Toyota's Rav4 has matured. The chunky, imposing looks of the third generation underline its handsome but tough credentials and just because the front is rather stylish doesn't mean that it's not capable of some hard work.

Commonly thought of as the the original "soft-roader", the Rav4 has recorded in excess of 1.8 million sales worldwide, more than 655,000 of these in Europe, where it has consistently been the market's best-selling 4x4 passenger vehicle.

The latest Rav is considerably larger than its predecessors, is only available in five-door guise and is no longer available as a front-wheel drive version.

That's a mature thing to do because there's not a lot of sense in having a two-wheel-drive, three-door 4x4, apart from posing at Tescos or on the school run.

It also has class-leading aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency, a lot more space inside and 47 per cent more luggage room which, put together, make this incarnation a much more practical family proposition.

Also mature are the new diesel models which have strong engines, low emissions and good economy.

An all-new suspension set-up has improved the ride and comfort and there is a sporty 172bhp diesel option giving a 0-60mph time of around nine seconds.

The high driving position still imparts a feeling of security coupled with good visibility which are good safety features, particularly along our country lanes.

The ride is comfortable, if a little on the firm side, but that's preferable to one that's too soft, the engine is smooth and no noisier than other 4x4s, and the steering is well weighted, though feedback is limited.

Predictably, there's some road and wind noise at speed but it's not intrusive and the car is sharp to drive.

Inside, the instrument display is clear and bright, apart from the ventilation controls, the air-con is very effective, the seats are firm but comfortable enough and there's the latest DVD-based sat-nav system on the T5 spec model I drove.

For the driver, the pedals are well-positioned with good brake pressure and a responsive throttle, there are big door mirrors though rather excitable reversing sensors.

The roomy boot has good access through the big side-hinged hatch and overall, with a host of safety features as standard, I think the Rav is now a more serious and family-friendly workhorse than ever.

It's also well bolted together and, of course, there is the small matter of that legendary Toyota reliability.

But be warned, your youngster in the front seat can easily reach the hazard lights switch and may well find it entertaining to do so For off-roading the Rav has decent ground clearance, a differential lock and low ratios and, on a mix of on and off-roading I managed to return a respectable 36.5mpg.

The D4D options have 136bhp or 172bhp and develop 228 and 295lb/ft of torque at a comfortable 2,000rpm.

Top speed for the 136bhp model is 112mph with 60mph arriving in 10.5 seconds.

The car comes with a plethora of protection and is its class leader in terms of safety.

Standard equipment on all models includes air-con, heated electric mirrors, a fully adjustable steering wheel, alloy wheels and all-round airbags.

Priced from £19,020-£26,995 it's a good buy.

Many thanks to Loders of Dorchester for the loan of the car.