ACA21R RAV4 (Mk2)

This time based on the new Celica platform, the second generation constant all-wheel drive RAV4 was longer, wider and roomier than before.

It featured many improvements, including a low-emissions 110kW 2.0-litre 1AZ-FE VVTi four-cylinder engine, higher levels of safety, refinement and standard features (such as dual front airbags, remote central locking, power windows and a CD player) and more efficient levels of cabin space.

Both three and five-door (ACA22R) variants came in two models – the base Edge and luxury Cruise.

The Cruise included anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, a sunroof, cassette player, fog lights, rear spoiler, roof rails, a hard spare wheel cover and painted exterior trim.

Once again the available gearboxes were a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Performance, ride and handling properties improved over the outgoing model, as did the cabin’s cargo versatility – an upshot of the split/fold, fore/aft sliding and two-fold/removable rear seats.

The rear door continued to be side hinged.