TOYOTA lays genuine claim to having created the compact SUV market with the launch of its RAV4 back in 1994.

Originally just a three-door model, its name stood for Recreational Active Vehicle 4-wheel drive and power was via a small 2.0-litre petrol engine.

These days the arena is swiftly expanding with around 20 different models vying for sales and with its fourth generation RAV4 the Japanese giant has a car that's better in every way to its predecessors.

This time round there's a stronger emphasis on family use with more modern styling, a better interior design, improved comfort and, significantly, more space.

Longer and wider, yet lower than before the new RAV4 boasts more efficient engines, improved dynamics, revised steering and the choice of front or all-wheel drive.

Among changes for the better is a top-hinged tailgate, power-operated on some versions, rather than the side-opener of previous models.

The driver also now enjoys a cockpit-like position at the wheel, a greater field of vision and the ambience of switchgear backlit in blue.

As for improved practicality there's more distance between the front and back seats, increasing rear legroom, and load space is also longer with capacity increased to 547 litres while an extra 49 litres of storage have been added to the under-tray.

The upshot is that loading a family of five and associated clobber into the RAV4 for a weekend's camping is the not the logistics problem it can prove in so many cars.

The combination of large boot and extra interior room, including comfort for three in the rear, allows for that little extra breathing space that makes all the difference.

Of an engine line-up comprising two 2.0-litre diesels and a 2.2 petrol unit, the lower powered 122bhp oil-burner in the tested front-wheel drive version with Start & Stop is the cleanest, producing 127g/km of emissions and zero road tax in the first year of ownership.

Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, it produces sufficient punch to ensure a fully laden RAV4 remains strong and agile, never really being made to labour.

Three trim grades of Active, Icon and Invincible make up the RAV4 range and all include the likes of Bluetooth, alloy wheels, electric windows, air-con, privacy glass, fog lamps and tyre pressure warning.

Prices, now with a lower starting point than before, are from £22,595 and safety features like new anti-whiplash seats and seven airbags - including a driver's knee airbag and twin-chamber front seat side airbags - are on every car.