15.09.2015

New Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The new RAV4 features improved ride comfort, dynamic performance and cabin quietness. It benefits of higher levels of sensory quality in the interior, smart changes to the exterior, better equipment functionality, innovations in safety and advanced technology.

RAV4 Hybrid’s full hybrid system comprises a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a generator, a 204-cell nickel-metal hydride battery (located beneath the rear seats), a power control unit and a power split device.

Total system output is 195bhp/145kW, giving nought to 62mph acceleration in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. Combined cycle fuel consumption is a class-leading 57.7mpg and CO2 emissions are a tax-efficient 115g/km (figures subject to homologation). In a first for a Toyota vehicle in Europe, the RAV4 Hybrid AWD is equipped with a 50kW high-voltage, high-speed rear electric motor, which gives the vehicle all-wheel drive capability without the need for a central prop shaft.

The E-Four works independently from the front electric motor and drives the rear wheels alone. When driving on slippery road surfaces the model will automatically switch to all-wheel drive, maximising stability and controllability.

The new RAV4 retains a Macpherson strut front and lightweight trailing arm double wishbone rear suspension set-up. The steering rack has more rigid fastening points, giving a better steering feel. The rear seats are a lot more comfortable, the noise, vibration and harshness have been remarkably improved, making it easier for the passengers to hold a conversation in the cabin when on the move.

The new RAV4 adopts the Toyota Safety Sense package of active technologies to help prevent or reduce a collision in different traffic situations. They include a radar-controlled Pre-Collision System with a Pedestrian Detection function, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam.

Adaptive Cruise Control helps the driver maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The Lane Departure Alert system monitors lane markings on the road and helps prevent accidents and head-on collisions caused by a vehicle leaving its lane. Road Sign Assist keeps drivers informed, even if they have driven past a road sign without noticing. Automatic High Beam helps ensure excellent forward visibility when driving at night.

The new model comes with Panoramic View Monitor that uses a display of four cameras located on the underside of each door mirror and on the front and rear of the vehicle to capture a real-time 360-degree bird’s-eye view of its immediate surroundings. A unique feature for Toyota’s system is that the monitor can still be used while the car is parked, before it is put into gear and the parking brake is released.

The new RAV4 features a 4.2-inch TFT colour-multi-information screen where the display is controlled by using the switchgear on the steering wheel and coordinated with the seven-inch centre console screen.

The exterior of the model comes with a slender upper grille which anchors new LED or halogen headlamp units, both of which incorporate LED daytime running lights. The middle grille is wider and the lower grille has been significantly enlarged. The grilles combined form a deep housings for the fog lights at the furthest edges of the bumper, emphasising RAV4’s wide and stable front track.

The rear bumper has a different style which emphasis on the vehicle’s width and stance, and the rear underguard has a stronger look, too. The new RAV4 will be available nine colours, including new dark red and blue metallic shades.

Additional interior colour schemes will be available, including four high-grade leather upholsteries, including revised beige and grey shades and a new tan leather.