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The redesigned 2006 RAV4 was unveiled at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany — the latest iteration of Toyota’s entry-level compact SUV.

The 2006 RAV4 goes on sale later this year in North America, but it is also sold in Europe, which is why the Europeans got the first look at it.

This mini-SUV, originally introduced in 1997, enters its third generation, bigger and more powerful than ever.

The second generation, introduced for 2001, already was considerably bigger than the first. But this new one is so roomy that Toyota will be able to offer a third row of seating for those who want the versatility of a seven-passenger compact SUV.

In an announcement from the unveiling Tuesday at the Frankfurt show, Toyota incorrectly claimed that the third seat in the RAV4 would be a first in the small SUV segment.” Suzuki introduced the three-seat Grand Vitara XL-7 five years ago, and that vehicle until now has been the only one in the class with the RAV4 and Honda CR-V to offer seven-passenger seating.

We probably can’t even credit Toyota with starting the mini-SUV segment, since the Subaru Outback wagon came first. The success of the Outback probably spurred Toyota to create the RAV4, which was a similar concept — a car-based SUV that is more carlike than the truck-based pure SUVs that became popular in the early ’90s, beginning with the Ford Explorer.

Honda answered Toyota with the similarly sized and priced CR-V, but since their original introductions, both the RAV4 and CR-V have grown out of their original mini” class into compacts, competing against such vehicles as the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Grand Vitara/XL-7, Saturn VUE, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Liberty and Hyundai Santa Fe.

The model shown at the Frankfurt show was the European version; Toyota says the North American model will be slightly longer, but will otherwise be nearly identical. We look forward to the arrival of the new RAV4 in the U.S. later this year,” Jim Lentz, Toyota’s U.S. vice president and general manager, said during the Frankfurt introduction. Completely restyled, the new RAV4 is larger and more powerful to provide the necessary utility and performance for active singles, and the comfort, versatility and convenience to meet the demands of young couples with and without children.”

The company said the new model rides on an all-new platform that is significantly longer and wider, inside and out, with a roomier and more convenient passenger compartment than the previous generation.”

The 2006 model will be 14 inches longer than the current RAV4, and presumably that extra length is what will allow for installation of the third seat.

With both the middle and third seats set up with split-folding backs, the interior of the vehicle can be configured to carry either people or cargo, or a combination. With the third seat in place, however, cargo space behind that seat will be minimal.

The base engine will be an upgraded version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder that now powers all 2005 RAV4 models. Horsepower will increase to 166 from the current 161. The engine will be connected to a four-speed automatic transmission.

For the first time, though, Toyota will offer a V-6 engine in the RAV4. It will be an all-new 3.5-liter with dual variable valve timing with intelligence, turning out an impressive 268 horsepower — more than the V-8 engines in some larger SUVs, Toyota says. This engine gets a five-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive will be optional.

As with all Toyota SUVs, the company says, the new RAV4 will have the so-called Toyota Star Safety System. It consists of an electronic stability system, traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist. Optional will be driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side air bags, as well as side-curtain air bags for front- and second-seat occupants.

The vehicle’s suspension has been redesigned to improve ride and handling, Toyota says. The power steering is an electrical system, rather than hydraulic.

Three trim levels will be offered: base, sport and limited.

Sport models get 18-inch alloy wheels, overfenders, privacy glass, roof rack and a unique interior seat fabric.

Limited versions get even more, including dual zone air conditioning, power driver’s seat and an upgraded audio system with a six-disc CD changer. Leather seats are available.

The new RAV4 goes on sale in late December, the company said. No prices or fuel-economy ratings have been released yet, but base prices of current models begin at just more than $19,000 (with freight), and run as high as $21,000 with all-wheel drive.

EPA ratings are 24 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway with automatic transmission.

G. Chambers Williams III is staff automotive columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and former transportation writer for the Star-Telegram. His automotive columns have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.