Soft-roader that is Europe s best seller

Sep 10 2008 Alistair Coull & Val Jessop

IF your ideal soft-roader has sharp handling, is powered by a refined diesel engine, has a smart cabin ? and a competitive price tag ? you could do worse than plump for Europe?s best-selling SUV.

Add to your wish-list bags of safety kit and an impressive resale value, then the Toyota RAV4 has to be a worthy consideration.

The fact that it drives extremely well and is powered by a strong and well-subdued diesel engine, makes it even more desirable.

Environmentalists question whether those living in urban areas, without a serious need for an off-roader or workhorse, really qualify for a 4x4 like the Toyota.

But I spring to their defence. The RAV4 is ideal for commuting to work, returning decent mpg figures, while producing modest emissions, and it is perfect for family leisure activities at the weekend.

The 2.2-litre unit produces just 173g/km of CO2 and it?s not the gas-guzzling monster the green lobby make it out to be.

The RAV4, now in its third generation, won?t haul large loads, but it is strong enough to tow a horsebox or a light trailer, with the powerful D-4D 16-valve engine making light work of the extra load.

The XT-R model on test was introduced earlier this year and, for its £21,295 price tag, gains Bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control, rear parking sensors, privacy glass and 17-inch alloys as added value equipment over cheaper XT3 and XT4 versions.

With its understated five-door body style, its looks don?t scream ?4x4 gas guzzler?.

Shorter than Toyota?s Avensis saloon, the RAV4 will fit easily into the average garage and easily negotiates multi-storey car parks.

Compact it may be, but it has 47% more luggage space ? from 586 to 1,469 litres ? depending on whether the Easy Flat folding rear seats are up or down.

Interior space overall is good. The driver has plenty of front seat adjustment, helped also by the height and reach adjustable steering wheel.

Knee space in the back is ample, unless you are well over six foot tall, and there is bags of headroom for all passengers.

The rear seats will accommodate two adults and a child - three adults would be a bit cramped.

Folded down, the rear seats make a long and wide load area, although I think access is a bit hindered by the side opening rear door, which doesn?t quite open wide enough.

The XT-R model was powered by a 136bhp turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox which, with its long-legged fifth and sixth gears, makes for an economical package ? averaging almost 35mpg in town and just over 50mpg on the open road.

The engine is strong and responsive and, while it can be a bit noisy under hard acceleration, is generally very quiet.

Top speed is 112mph and it goes from a standstill to 62mph in 10.5 seconds.

The official average fuel economy is 42.8mpg and during a week of typical motoring - main roads, motorways and urban streets - the test car averaged just over 40mpg.

- Alistair Coull

EARLY versions of the Toyota RAV4 were not favourites of mine. The mid-90s model heralded a new market segment for compact SUVs, but the bulky half car/ half workhorse concept didn?t work for me.

The 1994-5 RAV4?s profile was a confusing attempt to create a modern commuter with mud-plugging aspirations.

Its limited 4x4 ability - and that of others that followed - earned the Toyota model the title of the original soft-roader.

But it wasn?t the off-road limitations that was the problem. It was the design: a bloated car that looked as though it was on steroids.

The second generation SUV from the Toyota stable was a vast improvement ? but the RAV4 Mk III is even better.

It only has moderately inflated valances and haunches but there?s a lot more sculpturing to give it a more defined silhouette ? but without erasing the all-important macho element.

In essence, designers of the new RAV4 have adopted a ?less is more? philosophy which makes the SUV an altogether more attractive model for the 21st century. This ?sculpturing down? has been achieved despite the extra girth and length in the new contender.

The longer wheelbase and extra width has significantly increased cabin space and though the RAV4 Mk III retains its low SUV profile, there?s decent head and shoulder room even in the rear seats.

A newly-developed rear suspension contributes to the extra 13% interior space.

Despite the car being long and wider, the newcomer is easy to manoeuvre and its turning circle is a modest 5.1 metres.

The test car was the XT-R 2.2-litre D-4D 140 diesel version, which performs athletically and demurely enough for an oil-burner. The lightweight aluminium engine, together with engineering tweaks and more advances in insulation, help cocoon driver and passenger from any significant noise.

Travelling in town or country, the Japanese soft-roader proves a relaxing vehicle to drive, with plenty of reassurance if things become a bit hairy, courtesy of integrated active drive. This combines and coordinates the active torque control four wheel-drive, the vehicle stability control plus and electric power steering.

The RAV4 2008 wasn?t averse to some cross-country diversions during its 700-miles. But nothing too arduous.

At 173g/km, the CO2 emissions are low for an SUV and put it in road tax band E ? a year?s road tax will cost £165.

Standard equipment on the XT-R includes electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, remote locking and satnav with six-speaker radio, CD and MP3 compatibility. There are also nine airbags, including a driver?s knee bag, electric sunroof, electric windows all round, and heated, adjustable and retractable door mirrors.

- Val Jessop

FAST FACTS

Toyota RAV4 XT-R 2.2 D-4D 5dr

Price : £21,295

Mechanical : 136bhp, 2,231cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 112mph

0-62mph : 10.5 secs

Combined mpg : 42.8

Insurance group : 12

CO2 emissions : 173g/km

BiK rating : 24%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust