Just one engine choice: a petrol 2.0. In speed terms it gets close to hot hatch performance with a 0 to 60 mph time just below 10 seconds. The heavier 5-door version is inevitably slower, although top speed is just below 110 mph for both models. The penalty for going fast though is poor fuel economy and lots of noise. Annoying on a long journey.

The RAV4 is very much at home on the road, with safe, predictable, car-like handling which is helped by the permanent four wheel drive system. It is stable at motorway speeds, and off-road it is capable, but never outstanding. Not having a low ratio gearbox limits its abilities. Ride – like many soft-roaders of this age is slightly jarring.