We’re going to get our first glimpse of the EU-Spec Honda HR-V crossover at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with UK sales to start this summer.

We already knew what the HR-V looked like after we covered it before and during the LA Auto Show last year, but now Honda has went all out and told us everything we need to know about the EU version. In terms of looks, the car remains pretty much unchanged, having the same solid stance with a dynamic and sporty profile that we tend to like.

As the HR-V will be taking on the likes of Nissan’s Juke, Opel Mokka and even the Renault Captur, Honda is stating that their car is the only one offering class-leading interior space with the versatility of an MPV.

The all-new HR-V features a lower profile fuel tank mounted under the front seats in order to free up the underfloor space beneath the rear seats, enabling the use of their 60:40 split Magic Seats – which can adopt several configurations.

The HR-V also offers class leading leg, shoulder and headroom, both in the front as well as the rear, plus 453 liters in the boot with the rear seats in use, and 1026 liters with the seats folded away.

Inside, Honda has used high quality soft-touch surfaces along with brushed chrome highlights providing what they claim will be a more premium ambiance. We’re certainly impressed with the way the center console looks.

The all-new HR-V also comes equipped with a 7″ Honda Connect touchscreen – which you get as standard on the Sport and Executive versions, or a smaller 5″ screen for the entry level models. The OS runs Android 4.0.4 and employs the intuitive ‘pinch, swipe and tap’ of your everyday smartphone.

Using Honda Connect you also get easy access to internet-based services, including web browsing, real-time traffic, news and weather, social media and internet music stations. This is actually pretty good for this segment.

The HR-V also comes with plenty of safety features such as Intelligent Speed Assist, City Brake Active Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition System and High-beam Support System. This is somewhat similar to what you’d get in the larger, more popular Nissan Qashqai.

Performance wise, the HR-V will be available in the UK with front-wheel drive only as well as with a choice of efficient 130 PS 1.5 liter i-VTEC petrol and 120 PS 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engines. You can configure both versions with either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic (with paddle-shift on some versions).

Both engines are part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series (we know, silly name) and both are Euro 6 compliant.

We think this looks like a pretty solid buy for people who are looking into the small crossover segment. It has the looks, the tech as well as the practicality.

Pricing is expected to be announced in Geneva.

PHOTOS