Few 4x4s are more fun to drive than the RAV. Light but accurate steering, plenty of grip and firmly controlled suspension make the Toyota more entertaining than any tall, heavy off-roader should be.

With a van in tow, the RAV still handles well, with a reasonably secure performance through the lane-change manoeuvre, although the ATC unit picked up high peak G-force readings. A little more bite from the brakes would have been nice, but a 30-0mph stop of 13.35 metres in wet weather shows the power is there when you need it.

Legroom in the rear seats is not as generous as in a VW Tiguan. And while the 586-litre boot sounds large, a couple of items of luggage wouldn’t fit and the side-hinged tailgate doesn’t open wide enough.

Official combined economy of 42.8mpg makes the RAV one of the least thirsty 4x4s around, and emissions of 173g/km will keep road-tax bills to manageable levels. A 55% resale value in three years isn’t bad, either.