Toyota's RAV4 has grown older much like me. When it was launched, we were both leaner, less sophisticated and much lighter on our feet.

Now we have both spread a little, hopefully become a little smarter and certainly gained some weight along the way.

The RAV4 first appeared on the scene 12 years ago as a fun, smartly-styled, runabout, appealing primarily to the young and young-at-heart.

All those attributes still apply, but the stakes have been raised in the so-called compact sports utility vehicle market with serious rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-TRAIL emerging. So the third generation RAV4 has had to raise its game in driving performance, quality, passenger comfort and equipment.

It now comes in a chunky, five-door body, which is longer and wider than the previous model, but also easier to manoeuvre.

Improvements have also been made to fuel efficiency and interior space, with luggage capacity also increased by almost a half.

The interior is more flexible than before with the adoption of a system, which allows the rear seats to be folded flat into the vehicle floor. A single lever action is all that is needed to do the job - headrests and the seat cushions can be left in place. Handy storage spaces have been created throughout the vehicle, including a underfloor compartment in the boot. That rise in space has been matched by progress in ride and comfort, largely thanks to a new suspension system.

The result is a car that combines car-like ride and handling, the comfort of a compact saloon and the economy of a modern fuel-efficient, cleaner diesel engine, allied to the safety of a higher driving position.

Safety has also been given a helping hand inside the car, with no fewer than nine airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, fitted as standard on all models.

Prices start at just over £19,000 with alloy wheels, air conditioning, sound system with CD player and MP3/WMA compatibility, Easy Flat folding rear seat system and remote central double locking and alarm standard on all models.

The test model in XT4 trim adds leather upholstery, glovebox cooler, sunroof and climate control. Move further up the range and equipment ranges from colour satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and rain-sensing wipers to dusk-sensing headlamps, cruise control and heated front seats. At the top of the range is the T180, which is aimed directly at capturing sales from buyers looking at vehicles at the top of the segment, led by BMW's formidable X3.

More than a decade on, the RAV 4 continues to deliver on its original promise of offering 'civilised excitement'. As for me . . .

Auto facts Toyota RAV4 XT4 2.2 D-4D

  • Price: £22,815
  • Ins group: 12
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 42.8mpg
  • Top speed: 112mph
  • Length: 439.5cm/173in
  • Width: 181.5cm/71.4in
  • Luggage capacity: 20.6 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gallons/60 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 173g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles