The styling of the latest RAV4 five-door was a bit of a shock at first, because of those scalloped side panels, the rather garish spare wheel cover and the curious side-on shape of the wheel arches. But after driving one for a few days I realised that this is actually a pretty smart looking mid-range 4x4, without any of the over-macho details that make some larger types seem more suitable for storming the Gobi Desert than for the school runs they so often make in real life.Compared with the three-door, the five-door is better suited to . . . well, maturer persons who might look, when driving a more in-your-face short-wheelbase model, as if they were trying to regain their lost youth, or something equally sad.As well as being roomier and more refined than its predecessor, the LWB five-door seems to me to be generally better handling than the three-door (and much of the direct opposition) if you include main and minor roads, motorways and the kind of modest off-roading which is all these cars will realistically be bought to tackle. And I'm sure the five-door has a more supple ride on lumpy back roads.As far as off-roading is concerned, if you want a Torsen limited-slip rear diff, it's standard only on the VX and NRG versions, not on the GX. The RAV4 runs with permanent four-wheel drive.I liked the interior presentation, which is much better than some manufacturers, preferring a more rugged approach, are prepared to put into their 4x4s. The RAV4 has some very neat details, and it's crammed with things to hold things, from shopping bag hooks to a sunglasses case. And how about those front cupholders, eh? Adjustable to the diameter of the cups, so as to appeal to Coke-swilling Yanks.But there are some things I appreciated a lot more. The cream-faced instruments, for example, and particularly the revcounter in its own separate cylinder. Better seats than the previous version too, with more adjustment. And you can now take the rear seats out altogether, as a step beyond being able to fold them forward for more load space.The original RAV4 had a better engine than most of its direct rivals, and you can say the same about the latest model. I don't know that I like to mention even this uprated engine as having "Variable Valve Timing - intelligent"; so I'll stick with Toyota's VVT-i abbreviation.This is an efficient and powerful engine for a two-litre. You get relaxed main road cruising, but with 142lb/ft of torque coming in at 4000rpm, I didn't reckon the RAV4 all that much for mid-range pull. Maybe I've been driving too many turbo diesels. Actually, there's a common-rail RAV4 due in May of next year.The Toyota takes an approach favoured by several other mid-side 4x4s. It drives just like a saloon or estate, it runs quietly, and it's well-balanced for ordinary road driving, but if you want to do some modest off-tarmac work it's ready for that too.Second opinion: This is as good a justification as any for the CARkeys habit of adding second opinions to its road tests. I didn't enjoy the RAV4 at all. On un-smooth roads this long-wheelbase version bounces and pitches like many of its short-wheelbase rivals. Much has been said in praise its on-road handling, but people also praised the Emperor's new clothes. Disappointing stuff from the company which also builds the MR2 and Celica. Off-road? Don't be silly. David Finlay. Engine 1998cc, 4 cylinders Power 147bhp Fuel 32.1mpg Acceleration 0-60mph: 10.6 seconds Top speed 115mph Price £17,695 Details correct at publication date
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