has updated its best-selling car.

The Japanese brand has prepared a new-look CR-V to stave off competition in the closely-fought medium SUV segment.

The CR-V has been subject to a mild facelift led by new lights that feature LED piping that flow towards chrome accents on a new grille. The current car's razor-style three blade grille has made way for what Honda describes as "an aggressive and bold appearance" framed by a darker grille that draws the eye toward those new headlamps.

Revised bumpers include a butch-looking skid plate facade along with new fog lamps in slim chrome surrounds. Twisted aero-look wheels add to the package.

Honda has not revealed how the rear of the car will appear, or what other changes are in store. It's possible that the new model has a revised infotainment system or fettled powertrains, but the brand has remained tight-lipped.

Honda Australia would only say that the new CR-V would go on sale locally before the end of the year. That should give it a head start against its one of its key rivals in the Mazda CX-5, which is set to be updated in 2015. Ford is also set to update its Kuga in 2015 with new equipment that includes more powerful EcoBoost engines.