THE first wave of Toyota's new RAV4 models has been released in the UK ahead of the arrival of hybrid versions which are due in January.

The latest generation of the popular compact SUV features a new 2.0-litre D-4D diesel and an improved 2.0-litre petrol engine with lower CO emissions and better fuel economy.

The new four-cylinder diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox develops 141bhp and in the front-wheel drive RAV4 has an official fuel return of 60.1mpg with of 123g/km.

It is priced from £23,695 and comes with the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with seven-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system with DAB radio,rear-view camera, cruise control, air con and 17-inch alloys.

Petrol models are all-wheel-drive and are fitted with CVT gearboxes costing from £28,295. The 2.0-litre Valvematic engine produces 149bhp and is rated at 43.5mpg with a CO2 figure of 152g/km.

Five trim levels are on offer with the range topping out at £29,295.

The new 2.5-litre hybrid models, the first time the RAV4 has been fitted with a petrol-electric powertrain, will be priced from £26,195 to £30,795.

Toyota claims the hybrid, which is front-wheel-drive only, will have emissions of 115g/km rating it at 57.5mpg.