THOSE who remember the pre-2006 RAV4 models, won't need reminding just how sporty a ride the Toyota SUV delivered.

If you thought that was good then be prepared for a big surprise should you be thinking of buying a newer used one.

For this was one 4x4 that firmly believed it was a family-sized hatchback.

It's drive was as sleek as you could wish for and the ride was comfortable and relaxed. But thanks to its tuned chassis and suspension set up, along with its Active Troque Control four-wheel-drive, its cornering abilities are still among the best in its class even after all this time.

The Active Torque Control system continuously controlled the transfer of torque between the front and rear wheels.

Using electronic sensors monitoring such things as speed, throttle and steering angle, it distributed power between full front-wheel drive to a 55:45 front-to-rear split for optimum grip when the going got tough.

Initially, a choice of three engines made up the range, two diesel units of 150bhp and 175bhp which offered a combination of superb power and low emissions, while both variants offered combined fuel consumption of more than 40mpg.

Then there was the petrol model fitted out with Toyota's 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, good for 150bhp. This gave the petrol-powered RAV4 a top speed of 115mph and a zero to 62mph dash time of 10.6 seconds.

Yet it still managed to squeeze the guts of 33 miles from each gallon of four star and, for a vehicle of this size, that's saying something.

The then totally-redesigned RAV-4's interior provided more room all round for everyone. Not only that, there was a near-50 per cent larger load area than the model it replaced.

The interior was far more flexible, too, thanks to Toyota's Easy Flat system, which allowed the 60:40-split rear seats to be folded flat without the need to remove the headrests or seat cushions first.

But it was in the safety stakes where the RAV4 really excelled. It was designed from the outset to achieve the highest, five-star ranking for occupant protection in Euro NCAP testing.

Inside the vehicle nine airbags were fitted as standard, including a driver's knee airbag. The front seats also featured Toyota's whiplash injury-lessening design for improved support in the event of a rear impact.

Every model in the range came with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, four windows and MP3-compatible CD sound system.

Higher specification models also featured traction control, vehicle stability control and hill-start assist.

Having been to the forefront in the SUV sector since way back in 1994, the third-generation RAV4 certainly helped Toyota keep its place towards the top end in what still is a highly-competitive SUV marketplace.

And this reflected in used car values where RAV4 residuals have always been leaning on the strong side.

A 2006 06-plate entry-level VVT-i XT-R petrol model will still cost between £4,900 for a well-used model to £6,500 a nice, well-looked-after example from a main dealer.

A 2.2-litre diesel in the same XT-R trim will cost a bit more at between £5,400 and £7,200.

Prices for 2008 08-plate examples rise substantially, ranging from £6,800 to £8,800 for the petrol and between £7,500 and £9,700 for the oil-burning models.

Move up to 2010 and 10-plate models and you will have to pay anything from £11,000 to £13,700 for a petrol-powered example to between £11,800 to £14,685 for a diesel.

These prices are for entry-level models, so expect to pay extra for higher spec models.