WITH hybrid models currently commanding two thirds of all RAV4 sales in the UK, it’s hardly surprising that Toyota has added more petrol-hybrids to its 2018 model line-up.

We tested the impressive four-wheel drive 2.5-litre petrol-electric version in Excel trim.

Although the engine makes a bit of racket when you give it some revs, it provides swift acceleration for a larger vehicle while still offering excellent fuel economy. If you’re gentle with the accelerator, the engine settles down into a smooth hum.

In four-wheel drive guise, the RAV4 feels very sure-footed, with its trustworthy handling characteristics being especially valuable in the Bradford district’s current cold snap.

The RAV4 has been around for some time, but this much improved fourth generation model is more sophisticated and better finished.

When compared to its predecessor, it has a smarter look that includes a sharper front end featuring a slender upper grille flanked by halogen or LED headlamps and integrated LED daytime running lights.

There’s also a nice flow and uniformity through the bodywork of the RAV4, while the rear end has been redesigned too.

It all adds up to a pleasant-looking smart vehicle, although one that’s not especially memorable aesthetically.

Indeed, at a time when Toyota has been introducing funky and radical-looking cars such as the C-HR, it could be argued that the RAV4 is a little old school or conservative in its more mainstream appearance.

Inside, the inviting and spacious cabin has been enhanced, with the centre console and instrument binnacle having a more premium feel than before.

The air of quality was even more to the fore in this Excel spec car, with leather heated seats, a rear-view camera and climate control all adding to the ambience.

In this well laid-out cabin, there’s undoubtedly plenty of seat adjustment to allow the front seat occupants to get comfortable, while there’s also decent head and leg room front and back.

Further practicality comes in the shape of a power-operated boot, which proved useful.

At the top of the range, this Excel grade version adds high-gloss black 18-inch 10-spoke alloys and matching black door mirror casings and underruns.

Black, beige or grey leather upholstery can be specified and the driver’s seat gains a memory function.

The multimedia system has additional functions, such as voice recognition, text-to-speech and 3D maps. Safety provisions are enhanced with the addition of a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

This compact SUV has been a familiar sight on the roads for many a year, but key changes to the latest version include a new grade structure, revised equipment specifications, option packs and additional colour choices.

For 2018, hybrid power is available across all the new model grades: Icon and Icon Tech versions have front-wheel drive while Design and Excel versions also offer the choice of Toyota’s compact, lightweight and energy-saving E-Four electric all-wheel drive system.

For those who aren’t convinced by hybrids, the line-up continues to feature 2.0 D-4D diesel front-wheel drive models and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol power with CVT automatic gearbox and mechanical all-wheel drive.

The Panoramic View Monitor is a new feature for the RAV4, helping make parking and manoeuvring easier.

It combines images from four external cameras to create a near-360-degree, 3D view of the car’s surroundings, presented on the central multimedia screen.

In conclusion, the new powertrains, subtly enhanced look and improved equipment make the RAV4 is vehicle worthy of consideration.

THE LOWDOWN

Toyota Rav4

PRICE: £35,530 on the road

ENGINE: Hybrid, with four cylinder in-line 16 valve petrol twinned with 650-volt electric motor

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds. Top speed of 112mph

EMISSIONS: 118g/km

ECONOMY: 55.4mpg combined