2004 Model Year Toyota RAV4 Gets The ‘X’ Factor

This is an archived press release.
For more information on this model, please visit the RAV4 Archive.

Key Points

• More style, safety and performance for 2004 model year RAV4, on sale in UK from 1 October
• RAV4 remains Europe’s best-selling SUV
• Worldwide production more than 1.4 million since launch
• Simplified model range with XT2, XT3 and XT4 grades replacing the previous NV, NRG, GX and VX
• Front side and SRS Curtain Shield airbags standard on all models
• First in compact 4×4 class to offer Curtain Shield airbags
• Engine options 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol and 2.0 D-4D common rail diesel
• 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine now meets Euro IV exhaust emissions standards
• XT4 versions equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Suspension fine tuned for even greater ride comfort
• Climate control air conditioning standard on XT4
• Revised front grille, front bumper, fog lights and headlamps
• New-look rear light clusters and spare wheel cover
• Cabin ambience enhanced with new dashboard finish, chrome door handles and illuminated entry system
• XT3 and XT4 feature wide body styling kit, colour-matched bumpers (selected colour shades) and new-design 16-inch alloy wheels
• Redesigned steering wheel incorporates remote audio system controls on XT3 and XT4 models
• Insurance group 10E for XT2, 11E for XT3 and 12E for XT4 models
• Prices from £15,995 on the road for three-door 2.0-litre petrol XT2

You have seen the ‘story’ many times before: a sluggish selling product is given a mid-life makeover that amounts to little more than a new front grille and a bigger badge on the tailgate. Where the RAV4 is concerned, there is no attempt to weave a silk purse from a sow’s ear. For a start, more than 1.4 million have been built since RAV4 first broke cover in 1994 and it is firmly established as Europe’s best-selling SUV. In 2003 in the UK sales have soared by more than 18 per cent on last year’s figures, an increase that has largely been driven by the continuing success of the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel versions, available since August 2000.

Continuous improvement is a principle central to all Toyota’s activities, so rather than resting on its laurels, it has revised the RAV4 to achieve higher levels of comfort, safety and performance. As well as improving specifications across the board, it has re-tuned the suspension and steering and developed the 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine to meet Euro IV emissions standards, well ahead of their 2005 implementation. Yes, there is a new front grille and light clusters, but the improvements to the RAV4 go beyond simply making it look more stylish to create a vehicle that has greater market appeal than ever before.

NEW MODEL GRADING STRUCTURE

The RAV4 range has been rationalised and made simpler with the introduction of a new grading system, XT2, XT3 and XT4 replacing the previous NV, NRG, GX and VX grades. The XT2 is the new entry-level model, available in three and five-door bodystyles. XT3 is available as a three and five-door, too, while the top-of-the-range XT4 is a five-door only.

All versions of the RAV4 are available with either Toyota’s 147bhp 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine – which now complies with Euro IV emissions standards – or the clean and fuel-efficient 2.0-litre D-4D common rail diesel unit. Where pricing is concerned, diesel versions carry a £1,000 premium over the equivalent petrol model.

PIONEERING SAFETY PACKAGE

In terms of safety, RAV4 breaks new ground as the first compact SUV to be equipped with SRS Curtain Shield airbags as standard. These have been introduced along with front side airbags on all versions. Driver and front passenger airbags and WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) remain standard equipment.

Active safety provision on the XT4 now includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA). All models are equipped with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

QUALITY STYLE AND EQUIPMENT

‘Superior Quality’ is the foundation stone of the RAV4’s product DNA, an element that is reflected in the detail changes to both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. At the front the lines have been freshened up with a new bumper section, grille, headlamp units and fog lights. At the rear the tail lamp clusters and rigid spare wheel cover are both new, too, and new-design five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels have been introduced for XT3 and XT4 grades.

In the cabin a more exclusive ambience has been created by using darker trim and new metallic finishes for the restyled dashboard. Chrome doorhandles and fabric-covered sun visors with courtesy lights have been introduced on all models and on XT3 and XT4 versions audio controls have been added to the steering wheel and the gear shift knob and steering wheel have been trimmed with leather. The cabin has been rendered even quieter thanks to revisions to the RAV4’s soundproofing.

All RAV4s are fitted with air conditioning, the XT4 with automatic climate control. An intermittent/variable wiper system and electric rear windows (five-door versions) have been added to the specification of all models.

RIDE AND HANDLING

RAV4’s steering feel has been sharpened with a new gear ratio and mounting bushes and a more comfortable ride has been achieved with adjustments to the front suspension and shock absorber rates.

UK PRICING

The 2004 model year RAV4 goes on sale in the UK on 1 October. Full details of on the road prices are given in the table below.

MODEL – ON THE ROAD PRICE

• 2.0 VVT-i XT2 three-door – £15,995
• 2.0 D-4D XT2 three-door – £16,995
• 2.0 VVT-i XT2 five-door – £16,995
• 2.0 D-4D XT2 five-door – £17,995
• 2.0 VVT-i XT3 three-door (auto) – £16,995 (£17,995)
• 2.0 D-4D XT3 three-door – £17,995
• 2.0 VVT-i XT3 five-door (auto) – £18,495 (£19,495)
• 2.0 D-4D XT3 five-door – £19,495
• 2.0 VVT-i XT4 five-door (auto) – £20,995 (£21,995)
• 2.0 D-4D XT4 five-door – £21,995

RAV4 EQUIPMENT LIST

RAV4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENDS