While in Sweden on the Toyota Avensis Verso launch, I was given the opportunity to have an advance preview of the new Toyota RAV4 D-4D. This is the long awaited diesel version of the top selling RAV4 SUV (sports utility vehicle). With this new model, Toyota aims to dominate the small SUV market. I have to say that it will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.

But before you rush out and order your shiny new diesel RAV4, a word of warning. You are going to have a very long wait. Although this new model hits the showrooms on September 1st, Toyota are only bringing 80 diesel RAV4s to UK shores for the rest of 2001, and only a small amount in 2002. So with a two month waiting list on petrol RAV4s, the list is going to be even longer for the diesel. The only good side to this equation is that the lucky ones who get to obtain the diesel version will have a highly sought after vehicle which will not lose much in the way of value for a while.

The RAV4 is another of Toyota's fleet that has not grown on me since its release, and I don't really like many cars in the SUV sector - until now that is. I drove the 5-door version, the only version available on this test, and I loved it. I also had the opportunity to take the RAV4 onto its natural terrain (!) - off-road. This is where the four-wheel drive system came into its own. The excellent suspension ensured a comfortable ride even in the bumpiest sections of the off-road course. The diesel version will be permanent four-wheel drive and comes with an abundance of extras which, when compared with its main competitors, makes it the cheapest SUV vehicle of its kind on the market, its competitors being between 6 and 14.3% dearer when specified with the same options.

The new versions of the RAV4 will be fitted with the latest generation 2.0-litre, Toyota D-4D common-rail, diesel engine. This develops up to 114bhp and offers a very flat torque curve.

The new D-4D engine power has been increased by 5% over the version that powers the Avensis Verso with the fitting of a variable nozzle turbocharger. With this, harmful emissions have been decreased with the addition of cooling to the exhaust gas re-circulation system. It now complies with European Step III emissions tests.

Fuel consumption is a very impressive 39.8mpg for both the three and five door models, and gives a top speed of 106mph with a 0-62 time of 12.1secs. The diesel RAV4s will be available with full-time four wheel drive and a five speed manual gearbox.

More than 30,000 new RAV4s have been sold in Europe in less than 12 months since its launch, with just over two-thirds of the sales being five-door models. A restricted supply of the RAV4 makes these sales figures lag behind true demand for the car.

I certainly never thought I'd have as much fun driving an SUV as much as I did the RAV4, and the fact that this was a diesel made the experience a whole lot more surprising. Again huge amounts of thanks must go to Toyota UK for a most enjoyable trip and their splendid hospitality.