Review: Toyota's RAV4 hybrid impresses by Trish Whelan
Toyota’s RAV4 family crossover is now offered only with hybrid technology, writes Trish Whelan . The car was one of a number of new self-charging hybrid cars (with Corolla and Camry), which have landed on our shores from last January. The RAV4 has been a big success since then with a huge demand from both retail and fleet customers. Drivers looking to make the switch from diesel to the more environmentally and economically friendly hybrid are finding it quite affordable to do so as buyers enjoy a lower monthly payment for a hybrid over a petrol. Like PHEVs, hybrids are a half way measure to going full electric. They have different characteristics from conventional cars. RAV4’s system combines a 2.5L petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission, a battery pack and an electric motor to give 218bhp in 2WD. The AWD provides 222hp from this system. Toyota say this new generation of self-charging hybrid vehicles are more fuel efficient resulting in a signi...