Competely by chance I happened to see a Toyota I didn't recognise go by this morning, so after lunch I called in to our local dealers after lunch. It turns out its the brand new 2013 model that they've only had for a week.

The chap I spoke to was nice and helpful, and a few minutes later I was off for a drive in the top spec one.

First impressions were great. I think it looks spot on - a proper off road style to it rather than a car that's been overinflated (CX5, I'm looking at you), the interior was lovely with a really comfortable driving position and bags of room. The boot was really well designed with some nice storage options. On the move it felt very big at first but that was soon forgotten. I've not driven any of it's competitors so don't have any direct comparisons yet but it handled well enough to keep me happy with less roll and more grip than expected. Cruising at 75 felt very relaxing.

On the negative side, while the 2.0 litre diesel is decent on paper with a 10.5 second 0-60 and 127 carbons it did sound rather noisy above 3000rpm, though I rarely go there in my current car. I do plan on taking a CX5 out too, as I'm less keen on the looks but the 2.2 diesel is quicker and more economical, plus you get more toys for around £25k.

Just specced one up on the Toyota configurator. At least £5K more than a comparable Yeti!

Work colleague always had RAV4s and swore by them, they were to be fair very nice vehicles. Never driven one but by Dr Zoidberg's mini review it seems promising.

Where does it sit in terms of relaibility I wonder? Toyota vs Skoda?

I wouldn't have any reliability concerns with a Toyota. They always do well in surveys. They've had a lot of high profile recalls recently but they don't seem to break down.

As for comparisons with a yeti, it felt like a much bigger car. I'll have a look at the dimensions in a mo.

Yep, more than a foot longer than a yeti and tge same. as a CX5 so you are arguably stepping up a class.

RAV4 vs. Yeti? That seems like comparing apples and bananas. They´re both fruits, but....

Oh good, hopefully the 'old' spec ones will depreciate some more as they're on my list for when I change