Toyota Rav4 Estate 2006 - Present

The RAV4 is on it's third incarnation and is better than ever. First launched in 1994 as a small, youthful off roader, it has grown into a serious and much more useful piece of kit. In 1994 it was compared with Suzuki jeeps, which had a reputation for rolling over on corners. The 2006 edition provides a car that is more likely to be compared with the BMW X3 and has left some prestigious names in it's wake; Honda's CR-V and Nissan's X-Trail to name just two.

A common theme with cars that have been around for twenty years or so is that they, like us, get bigger with time. The RAV4 has expanded with each new model but this seems to suit it and the result is a really useful and well made car. While a good size the RAV4 is eminently manageable and it's dimensions are far from intimidating (unlike some off road alternatives). Inside the cabin there is ample room for five adults to travel in comfort. The suspension is set to provide the occupants with insulation from the roads imperfections and still give the driver confidence to throw the car round corners. The four wheel drive system comes with stability and traction control, which both work via computer. This makes stopping on wet and broken surfaces easy and will keep loss of traction to a minimum. The RAV4 offers a car like drive in a 4WD body.

The engine options are all sensible. Kicking off with the 2.0 L petrol WTi, which offers 150 bhp, but only 143 lb-ft. The result is a lively engine that performs pretty well but doesn't offer the low end power and flexibility that the diesel units provide. There are two levels of tune for the diesel engines. Both are 2.2 L and there are 134 and 174 bhp options. The more powerful is the best engine on offer with a 9 second 0 - 60 and top end of 124 mph. Both of the diesel engines offer good levels of usable power throughout the rev range and they cope with even the steepest of hills no matter how many people you have in the car (within reason).

Boot space is generous and access is easy. Toyota are at the forefront when it comes to cabin flexibility and the RAV4 is a shining example of this. The rear seats fold flat to the floor with the pull of a handle and the sliding rear seats can easily be moved to accommodate luggage if required. They also split 60:40 as required. There are other nice touches like the double glove compartment and illuminated cup holder make you feel that you're really being looked after.

The RAV4 has really come of age in it's most recent skin. It now offers off road sized accomodation with family car handling, and if that's not enough reason to get one the diesel engines return fuel economy in the 40 mpg region. What are you waiting for?

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