Toyota RAV4 SR 180 2.2 D-4D

Nov 20 2008 Bill McCarthy

IN a world where mentioning 4x4 is almost talking dirty, manufacturers of the SUVs and off-roaders are cleaning up their image big style.

New, greener and more economical engines, hybrid technology, lightweight construction and improved aerodynamics are all helping to cut their carbon footprint.

The days of the enormous gas guzzling barges on wheels belching more carbon that your average foundry now seem firmly consigned to the dustbin.

A new generation of eco-friendly, practical vehicles are now much more in vogue. None more so than Toyota when it launched the excellent RAV4 in the mid nineties.

The RAV4 has a real road presence, a smart looking car, particularly the recently-launched SR 180 version, with its dark privacy glass and eye-catching 18-inch alloys.

Offering decent, if not full off-road capability with car-like driving characteristics and huge practicality, the RAV has a loyal following, selling more than two million since its introduction.

This generation is bigger than its predecessors, is hugely practical with good space for occupants and impressive boot space. This large space can be further enhanced when the single action rear seats which fold completely flat to complete a huge cargo area. There is also a 50 litre storage space under the boot floor for items that need to be kept out of sight.

A decent centre console and various door pockets add to the storage space and there are numerous cupholders and a glovebox cooler.

The side-hinged tailgate means that opening the door in confined spaces is a problem, but with the test version now sporting run-flat tyres, the bulky extra wheel is no longer required on the rear door.

The car comes with a choice of two specifications, the XT-R and the SR 180 with a choice of three engines, a two-litre VVT-i petrol engine and two 2.2-litre diesels, one offering 140bhp and the more powerful 180bhp, which is a lively performer.

The 180bhp in the SR 180 test model offers plenty of urge. It completes the 0-62mph sprint in 9.3 seconds but still delivers impressive fuel economy of around 40mpg.

Tagged D-CAT for Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology - it produces the lowest combined nitrogen oxide emissions in its class with similarly low carbon dioxide emissions.

The six-speed gearbox is smooth and functional, the engine refined and the uprated suspension offers a comfortable ride while minimising body roll and giving it a surefooted feel on corners.

Standard kit is plentiful and the interior feels well put together and although some of the controls are getting on a bit, they feel sturdy and are logically placed.

Kit includes sunroof, dual zone cliamte control fog lamps, leather seating, retractable electric door mirrors and dark privacy glass. Seventeen-inch alloys are standard, with the range-topper shod in even more stylish 18 inchers.

Safety kit is extensive with seven airbags across the range, assisted braking, stability and traction controls and ISOFIX child child seat mounts.

Off road capabaility comes via the Active Torque Control all wheel drive, which senses conditions and applies power between front and rear wheels. In more serious conditions it allows the driver to lock the drive almost equally between front and rear for maximum grip.

Allied to this is hill start assistance and downhill control on automatic models. Very nice to have, but most will never go beyond the tarmac, which is why the car-like qualities are so important.

The car scored five stars in NCAP crash testing and also features energy absorbing zones in case of an accident with pedestrians.

FAST FACTS

Toyota RAV4 SR 180 2.2 D-4D 5dr

Price : £23,045

Mechanical : 180bhp, 2,231cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 124mph

0-62mph : 9.3 secs

Combined mpg : 40.4

Insurance group : 13

CO2 emissions : 185g/km

BIK rating : 27%

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