Since the launch of the original RAV4 in 1994, through the second generation and now to the third generation, this rugged SUV with impeccable road manners has captured the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. With the addition of diesel-powered models to the range, the benchmark for this class of vehicle has improved the scope for buyers yet again.

The main delay for the eventual release of this diesel model was due to the switch from last year's torrid and high sulphur rated diesel to the now improved quality of diesel available from early 2006. Toyota decided to wait a little longer to ensure that no pumps would have any traces of the older and less friendly diesel that may have lingered in more remote pumps countrywide.

I drove the new RAV4 petrol version a few weeks back, and although this stylish SUV handled well and impressed with its rugged looks, I was disappointed with the engine performance and what seemed to be a Mickey Mouse gearbox as I found the petrol mill seemingly overworking itself to conjure up suitable power. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad; I just felt that something was missing.

Well, I recently discovered what that was - a diesel powered engine. Since the arrival of the latest generation D-4D diesel powered RAV4 at our offices recently, I found any opportunity that I could to get behind the wheel and take it for a drive. Whatever misgivings I had about the petrol driven version were simply forgotten as I enjoyed the quick, responsive and torquey mill. Now in this version the gear change compared to engine revs did not seem hindered and showed no sign of the turbo lag prevalent in many other diesel-powered engines.

Not only is the 2.2-litre diesel engine well suited to this six-speed trannie, it is also extremely quiet and smooth while the frugal fuel consumption figure proved incredibly low. Over a distance of more that 2000 kilometres the average consumption displayed by the on-board computer never went over 6.0 litres per 100 km, and after doing a concise tank to tank test the actual conversion worked out to 6.078 l/100, proving that the on-board display was spot on. With 310nm of torque between 2000 and 2800rpm and excellent torque throughout the band, this is one of the few diesel SUV's to actually reach 160km/h on test. The best aspect of driving the RAV4 is the driver involvement and the car-like feel, right down to the short turning circle.

Although a true 4x4, the Active Torque Control system constantly monitors and controls torque transfer between the front and rear wheels, and allows the vehicle to continuously and seamlessly switch between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive modes to optimise driving stability and maximize fuel economy. The interior space easily accommodates five occupants leaving the rear seat passengers with ample legroom.

I really enjoyed driving this diesel-powered RAV4 and found it hard to find fault with the package it offers. Perhaps the price is a little steep. You could get the bigger and more off-road-oriented Fortuner for this kind of money, although it's nowhere near as sophisticated for on-road use or as well equipped in luxury terms as this RAV4 VX is.


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