Best just gets better.

Byline: By Stewart Smith

More than 1.4 million RAV4s have been produced since it first broke cover in 1994 and it is firmly established as Europe's best-selling SUV.

Last year, UK sales went up by more than 18% on the 2002 figures, an increase largely been driven by the success of the two-litre D-4D diesel version, which I have just had on test.

Last year also marked the introduction of the revised RAV4, which promised higher levels of comfort, safety and performance.

As well as improved specifications across the board, it has re-tuned suspension and steering, a new front grille and light clusters.

But the improvements to the RAV4 go beyond simply making it look more stylish, to create a vehicle with greater market appeal than ever before.

Starting with safety, Toyota's RAV4 breaks new ground as the first compact SUV to be equipped with SRS curtain shield airbags as standard. These have been introduced along with front and side airbags on all versions. Driver and front passenger airbags and WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) remain standard equipment.

All models are equipped with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. The front lines have been freshened up with a new bumper section, grille, headlamp units and fog lights and, at the rear, the tail lamp clusters and rigid spare wheel cover are both new too, while new-design five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels have been introduced for XT3 and XT4 grades.

Inside the cabin some nice touches have been made, including the use of darker trim and new metallic finishes for the restyled dashboard.

Toyota claims the cabin has been made even quieter thanks to revisions to the RAV4's soundproofing.

With the warmer weather upon us I was glad to feel the benefit of air conditioning, which is standard on all models, as are an intermittent/variable wiper system and electric rear windows on five-door versions.

On the road the RAV4's steering feel has been sharpened and a more comfortable ride has been achieved with adjustments to the front suspension and shock absorber rates.

The ride is pleasant and despite its higher than normal 4x4 centre of gravity, it handles not unlike a conventional motor. The two-litre Toyota D-4D common rail diesel engine was introduced into the new RAV4 as far back as 2001, taking the car into a rapidly growing diesel market.

It has proved very popular, with sales in the UK last year topping 4,000, although the restricted supply of RAV4 means these figures lag behind the true level of market demand for the car.

The D-4D engine in the RAV4 develops 114bhp. Fuel consumption is claimed at 39.8 mpg for both the three and five-door models on the combined cycle. Performance is pretty good too, with a top speed of 106mph and acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 11.7 secs.

Equipment level on the RAV4 XT4 top spec test car is high, and includes driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic sensing front seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, impact absorbing crumple zones, power assisted steering, front and rear electric windows, electric tilt/slide sunroof, leather upholstery, central locking with remote control and double locking, automatic climate control, CD player, etc.

There's no doubt it's still one of the most popular small four-by-fours, which just seems to improve with age.

Facts and figures

Make: Toyota

Model: RAV4 D-4D XT4 5-door

Price: pounds 22,245

Mechanical: 114bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 106mph

0-62 mph: 12.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 39.8

Insurance group: 12

CO2 emissions: 190g/km

BiK rating: 27%

Warranty: 3 years/ 60,000 miles