Toyota RAV4 has grown up and matured

Since it emerged as a trailblazer all those years ago the RAV4 has grown into what is now quite a large vehicle compared to the original model and it is now competing against such rivals as the Land Rover Evoque, Nissan Qashqai and Honda CR-V plus some premium sector SUVs.

The growth of the RAV4 which is available with two or four wheel drive has taken it into a new sector of this market and it is extremely roomy inside compared to the first generation model being able to easily accommodate five in its very comfortable cabin.

In fact it is now so large that it is unrecognisable from the first generation RAV4 but it has very distinctive rugged styling that provides it with plenty of kerb appeal and the test car attracted plenty of attention especially from admirers wanting to know what it was because it was so different from the original model.

On test was the RAV4 Icon 2.2 D4D Auto costing £27,905 that was powered by a four cylinder diesel engine with four wheel drive, six speed automatic transmission with a top speed of 115mph, zero to 62mph in 10 seconds and a combined fuel consumption of 42.2mpg.

First impression was of a very roomy and comfortable interior with a huge rear load area that is accessed with a top hinged tailgate for the first time which is a big improvement on the previous side hinged rear door and is much more user friendly.

There was also a favourable first impression of the steering and handling which made the latest RAV4 such a satisfying car to drive and the smooth automatic transmission provided a very relaxed test period.