Toyota has unveiled the first Rav4 hybrid at the New York International Auto Show.

The new car combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, with an additional motor powering the rear axle to deliver electronic all-wheel drive.

The AWD capability provides greater safety and stability when negotiating low-grip surfaces, It also provides a towing capacity of 1,650kg, with Toyota’s Trailer Sway Control system.

The sensory quality of the cabin has been improved with the adoption of new combination meters, a full colour TFT screen and soft-touch materials.

New technology features include Toyota’s 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, which gives the driver sight of obstacles that would remain hidden in blind spots when using conventional front and rear cameras, making for safer and easier manoeuvring.

The new Rav4 will go on sale in December, with the hybrid AWD model arriving in the UK and Europe early in 2016.

UK specifications and further details will be announced nearer the sale date.