Toyota has revealed the fourth generation RAV4. It is more spacious, wider and longer and has also been given a bold new look taken from the new Auris. The driving dynamics are new too, as part of Toyota chief Akio Toyoda's vision to put some excitement into the Japanese firms vehicles. Toyota is also trying to reinvent one of the models that started the smaller SUV segment. The RAV4 has been given a complete overhaul. It is now 4570mm long and 1845mm wide which makes it 205mm longer and 30mm wider than the car it is replacing.
The new RAV4 is a global car, and will be built in Japan, Canada and China. It will be sold in all of Toyotas key markets. Each region, will tune the dynamics and interior look and feel to suit local tastes. Toyota is expecting to sell around 100,000 examples on average. The new RAV4 takes it looks from the Keen Look design language recently used in the new Auris. A more distinctive grille is accompanied by slim, technical headlights on each side. The roofline is lower too and the slippery shape makes an improvement in the aerodynamic efficiency by four per cent. Inside the cabin high quality materials have been used for a more premium feel.
The basic RAV4 will come equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system fitted in the centre console. The seats are bigger and comfortable and the driving position is lower. The boot capacity has increased from 137 litres to 547 litres thanks to the loner wheelbase. A further 100 litres are hidden under the boot floor. UK will get three trim levels in the new RAV4 with an option of both front and all-wheel drive. The biggest dynamic development is a new Sport mode for all-wheel drive versions. The Sport mode also adjusts the steering feel and throttle response. Toyota will offer two diesels and one petrol engine for the UK market.
The base engine will be 2.0 litre diesel with 122bhp, equipped with stop-start and a six speed manual transmission. The CO2 emissions will stand at 127g/km. A 2.2 litre diesel giving 148bhp will also be offered which will a either a six speed manual or six speed auto gearbox. The sole petrol choice will be the 2.0 litre petrol delivering 149bhp and fitted with a CVT gearbox. It is quiet surprising that Toyota will not be offering a hybrid version for this car although it is the pioneer in Hybrids. The new RAV4 is a true global car as it has increased in size and equipment.