TWENTY years after launching the pioneering RAV4, Toyota has released the fourth generation of the highly successful model.

The latest version has had the last of the quirky lumps and bulges of the original bodywork feathered out in favour of a less distinct but more modern, angular profile.

The 1994 model basically introduced the compact SUV sector: a chunky baby 4x4 with lots of mud-slinging attitude and the weirdest design on the plant.

The SUV crossover captured the hearts of American and Europeans alike, selling 4.5 million RAV4s, with 155,000 selling in Britain.

Today, the Japanese SUV is less the leader of the pack, more a mid-ranger in this ever-expanding sector with dozens pitching for a slice of the lucrative compact SUV market.

It vies against a whole host of contenders, including the Freelander, the Range-Rover Evoque, VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi ASX, Volvo XC60, Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35 and the Honda CR-V to mention a few.

It is a tough challenge for Toyota, which has chosen to sculpt the RAV4 in a more, dare I say, conventional architecture. It looks thoroughly modern, with clever "edginess" incorporated into the metal, but this could be a sculpt too far for fans of the RAV4s earlier odd-ball shape.  Time will tell.

Despite the modern make-over, the RAV4 still has rugged, macho looks - so important in this market. Owners love the idea of a rural adventurer which can conduct itself on urban roads with car-like manners, while returning decent running costs: official average fuel consumption is a whisper under 50mpg.

This car was powered by a 2.2 diesel unit which has good, mid-range torque and plenty of pulling power. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, travel through the gate was impressively slick for this type of car.

The engine manages a credible 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and achieves a top speed of 118mph, but proved a fairly noisy operator. In town, and at low speed, it does sound quite mechanical, though the clatter, admittedly, is much less intrusive in cruise mode.

Steering is nice and precise and light, so threading though city and town traffic and slotting into tight-spots is a relatively stress-free affair. However, feedback to the steering wheel rim is disappointingly vague. The SUV proved reasonably agile yet suffered quite a lot from bodyroll in corners and on winding routes.

Generally, response and progress was good and driving the RAV4 was a relaxed affair in what is one of the largest models in the category. The fourth generation RAV4 is bigger than its predecessor - 300mm wider, 205mm longer and with a wheelbase extended by 100mm to 2,760mm.

The expansion is obvious when you step inside: there's generous space front and rear for even lofty occupants so it's no surprise that the Japanese model boasts class-leading space. In this mid-range trim, the Icon model, you are treated to excellent sport seats.

There's a good quality feel about the build and use of materials, though overall the cabin appeared a little dark and drab and some of the switchgear was not as intuitive as you'd expect.

A soft suspension can make for an unsettled ride, but the RAV4 becomes more settled on open, straight roads. Off-roading - it isn't in the Freelander category.

Nevertheless, the RAV4 is a plucky, robust mud-plugger, but don't expect to climb mountains. Snow, ice, mud tracks and boggy grassland it can cope with.

As with all 4x4 versions, the RAV4 is fitted with Dynamic Torque Control System which sends power to the rear wheels the moment any slippage is detected. There is also a diff-lock function, which splits power equally between the front and rear wheels for maximum traction.

Gone is the awkward, side-opening tailgate with the spare tyre attached, now replaced by a more practical and convenient top-hinged tailgate (which is powered on this Icon model and the higher-specced Invincible).

At £26,500 it seems rather pricey, but this is countered to some extent by the generous equipment levels. All models, get air-con, alloys, electric windows, seven airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control and traction control. The Icon model adds multimedia system with DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and rear-view camera.

In addition, there's cruise control, auto windscreen wipers and headlights, power-fold mirrors and softer materials for the control panel surround.

Added options of Toyota Touch and Go Plus sat nav, voice control, advanced connectivity and enhanced traffic information took the price up to £28,190.