New Toyota RAV4 – Rev-Up for a Runaway Success

KEY POINTS

• All new car six years after revolutionary original
• Choice of lightweight 2.0 litre and 1.8 litre four cylinder, VVT-i petrol engines
• Both offer best in class power-to-weight ratio
• Higher top speed, better economy and lower emissions
• Improved all-independent suspension further improves on previous model’s class-leading handling and ride
• More interior height, width and length
• Better ride comfort and less interior noise
• 1.8 litre, 4×2 model available for the first time – puts RAV4 on more shopping lists
• MPV-style versatility with rear seats designed to slide, fold, tumble and be removed
• Higher quality materials used on interior
• WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats, ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution) and twin front airbags standard on all grades
• Lower cost servicing and crash repair parts prices than competition
• Air conditioning standard on all grades
• Roof rails standard on all grades
• Three-year/60,000 mile warranty
• On sale in the UK from 1st August
• Prices from £13,995

NEW RAV4 – HOW TO RENEW AN ICON

The all new RAV4 launched this week, is better in every way. Not only is it more spacious inside, quieter, faster and more economical but it also costs less to buy with prices starting at just £13,995. Even parts and servicing costs are lower.

The first RAV4, launched in 1994, became an instant hit for people wanting a fun hot hatch-type car, but with the high driving position and styling of an off-roader. The new Toyota RAV4 takes over from its predecessor as the leader in its class maintaining the bold concept and unique styling of the original model as well as its ease of driving and compact dimensions.

The styling of the new three and five-door derivatives – now distinctly different styles – covers a wide range of interior, powertrain and suspension developments that create a level of refinement unmatched in the small off-road class.

NEW 2.0-LITRE VVT-i

The all-new 2-litre 16-valve four cylinder engine developed for the RAV4 features Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology to offer class-leading performance, quietness, fuel economy and clean emissions. A full time 4WD system provides optimum handling and stability driving 147bhp through a choice of either 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic. Acceleration is strong with 0-62mph taking just 10.6 sec for the manual three-door which also travels 38.7 miles for every gallon on the extra urban cycle.

Two-wheel drive, smaller engine broadens youth appeal

For the first time in the UK, the new RAV4 is available in a 1.8-litre, 16-valve, two-wheel drive variant. Also featuring VVT-i for better performance and excellent fuel economy, it has 123bhp, just a few less than the old 2.0 litre model.

At just £13,995 the two-wheel drive version – only available as a 3-door – delivers all the style and fun with 0-62mph in 12.2sec and a top speed of 109mph. The two-wheel drive RAV4, first available in the US, has stormed the American market with its good looks and high driving position, proving there are many customers who recognise they do not need permanent four-wheel drive.

More, More, More

Both new RAV4 models have the best power-to-weight ratio in their respective classes and feature excellent acceleration and performance in line with Toyota’s ‘intelligent engineering’ philosophy. This approach offers customers better performance, better fuel economy and lower harmful emissions.

The all-independent suspension system of new RAV4 offers even higher levels of agility, handling and ride quality, ensuring that the car continues to be the fun-to-drive class leader.

Bigger, Higher Quality, More Flexible Interior

In both its three and five-door variants, the new RAV4 offers more head, shoulder and legroom for drivers and passengers, as well as greatly improved luggage capacity.

The interior design of the new RAV4 is also more flexible, offering MPV-type versatility with rear seats designed to independently slide backwards, forwards, fold, tumble or be removed. Higher quality materials, design and fitting further enhance the ‘quality’ feel of the interior. Wind noise, road noise and aerodynamics have all been improved to give the RAV4 the sound and feel of a quality passenger car.

Power, Economy and Emissions

RAV4 is class leading on emissions, fuel economy and top speed and is very competitive on power and 0-60mph performance as the figures below show:

UK Model Line-up and Specification Build-up

The new RAV4 range starts with the 1.8 litre, two-wheel drive NV. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, ABS, electric windows, roof rails and remote double locking with alarm immobiliser.

In other words, everything you might need and certainly the NV is no poor relation. The NV trim is also available on a 2.0 litre, four-wheel drive version in both three and five-door bodies.

Top of the three-door range is the NRG 2.0 litre. It adds CD player, colour keyed side cladding and wheel arch extensions, larger alloy wheels, roof spoiler and a hard, colour coded rear wheel cover to maintain the off-road GTI image that RAV4 is famous for.

Only available in five-door, 2.0 litre form are the GX and VX. GX takes the NV specification and adds CD player, alloy wheels, power sunroof and hard spare wheel cover to look every inch the proper little 4×4.

The top of the range VX has all the class of big luxury off-roaders with all the above plus leather upholstery and CD autochanger as well as colour coded wheel arch extensions, roof spoiler and unique design, larger alloy wheels.

UK PRICING

On the road prices: 3-door RAV4

Note – NV derivatives are not available with automatic transmission.

The new RAV4 went on sale at all Toyota GB dealers on Tuesday, 1 August.

COMPETITIVE Parts Pricing

As has become common practice with new Toyota models, service and crash repair parts prices have been reduced to improve Toyota’s running cost advantage. Prices for crash repair parts for new RAV4 are cheaper than all competitors. For routine service parts the new RAV4 is significantly cheaper (between 71.45 and 45.8%) than all bar the Frontera.

These low service parts help keep leasing and maintenance costs low for company and private buyers alike. The low cost of crash repair parts keeps insurance premiums down and new RAV4 has been awarded groups 9-11E by Thatcham.

A Word from the Creator

“The original RAV4 was the pioneer of the concept of compact SUVs,” said Mr. H. Ikehata, Chief Engineer of the RAV4 project team at Toyota Vehicle Development Centre III. “With the new car I wanted to develop a vehicle that provides an unshakeable product appeal as the new leader of small SUVs.

“The unique exterior style of the current RAV4 has been further evolved to a more stylish and rugged look. A major increase in cabin space has been combined with multi-function rear seats and ample small storage compartments to further the utility functions of the SUV, but the sporty image of the RAV4 has been preserved, creating a design that appeals to the younger generation.

“Thirdly, the RAV4’s dynamic performance, interior noise levels and fuel economy have been dramatically improved to achieve a level of performance that leaves competitor vehicles behind. As a result, a ride and comfort similar to a passenger car have been achieved.”

ENDS