RAV4 remains big winner

However it is without doubt that Toyota was a pioneer and can rightfully claim to have created the modern compact SUV market with the launch of the original RAV4 in 1994 – the first generation of its recreational active vehicle with 4-wheel drive.

In that first year it sold 53,000 worldwide; the following year saw double that number reach the road, and by 1995 the total had tripled.

Global sales have grown with each of the four generations of RAV, with more than five million now having been sold – 1.3 million in Europe and more than 167,000 in the UK. As a testament to Toyota's reputation for building hard-wearing, reliable vehicles, more than 90 per cent of the RAV4 ever sold are still on the road today.

The first model was a compact three-door which, as the first "urban 4x4" was quite different to the traditional AWD models that preceded it. It featured a relatively small, transverse-mounted 2.0-litre engine, a monocoque bodyshell and independent suspension front and rear. The compact SUV was born.

Three generations of RAV4 have been sold in more than 150 countries, amassing sales above 4.5 million. European markets have accounted for more than 1.2 million units, while in the UK cumulative sales up to the end of 2013 exceeded 167,000.

Now we are currently on the fourth generation RAV4 where the fundamental design features that have underpinned its lasting success remain relevant.

And just as importantly customers views have been sought around the world to learn what they most appreciated about Toyota's compact SUV. They talked about good manoeuvrability, ease of access, a good view from the steering wheel, clever packaging, versatility and reassuring performance, even in tough conditions. And Toyota took all that into account when it developed the fourth generation which was aimed at targeting couples and families with active lifestyles who value more space and versatility.

Now my family is grown up so I don't actually need all of that but a week-long test drive clearly demonstrated exactly how RAV4 fulfills the needs of the customer. At the same time it also dots a lot of the Ts in what I need for living in the countryside where roads can be pretty dodgy with ice and snow and regular trips to the Scottish Highlands where the 4-wheel drive is more than just an attractive addition in winter! Plus I need space to pile in walking gear and all that's necessary to transport my cossetted pooch.

Today's car gives customers a wider choice than before, with the UK range extending to nine models, offering both two and all-wheel drive, four diesel and petrol engines and three transmissions. Its all-wheel drive capability is more sophisticated than ever before, with Toyota's Integrated Active Drive System developed to offer a more engaging "sport" mode, with Dynamic Torque Control monitoring and automatically adjusting the amount of drive torque distributed between the front and rear axles.

RAV4 reflects a stronger emphasis on family use, without sacrificing the model's manoeuvrability, versatility, an elevated view of the road and accomplished performance on and off-road. Inside there are high quality finishes and materials and plenty of space for up to five people.

Unlike some of the opposition standard equipment is substantial and you don't have to spend a huge amount on extras above list price to get a very well-equipped vehicle that will get you to work in comfort, tackle runs with the children, holidays and even tow a boat or caravan.

There are three equipment grades – Active, Icon and Invincible. Bluetooth, alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, air conditioning, electric heated door mirrors, seven airbags, privacy glass, fog lamps, and tyre pressure warning are among features provided as standard on all grades

The Icon specification includes a powered tailgate (now top-hinged for easier loading), cruise control, a folding function on the powered door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlamps, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, part-leather instrument panel trim and dual-zone automatic air conditioning as well as stop/start. The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia touchscreen system also features with a DAB digital tuner and rear-view camera.

At the top of the range the Invincible grade adds more premium equipment features such as roof rails, leather upholstery, and front and rear parking sensors.

A new RAV4 will go on sale in December, with a RAV4 Hybrid AWD model arriving in the UK and Europe early in 2016. UK specifications and further details will be announced nearer on the on-sale date. So now might be the time to get yourself a bargain in the current guise.

Prices start at £22,014.79 for the entry level Active 5-door 2WD Diesel 2.0 D-4 and rise to £30,160 for the range-topping Invincible 5-door AWD Diesel 2.2 D-CAT.

By Sharon Walters