I've always been a big fan of the SUV, and this new addition to the range has certainly not changed my opinion.The new model comes with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and a powerful electric motor, and is available in either the Business Edition Plus grade as a front-wheel drive car or in either Icon or the top-spec Excel grade asall-wheel drive.As well as the new engine offering, Toyota have made a few tweaks to the RAV4's exterior – nothing too drastic, but enough to cause me a few concerns when I first saw the images when they were launched in theAutumn.But I need not have worried as in the flesh it is still instantly recognisable, and if anything the updated front and rear styling with new headlight and rear lamp clusters and alloy wheel designs have improved its looks.Toyota has also listened to customer feedback when it comes to the cabin itself, improving the sensory quality, the ambient lighting design, adding new storage points and tidying up the layout of the area around the gear shift.There is clearer presentation of information to the driver using a new 4.2-inch colour multi-information display, together with the seven-inch touchscreen that gives access to the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system.Yet despite these changes and all of the technological advancements, the soul of the RAV4, which is why I like them so much, remains intact.That's not to say it doesn''t come loaded with features. It's just that they are laid out in such a way in the stylish leather-like instrument panel that they are there if you want them, but if not then you can just enjoy the drive.I drove the second from top of the range Icon model, which comes with 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.There''s also dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a power tailgate, keyless entry and push-button start.Internally, the RAV4 comes with even more kit as standard. The entry-level Active model now comes with Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with touchscreen, six-speaker audio system with DAB radio, rear-view camera, 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 cabin itself is huge, with easily enough space for five adults, and the seats are extremely comfortable. It's versatile too and, thanks to Toyota''s Easy-Flat system, the rear seats can be quickly and easily foldedflat.The spacious boot, which on this generation of RAV4 is much bigger than its predecessors, now features a power back door that can be automatically opened and closed at the touch a button. There is also a memory function which automatically retains the preferred opening height.And then there''s the all-important drive. Yes the RAV4 has had to develop over the years, but one thing I'm guessing hasn''t been lost is the fun, thanks largely to the high driving position.But one thing that did take some getting used to was that due to its hybrid powertrain it is silent on start up and and at low speed as the electric motor provides the power.It feels luxurious when you cruise down the motorway as I did on a family day out to Hull, but it really comes into its own on country lanes and in snowy conditions.Handling was brilliant, and knock it into Sport mode and it truly does feel that it sticks to the road on the country lanes. This is thanks to more torque being distributed between the front and rear wheels, whilealso adjusting the steering feel, accelerator response and transmission control to even sportier settings.And the hybrid powertrain is engineered to eliminate the need for the petrol engine as much as possible during city/town centre driving, enabling a high proportion of zero-emissions EV running.The 2.5-litre hybrid model I drove recorded fuel consumption of 55.4mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 118g/km, with 0-62mph achieved in a respectable 8.4 seconds.Prices for the Toyota RAV4 start from £23,695 OTR. The hybrid model I drove costs just short of £30,000.Every new Toyota comes with a five-year/100,000-mile manufacturer''s warranty (whichever comes first).