CR-V’S 7TH HEAVEN

Honda will have a new CR-V in showrooms in autumn that will be available with seven seats for the first time since the car’s 1995 launch.

The extra space for the third row of seats comes from a new platform that has a 40mm longer wheelbase and an extra 35mm in width but with the same overall length. More vital statistics include an extra 50mm of rear legroom thanks in part to the fuel tank being made slimmer and moved further back.

The first cars will be available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine but next year there’ll be a hybrid version that is likely to prove popular. We’ll have more details including prices nearer the CR-V’S launch.

Here’s a clever bit of marketing from Fiat – it has joined forces with Checkatrade to offer members a discount on light commercials from the Fullback through Doblo, Fiorino and Ducato to the Talento. There’s no word on how big a discount is available, but you’d want to shop around other van brands anyway just in case one of Fiat’s rivals is doing a red-hot deal.

Suzuki is doing its bit to encourage new bikers by offering a sizeable discount on its GSX-R and GSX-S 125cc models. During June, buyers will get £500 off either model. This can also be used as a deposit contribution which means that you’ll be able to get on a GSX-R125 for a £1,000 deposit and £92.22 per month with no balloon payment at the end of a three-year term.