More Choice, More Equipment and New Styling for Toyota’s 2010 RAV4

KEY POINTS

• RAV4 restyled and re-equipped for 2010
• Introduction of new entry point 2.2 D-4D XT-R model with two-wheel drive
• 148 bhp 2.2 D-CAT 6 speed automatic transmission newly available on XT-R grade
• Toyota Optimal Drive delivers excellent balance of power, fuel economy and emissions performance across the range
• New contemporary urban front-end styling
• Leather and Alcantara upholstery and new 17-inch alloys for RAV4 XT-R AWD
• HDD satellite navigation with music jukebox function standard on SR grade
• Available to order now, official on-sale date 1 June
• On-the-road prices from £22,410

RAV4, the Toyota that inspired a whole new market segment for compact recreational SUVs, is proving the master of sustained success with a new-look 2010 model.

As well as benefiting from new styling and higher equipment levels, the line-up has been revised to offer more choice, all with the performance, fuel efficiency and emissions rewards that come with Toyota Optimal Drive.

The current 2.2 D-4D diesel engine is featured in a new entry-point model in the range, with two-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission. And, for the first time, the range-topping 148bhp 2.2 D-4D D-CAT unit is offered in XT-R trim, with six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol with Toyota’s Multidrive S CVT system remains part of the RAV4 portfolio, now exclusively in XT-R specification with all-wheel drive.

New exterior styling
The 2010 RAV4 gains a strong new front-end design, anchored by a new, wider grille with horizontal blades and chrome accents, strengthening the model’s “contemporary urban” style appeal.

The grille, a signature feature of the latest Toyota models such as Avensis and Verso, is framed by new-look headlights. These incorporate projector-type low beam lamps, integrated into the new bonnet and front wing design, emphasising RAV4’s wide track and dynamic appearance.

There is also a new, full-width, aerodynamically styled front bumper which accentuates the vehicle’s stable stance. The addition of chrome accents to the grille, bonnet moulding and fog lamp surrounds reinforces the premium quality of the new design.

Two new exterior colours have been added for the new 2010 RAV4: Deep Titanium metallic and White Pearl pearlescent.

Specification upgrades
There is an extra touch of luxury for the RAV4 XT-R AWD models with the introduction of a new leather and Alcantara upholstery combination as standard, together with heated front seats. In addition, both AWD and 2WD versions ride on new-design 17-inch alloy wheels.

The RAV4 SR also benefits from an improved specification with Toyota’s hard disc drive (HDD) satellite navigation system now part of the standard package (previously it was an option). This sophisticated navigation technology, which is also optionally available on XT-R models, includes dedicated disc space for owners to set up their own on-board “jukebox” of their favourite audio files.

These introductions build on what are already generous specifications. Highlights of the XT-R grade include cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, seven airbags, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and rear privacy glass; AWD versions add Intelligent All-wheel Drive and, with automatic and Multidrive S transmission, Downhill assist control (DAC).

The RAV4 SR, offered exclusively with the 2.2 D-4D D-CAT engine and six-speed automatic transmission, gains 18-inch dark-finish alloys, smoke-finish headlamps, a reversing camera, Smart Entry and Start and over-fenders.

Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains
All RAV4 powertrains benefit from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies to deliver an excellent balance of power, fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The table below demonstrates the advantage this gives the core model in the RAV4 range, the 2.2 D-4D XT-R AWD, over some of its key compact SUV rivals.

RAV4 prices, insurance and VED

ENDS