Honda's new CR-V SUV will be available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time, and with no diesel option available.

The car is due to be revealed at next week's Geneva Motor Show and it will be the first time Honda hybrid technology will be offered in an SUV for Europe.

It will be available with Honda's Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system, which comprises a 2.0-litre i-VTEC Atkinson cycle petrol engine and two electric motors. 

The i-MMD system does not use a conventional transmission – instead, a more compact unit has a single fixed-gear ratio, to create a direct connection between moving components and a smoother transfer of torque.

CR-V will also be availabe with a a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine. Power is delivered via a six-speed manual gearbox, or an optional CVT automatic transmission.

The petrol and hybrid powertrains are front-wheel drive as standard, but both can be specified with all-wheel drive technology.

Ground clearance has been increased by 38mm for all variants, up to a height of 208mm for the AWD petrol model.

For the first time ever, the new CR-V will be available with the option of seven seats.

First deliveries of Honda CR-V fitted with the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine are expected in Autumn 2018 with hybrid models following early in 2019.