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Like the new Toyota Yaris, the RAV has grown, especially in terms of cabin space. This popular 4x4 - over 600,000 have been sold in Europe - has gained 145mm in length and 80mm in width, with luggage space up 25percent. As in the Yaris, it has also gained the EasyFlat flat-folding rear seat system, though more importantly to many soft-roader buyers, it has been styled to look ever more rugged, chunky and aggressive.
Power comes from the excellent new diesel engines already seen in the Avensis range: 136bhp and ultra-clean 177bhp versions of the 2.0-litre D-4D unit. Both have a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the higher-powered model is capable of 0-60mph acceleration in 9.3 seconds, returning 42.2mpg. The petrol option is the 2.0 VVTi (152bhp) - 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds and 32.1mpg. We'd go for the diesel...
The RAV4's active torque control four-wheel drive splits the torque between the front and rear axles, but works in an integrated system with the stability control, power steering, ABS and traction control to distribute the drive accordingly; it can move to front-wheel-drive only mode for spirited on-road driving or fast standing-start acceleration, for example, or it can be locked by the driver for a 55:45 front:rear torque split. Further helpful systems include hill start assist control and downhill assist control. Suspension and steering has been completely revised, giving sharper handling, improved ride comfort and a tighter turning circle.