We review the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid from price to economy and all its features

I USED to have a theory electric cars and hybrids are silent because they are so damn ugly you don't want anyone looking as you drive past.

Nothing to do with the 'leccy motor. Just shame.

The hybrid revolution was championed by the original Prius, which looked like a coffin on wheels. The Nissan Leaf, one of the most usable electric cars money can buy, still looks like it was designed by a kid for their Year 9 science coursework.

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Tesla arrived on the scene with some hot-looking hardware — but its cars aren't cheap.

Finally, makers of hybrids have realised being economical to run isn't enough.

Toyota, responsible for the coffin-mobile Prius, has launched a hybrid version of its popular Rav4 — and it looks rather smart.

It's robust and angular, with chiseled good looks which aren't dissimilar to the Lexus NX200, Toyota's sister brand.

It is no surprise Toyota has gone hybrid with the popular SUV, 20 per cent of the cars it sells are part-battery powered.

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The engine is smooth and pleasingly responsive, with zero lag, while delivering that addictive whoosh of a hybrid.

Under 30mph it is powered entirely by the batteries, charged by the engine and regenerative braking. Considering SUVs these days are less off-road tools and more school-run shuttles, the cheap and emission-free low-speed cruising should help shift units.

For a hybrid it feels relatively spritely, with an eight-second 0-62 time, and the auto-box shifts seamlessly and on the motorway it's as quiet as Maria Sharapova's doctor.

Steering, though, lacks feel and handling is far from crisp. It drifts through bends rather than attacks them, which is odd as road bumps and potholes are met with a harsh jolt through the cabin, as if the suspension was as taut as a tiger.

Aside from the bumpy ride, from inside the cabin things are looking good.

The Nissan Leaf, one of the most usable electric cars money can buy, still looks like it was designed by a kid for their Year 9 science coursework

A seven-inch colour touchscreen beams entertainment and sat-nav info, electric seats add a touch of prestige and the dashboard's ergonomics are spot on.

Every so often the interior finish is let down by cheap plastic. This includes the handbrake, which is something you touch at least twice every journey, reminding you corners have been cut.

An easily avoidable mistake on Toyota's part.

It's a Rav4, so scores highly on space. Even though the hulking batteries swallow 50 litres of load space in the boot it still boasts a respectable 500 litres when the seats are up and there's comfortably room for three in the back.

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The big question is, should you buy it over the petrol or diesel version?

The entry-level diesel, which is a brilliant engine, costs £23,695 on the road. You'll lump out nearly three grand more for the hybrid.

Unless most of your driving is done under the 30mph mark — which admittedly is quite possible in today's chocka towns and cities — I would save the money and opt for the diesel.

The Rav4 is a great SUV and should certainly be considered if you're in the market for one. The electric motor just doesn't add enough to justify the extra cost.

Even if it does look bloody good for a hybrid.