Sporty SUV shoot-out

You don’t hear the words ‘high performance’ and ‘diesel off-roader’ mentioned in the same sentence very often. But these two newcomers from Toyota and Peugeot claim to justify exactly such a description.

Both seek to combine the traditional SUV virtues of practicality and space with a welcome dose of sporty styling and driver appeal. Each car comes with striking new looks and hot hatch-rivaling power outputs – but which of these quick 4x4s is better?

When the RAV4 appeared in 1994, it pioneered the mid-size family off-roader. Now in its third generation, the Toyota has to contend with a raft of new rivals – including the Peugeot 4007. Both these cars provide classic soft-roader appeal, with practical cabins and a high driving position. Plus both offer go-anywhere ability, as four-wheel drive and locking differentials come as standard.

In a segment not noted for handling or acceleration, the RAV4 SR180 aims to redress the balance. Pumping out a class-leading 175bhp, it’s targeted at drivers wanting decent pace to go with their SUV’s versatility.

The 156bhp Peugeot can’t match the Toyota for power, but can it provide a challenge here with its sporty Irmscher add-ons and outstanding seven-seater practicality?