Has Toyota shot itself in the Rav4 foot?

Toyota Rav4 plug-in hybrid drive by Steve Rogers

This is the new Rav4, one of the biggest selling SUVs in the world, but has Toyota just shot itself in the foot?

That is a big question, so what’s behind it? The Rav is a huge favourite everywhere, the previous version was the top selling car in North America for goodness sake, and Brits like it for its hybrid efficiency and family space.

In the past Toyota offered hybrid or plug-in models but this time it is plug-in only, and that has pushed up the price taking it beyond some key rivals and incurring the extra £440 tax penalty for the first five years of its life because it is more than £40,000.

Toyota is either confident this will not put too big a dent in UK sales or it is not bothered because a hybrid version is available everywhere else. Here is a mildly interesting American twist. I was in the USA last month where the new model has been on sale since the beginning of the year and my rental car was… a RAV4. It was the entry hybrid model and cost the princely sum of $31,000 under £24,000! The plug-in costs around £33k, a cool £10,000 less than our entry model.

First impressions were good, very roomy, comfortable, and efficient enough to return 43mpg.

But what of the plug-in? This is where the RAV4 story gets interesting because the new model has nearly doubled the previous electric range to 85 miles and that is better than any rival can manage. The increase in range is down to a larger 22kWh battery.

I can start to see why Toyota is confident. With this sort of range most people can survive on electric only and with a home charger this makes for cheap motoring particularly if you have solar panels to reduce the cost of electricity. Once the battery is spent on a longer trip power switches quietly to petrol which is also highly efficient, my average over a week was 53.7mpg. This is definitely a car where it pays to keep charging at home.

So apart from the new hybrid setup, what can we expect from the new RAV4? A lot has happened even though the car sits on the same platform as before. The new body is more rigid, and the styling more upright and chunky, perhaps with a nod to the lucrative American market where everything is bold and boxy. The front is striking with a slim headlight signature and fameless grille, which looked cheap and unfinished on the white rental car, but fetching on my bronze test car.

The cabin has been stripped out and started again and first impressions will probably be the same as mine, a bit bland and dark. Closer inspection will show decent quality and well fitted plastic trim and lighter, softer fabric along the dashboard and door inserts. The dashboard is not totally switchless, there are buttons for fast demisting and heating the rear window and door mirrors and a volume switch for the radio, brownie points for that, but there is a heavy reliance on the touchscreen.

It is not all bad. Toyota has at last found a new tech system which is heaps more efficient and easier to navigate with clearer, up to date graphics and quicker response. It includes Spotify for streaming music which is bound to please the kids.

At the base of the screen quick keys adjust heating temperature and fan speed, or the new voice control lady will save you the trouble.

There is no difference in size but there was never a space issue with RAV4 and there is room aplenty front and rear. The boot has lost out a little because of the bigger battery but it is still generous with a wide opening and flat loading. I liked the underfloor storage area for the charging cable, some rivals have it in a bag in the boot which is not so good.

I got used to driving a front wheel drive RAV4 on holiday and found it comfortable and engaging and the same applied here. It favours softer suspension and passed the speed hump test with distinction.

Engine power has been increased and gives plenty when called on. The all wheel drive and GR models have more power again but sticking with the standard power unit will not disappoint.

Equipment and safety packages are good across the range and even though I have moaned about the price I would be tempted to go one up from base to Design because of the powered front seats with memory settings for the driver along with ventilated and heated front seats.

Going to the top will inlcude fast charging, surround camera and head up display but you will be shelling out more than £50,000.

So, the new model is better to drive with advanced technology and additional safety features and a class leading electric range. Only time will tell if Toyota’s plug-in only gamble will pay off.

Fast facts

RAV4 Design

£45,745 (range starts £43,845)

2.5 litre petrol; 268bhp

Electric range 85 miles

Battery: 22.7kWh

0-62mph 7.5secs; 112mph

166.2mpg/ 53.7mpg petrol only

117g/km. 1st VED £455

Insurance group 40

Boot: 672-1690 litres

Railway looks for volunteers to help with festive season

* The Santa Specials at Llangollen and Corwen Railway are a great Christmas experience.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is calling on people across North Wales and beyond to become part of the Christmas magic, as the heritage railway prepares to welcome thousands of families aboard its hugely popular Santa Specials, starting on Saturday November 28.

Last Christmas volunteers found themselves appearing on BBC Breakfast and ITV Wales, sharing the magic of the Railway with television audiences. 

Others have discovered lifelong friendships, developed new skills and gone on to take up exciting roles across the Railway. In fact, several volunteers, including steam locomotive drivers, first became involved with Llangollen and Corwen Railway by helping on Santa Specials.

The Railway says it is particularly looking for people to help as Santa's elves, at its mulled wine station, as gate greeters and as raffle stewards. There is also a special appeal for Welsh-speaking volunteers, particularly to support the popular Sion Corn trains and help deliver a wonderful Welsh-language Christmas experience for families.

No previous railway experience is required, and lunch will be provided for volunteers during their shifts.

Sophie Hallam, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: "Volunteering on our Santa Specials is so much more than simply helping out for a few hours. It's an amazing experience, and you genuinely never know where it might lead! Last year, some of our volunteers ended up appearing on BBC Breakfast and ITV Wales. Imagine signing up to help spread a little Christmas cheer and finding yourself on national television!

"We've also got volunteers, including some of our steam locomotive drivers, who first came to the Railway to help on Santa Specials. They enjoyed the experience so much that they stayed, learned new skills and became part of our Railway family.

"And perhaps the most special thing of all is the friendships. Some truly lifelong friendships have started through volunteering here. People who arrived not knowing anybody have gone on to become the closest of friends, all because they decided to give something new a try.

"That's what makes volunteering at Llangollen and Corwen Railway so wonderful. You might come along to help as an elf for a day and discover a whole new world of opportunities!"

The Railway's Santa Specials are among its most popular events of the year, transforming its historic trains and stations into a festive wonderland filled with Christmas decorations, seasonal entertainment and excited families.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Llangollen during the festive season, with volunteers playing a vital role in making sure every family enjoys a memorable Christmas adventure.

Sophie continued: "We're particularly looking for friendly, enthusiastic people to help us as elves, welcome families at our gates, support our mulled wine station and help with our Christmas raffle.

"We would also absolutely love to hear from Welsh speakers, especially those who can help us with our Sion Corn trains. It's really important that we can offer a magical Christmas experience through the Welsh language, and our Welsh-speaking volunteers are a huge part of making that happen.

"You don't need to know anything about railways, and you certainly don't need to have volunteered before. We'll make sure you feel welcome, provide guidance and support, and we'll even provide your lunch!

"All we ask is that you bring a friendly smile, a willingness to help and a little Christmas spirit."

She added: "We've got some amazing surprises planned along the way, and I really think this is going to be a Christmas to remember.

"One of the loveliest things about our Railway is that everybody has a story. Some people join because they love steam trains, others because they want to meet new people or give something back to their community. Some simply fancy doing something a little different at Christmas.

"Whatever brings you here, you become part of something special. You might make a lifelong friend, discover a new passion, learn a skill you never imagined learning or even find yourself on television!

"We still have quite a few gaps in our Christmas volunteer rosters, so please do consider joining us. Even if you can only spare one or two shifts, it would make an enormous difference.

"Come and help us make Christmas magical for thousands of families. We promise you a warm welcome, a fantastic team to work with and an experience you'll remember long after the decorations have been packed away."

How to Become a Santa Specials Volunteer

Anyone interested in volunteering for Santa Specials 2026 can register using the Railway's online form:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/wT7Yef9Gg1

Alternatively, contact Sophie Hallam, Volunteer Co-ordinator, by emailing volunteering@llangollen-railway.co.uk or calling the Volunteer Hotline on 01978 862 226.

Details of town's Christmas lights switch-on

 

Work progressing at the Castle Street/Mill Street junction

* Traffic lights controlling the roadworks at the junction.

Roadworks at the junction of Castle Street and Mill Street set up yesterday (Monday) appear to be progressing well.

The works, controlled by traffic lights, are expected to take two weeks to complete and come at the instigation of local county councillor Karen Edwards.

In a statement to llanblogger last week she said: "This is something I have been working to progress since taking office, so it is particularly pleasing to see the scheme now moving forward. 

"I have been keen to see a practical solution that will attempt to alleviate the difficulties experienced by larger vehicles negotiating the turn from Mill Street into Castle Street, while also improving the layout of this busy part of our town centre.

*It's goodbye to the unloved red and white plastic barriers on the corner.

"The works will involve realigning the kerb line, narrowing the pavement, and widening the carriageway. This will help reduce vehicle overrun and provide more room for larger vehicles to make the turn safely from Mill Street into Castle Street.

"I know residents and businesses have had to put up with the red and white barriers at this location for some time, and I will be quite honest – I shall be very pleased to see the back of them! Their removal on completion of the works will make a welcome difference to the appearance of this part of the town.

"Importantly, the traffic management will be temporarily removed to allow Llangollen’s Remembrance event to take place."

* On Monday November 16 the county council will start essential maintenance on the A542 Horseshoe Pass, from Dafarn Dywyrch roundabout to the Eisteddfod entrance. Work is scheduled to last for up to five days and will include gully emptying, sweeping and sign maintenance. Traffic will be managed using stop/go boards, and some delays and disruption may occur, says the council.

Council warns playing field vandals: we could have you on film

* The tyre-tracks of around four inches wide which were cut into the grass of the field. 

A council has sent out a warning to vandals who did "shocking" damage by cutting up a Llangollen playing field with their bike wheels that they will have been caught on camera.

As recently revealed by llanblogger, a series of large circular cuts, which appear to have been my made by wide bike or motorbike tyres, were gouged into the grass surface of the field next to Llangollen Youth Centre in the incident.

The damage was originally highlighted in a social media post by a person living nearby who commented: "Why would anyone do this to the footie pitch that our kids play on? Shocking!"

Similar track-marks, again in a circular pattern, were made on a grass verge at Grange Road nearby.

llanblogger reported the damage to Denbighshire County Council, which is responsible for the field, and a spokesperson has now come back to say: "We are aware of damage to the football pitch and greenspace and are working with our partners to look for longer-term resolutions to avoid this occurring in the future. 

"We would remind the community that the surrounding area is monitored by CCTV."

Friends move their deli from Llangollen to Wrexham

* Pictures from the The Olive Tree Delicatessen's Facebook page.

Two best friends who have run successful businesses in Llangollen have brought their Mediterranean-inspired delicatessen to Wrexham.

* For the full story, see the Leader at: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/26684624.best-friends-open-olive-tree-delicatessen-wrexham/

Details of Sunday's Service of Remembrance