Toyota has added a new derivative to its RAV4 line-up.

The XT-R is offered with Toyota’s 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine and 2.0-litre D-4D diesel in three and five-door body styles. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, with automatic transmission available as a £1,000 option with the petrol engine.

The RAV4 XT-R, on sale now, includes climate controlled air conditioning, cruise control, rear privacy glass, rear luggage net (5 door only) and auto-dimming electrochromic rear view mirror, plus the option of metallic paint at no extra cost.

Toyota says the five-door RAV4 XT-R benefits from enhancements worth an additional £1,500 (including metallic paint), yet its on-the-road prices are £245 higher than the cost of the equivalent XT3 models.

The XT-R is also equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA) for improved handling performance.

XT-R safety features include driver and front passenger front and side airbags, curtain airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, four-speaker sound system with CD player, alarm, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and an electric tilt/slide sunroof (previously only available on the five-door model).

Four paint finishes are available: Argenta Silver and Carbon Quartz metallic, Lagoon Blue mica and Astral Black with no extra charge for the metallic or mica shades.