Since its release in the mid 1990s, the Toyota Rav4 has come to define the compact Sports Utility Vehicle for many people and has been a massive success without really having to change that much. Now though, the guys at Toyota have decided to play around with the concept of the compact SUV though and the 2011 version of the Rav4 features plenty of changes from its previous incarnations as the Japanese firm hope to capture the imagination of a new generation of drivers. The first thing that you notice when sitting in the new “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive” (Rav4) is the great new interior. With the seats now made of Alcantara leather, the 2011 version of the car seems more sophisticated than it has been in the past. This has been translated to the outside of the car as well as a wider stance and the reserved but noticeable use of chrome give it an eye catching look that previous Rav4s have lacked.

Available in three different guises, all with different prices and different specs. The cheapest of these, and probably the best value one, is the XT-R 2WD with a starting price of £22,995.00. In a year or so the price will drop though, especially if you browse the web for the thousands of used cars for sale. The car comes with a 2.2D-4D CAT engine and a 6–speed automatic or manual transmission that will allow you to cruise around to your hearts content, with your family in the back as well. It is an SUV after all.

The car also comes with some great features as standard, including rain and dusk sensors, climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, 6-CD stereo, sports leather steering, and 17” alloy wheels and plenty of optional extras as well. It seems as if Toyota have pulled out all the stops to keep the Rav4 name going.