It's a RAVolution!

The latest RAV4 is fast, high on design and, despite its small size, has lots of space inside, finds Paolo Rossetti

The new Toyota RAV4 is a delightful small car to drive - peppy and agile, it snakes in and out of traffic and gives a lively, responsive feel ... except in actual fact it isn't so small after all.

A good look around the interior shows lots of available space, and the boot is huge! What happened to the "little brother" of the Toyota SUV line-up? The cute compact SUV that set a trend from 1996 onwards?

Basically, it has matured and grown into a good-sized family SUV, while at the same time retaining its famed light and energetic feel.

The 2006 RAV4 is 40 cm longer and 8 cm wider than the previous model, giving more room for passenger comfort in increased leg-room and head-and-shoulder room, especially in the second row seats which can be slid backwards if required.

I also noticed significant improvements in front seating and the driving position, and the steering column is no longer angled up as much, allowing a more natural driving position for those who are of average height or taller.

This lays claim to an interior that's spacious for four adult occupants, with space for cargo too. Toyota has effectively achieved a 20 per cent improvement in overall interior space. And that's good news.

Sticking to its key quality
The rear bench remains a bit hard and suited to an upright seating position, but the driver's seat is well-supported and comfortable for long trips. Also the option of cruise control is much appreciated now that the RAV4 is suitable for long highway hauls.

This increase in size, and vehicle weight, is hardly noticeable performance-wise, and that's more good news. One of the best features of the old RAV4 was its agility, and Toyota engineers were very careful to make sure that feature remained as the body grew.

The permanent four-wheel drive RAV4 is powered by an upgraded 2.4 litre, four-cylinder engine. This is paired with a choice of 4-speed automatic, or 5-speed manual transmission.

Equipped with dual variable valve timing, the new engine will generate 168 hp at 6,000 rpm, and 22.8 kg-m of torque at 4,000 rpm, making it one of the most powerful 4-cylinder engines in the small SUV segment. So Toyota have again taken a winning model and improved on it - no wonder there are so many Toyotas on the roads!

Superb design meshes with urban chic
In the city, the RAV4 is in its element; confident and sporty, it runs rings around most other cars.

Acceleration is excellent, without being too harsh, and steering response is fabulous. There's an opening in the lane next to you - whoosh, you're in. There's a parking spot - zoom, you're in. The fast-paced urban lifestyle suits the RAV4, it is built to live in traffic and it relishes the daily commute.

It looks good too. The design lines are pleasant and flowing around the front grille, and the narrowing rear side windows accentuate the sporty look. The spare tyre is out of the sun's reach with an elegant cover, and the tailgate opens sideways instead of lifting up.

Off-road I'm afraid the RAV4 is safe and keeps to the track very well, even at speed, but the RAV4 does not enjoy this kind of terrain - it will take you off-road, no doubts, but it almost whispers: "Do we really have to go this way?"

The full-time 4-wheel drive and Vehicle Stability Control system work well in maximising traction and preventing dangerous slides, and there's even a manual locking switch which allows a maximum torque split of 55/45 between front and rear wheels, but, the system reverts to Auto mode when the speed reaches 40 km/h or the brakes are applied, effectively switching it off in mid-stride.

On tarmac at speed, however, the RAV4 is in its element again; and the increased length and width have very much improved handling at high speeds and on turns.

A highway drive was both smooth and quiet, as well as giving a good feeling of safety and control. Air bags are of course standard, and side curtain air bags are also available.

I've saved the best for last. The four-speed automatic transmission I tested is excellent. The vehicle runs at 1,500 rpm at 60 km/h, 1,800 rpm at 80 km/h and barely touches 2,500 rpm at 120 km/h.

Toyota says it's an intelligent transmission, and the quietness in the cabin from the low engine speeds, as well as the excellent fuel economy, clearly do point to intelligence being applied.

Whenever you need it, the correct gear is always there, and the EPA fuel economy figures of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, make it the most economical consumer in its class.

The Toyota RAV4 is without doubt a strong contender in the small SUV class, with particular emphasis on fantastic city driving, and it is now big enough for families to travel in comfort - a not-so-small small SUV!