RAV4 PLUG-IN

Gracing UK roads since 1994, the RAV4 has been a staple in the Toyota line-up for almost three decades. Now, taking its place at the top of the hybrid model line, the RAV4 Plug-in delivers an unrivalled combination of power and efficiency.

Outperforming all rivals in its class in both low emissions - at an impressive 22g/km - and fuel economy - boasting a staggering 282.4mpg on a WLTP combined cycle - this is a seriously efficient SUV. Offering the ability to operate as an authentic electric vehicle - which is actually the vehicle's default state - the RAV4 Plug-in can cover up to 46 miles from a full charge and still hit speeds of up to 84mph without the hybrid system kicking in for support.

What this means for real-world driving is the opportunity to undertake the majority of your daily journeys on completely electric power whether that's a daily commute, dropping the children off at school or a quick run to the shops.

At the point you eventually do need some extra power, the hybrid system with its 2.5-litre VVT-i engine - which remains classleading in efficiency in its own right - kicks in for support, delivering the most powerful overall offering in the RAV4 range. Reaching a maximum output of 306PS with the hybrid system working at full capacity, combining the engine with two synchronous motors - one at the front and one at the rear - the Plug-in with help from the impressive AWD-i system will take you from zero to sixty-two in 6.0 seconds, a whole 2.1 seconds faster than the standard hybrid AWD-i variant. What's more, in full EV mode, its accelerative performance remains comparable to a 2.0-litre petrol model at 10 seconds. toyota.co.uk

With such an efficient system available, you could simply spend your time running fully electric as long as you are able to charge at suitable intervals between journeys, but the Plug-in has four different drive modes for you to choose from to suit your needs.

EV, HV, Auto HV/EV and Charging modes are all available. Operating in EV mode as a default, you can enjoy commuting fully electric without any requirement to use the hybrid system at all, or switch to HV mode to make the most of the full power potential the car has, initiating the engine with boosted performance from the electric motors. In Auto HV/EV mode, the car will operate in an electric capacity - battery dependant - an utilise the engine as and when needed for additional power before returning immediately back to electric.

This car is not only capable of charging via plug-in as the title suggests, but you can also use Charging Mode to recoup some battery power from the running engine as in the standard hybrid models, meaning you can still maintain a certain level of EV driving capabilities even without plugging in.

Your can adjust your drive options further by utilising the Normal, Eco and Sport options to adapt throttle performance to suit your needs.

Despite its size, the RAV4 Plug-in continues the dynamic character the powertrain portrays thanks in large to the GA-K platform which offers an even lower centre of gravity - in part thanks to the battery positioning under the floor - which provides improved handling and stability adding to the cars agility on the road.

The platform affords a lightweight yet highly rigid body allowing you to take your RAV4 Plug-in further than ever before. This added rigidity and low centre of gravity means that the suspension doesn't need to be made stiffer to achieve the dynamic driving performance allowing you to continue to enjoy a comfortable ride as much as a dynamic one when required.

Boasting the addition of the AWD-i system, the RAV4 Plug-in reinforces its all-wheel drive performance with Trail Mode, an automatic locking system for the limitedslip differential that the driver can engage using a centre console mounted control. This ensures the best possible grip on slippery and loose surfaces whether that be in adverse weather on the road or negotiating more challenging off-road conditions. For example, if one wheel loses contact with the ground - hopefully not in an on-road situation - Trail Mode will brake the spinning wheel and direct drive torque to the grounded wheel to gain traction, while also automatically adjusting the throttle response and transmission shift pattern.

Inside, all of the necessary controls are clearly and conveniently situated to ensure you spend your time enjoying the road - or other surface - as much as possible without the need to navigate complex menus through the infortainment system.

Comfort remains at the fore, with plenty of space in the cabin for driver and passengers alike, while you can also make use of the Toyota MyT app to schedule and monitor battery charging remotely and operate the air conditioning system to warm up or cool the cabin before setting off to ensure you are comfortable the second you enter the car, every time. Offering this level of efficiency in a car that is just as comfortable on the road as it is off of it is rare to see and boasting such class-leading figures across the board make the RAV4 Plug-in a very inviting venture towards the fully EV world should you wish to dip your toes. Taking the standard hybrid and elevating it with a simple plug-in addition completely changes what this car can achieve and creates the perfect blend of functionality, performance and efficiency.