FOR what seemed an age, Toyota had things its own way with the perky RAV4.

It carved a niche as a tough, no-nonsense four-wheel-drive that was easy to drive and easy on the eye too. And when the going got rough it had the answer.

That was more than two decades ago, and the RAV - which stands for Recreational Active Vehicle - became a trendsetter

It was, in effect, the beginning of an avalanche of SUVs - now the fastest growing sector in car manufacturing.

Gradually, over the years, the RAV has got bigger, more luxurious and proportionately more expensive. The short wheelbase version with three doors has made way for the family five-door which now has a price tag of £29,000 as tested in flagship Invincible form.

The fourth generation RAV is a sizeable 4.5-metre long and competes with models such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Qashqai. Latest changes are aimed at making the car a better drive to compete with fresher rivals, without losing any of its renowned practicality.

The Invincible comes with larger 148bhp, 2.2-litre diesel engine which has bags of torque making it a useful tow vehicle.

A petrol version of the RAV and a smaller diesel are also available. The engine isn't, however, the most refined of diesels emitting a distinct agricultural rattle at tickover.

As speed picks up, the engine quietens down and the reasonably high geared six-ratio manual gearbox allows relaxed cruising.

A sport mode adds more weight to the steering and diverts power to the rear axle to improve handling. Top speed is 118mph and the RAV accelerated to 62mph in under 10 seconds.

Luggage space is generous with 547 litres (including a 110-litres storage area beneath the floor) when rear seats are in position and 1,746 litres when they are folded, making it one of the most spacious models in its class. The top hinged tailgate is far more practical than the side-opening door which was once favoured by Toyota.

There's ample room for five in the cabin which feels more utility and practical than prestigious or luxurious. Dark plastic is the main theme of the fascia but there are loads of pockets and drinks holders and the surfaces are easily wipe and family-friendly. Well-shaped comfortable front seats hold driver and passengers in place while those in the rear are positioned relatively vertically to maximise the legroom.

The RAV 4 copes well with rough surfaces, absorbing imperfections with ease. But on undulating Tarmac the ride can be a little fidgety and unsettled - it does not encourage the driver to press on along windy roads. Body roll during cornering is well controlled.

There's no shortage of standard equipment in the Invincible - leather seating, rain sensitive wipers, power tailgate, dual zone climate control, cruise control and heated retractable door mirrors are all included. Sat-nav and metallic paint, however, are extra cost options.