On sale now, the range includes a full hybrid system combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motors on both rear axles.

Bringing revised styling and improved interior quality, the updated RAV4 range also includes a new 2.0-litre D-4D diesel and a revised 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol said to bring improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions, although figures haven’t been announced. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions are offered.

At the same time Toyota is upgrading equipment specifications across the board and introducing Toyota Safety Sense – a package of integrated active safety and driver assistance features – as an option on all versions of RAV4 beyond the entry-point model.

The new UK line-up covers five grades – Active, Business Edition, new Business Edition Plus, Icon and Excel, which replaces the previous Invincible flagship trim.

The entry-level Active grade features the new 2.0 D-4D diesel engine and comes with extra equipment including the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with touchscreen, six-speaker audio system with DAB radio, cruise control, sunglasses holder, shark fin antenna and leather steering wheel cover. This is an addition to current items including 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, rear privacy glass and electric door mirrors.

The RAV4 Business Edition – also powered by the 2.0-litre diesel engine – gains front and rear underruns and also includes Toyota Touch 2 with Go navigation and on-board connectivity system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front fog lamps, retractable door mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, rear-view camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The new Business Edition Plus is launched as a hybrid/front-wheel drive-only grade and comes with LED front and rear lights, a power tailgate, keyless entry and push-button start, priced at £26,195.

All three powertrains and front and all-wheel drive options are offered in Icon trim, which brings 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, LED headlamps, combination leather and Alcantara upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seat (with power-adjustable lumbar support), heated front seats and an Alcantara dashboard finish. On these models the Toyota Touch 2 system is provided with an optional upgrade to “Go” status with satellite navigation and connectivity functions.

The top-spec Excel models adopt the full Toyota Touch 2 with Go package, plus leather upholstery, roof rails and front and rear parking sensors.

The new RAV4 will also bring the Toyota Safety Sense suite of features as an option (£695) on all versions. In addition to the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist features, the RAV4 will also gain Adaptive Cruise Control along with two significant enhancements to the basic Pre-Collision System functions.

The new RAV4 range is available to order now with first customer deliveries of petrol and diesel models expected from late December. Hybrid versions will arrive from mid-January.

Prices start at £23,695 for the Active model with the 2.0 D-4D diesel and rise to £30,795 for the hybrid in the top-spec trim.