COVER Toyota RAV4 revealed
Bold look and new hybrid tech for Mk5 compact 4x4
“When AWD isn’t required, Toyota says the car is able to disconnect the rear driveshaft to improve fuel economy”
● Newcomer sits on TNGA platform for lower centre of gravity
● Hybrid and petrol models at UK launch next year; no diesel
WITH a glut of new SUVS arriving on the scene recently, it’s easy to overlook those that have been around for years. The Toyota RAV4 is arguably the car that kick-started the compact SUV trend back in 1994, and now there’s an all-new version.
Revealed at last week’s New York Motor Show, the fifth generation of the RAV4 boasts a bold new look, updated hybrid tech and arrives in UK showrooms early next year.
Along with the Prius and recently revealed Auris hatchback, the RAV4 has made the switch to Toyota’s new TNGA architecture. The Japanese company says that the move to this platform reduces the RAV4’S centre of gravity and gives better weight distribution.
The new RAV4 is marginally wider, but lower, than the model it will replace, complete with a stockier redesign that is inspired by the FT-AC concept revealed at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year.
At 4,600mm in length it’s very slightly shorter as well, but 30mm has been added to the wheelbase, which should free up more room for passengers in the cabin. The front and rear overhangs have been shortened slightly, while Toyota claims a decent increase in ride height to boost off-road ability.
The new platform has also allowed the brand to fit the RAV4 with its latestgeneration hybrid powertrain – a new four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol-electric set-up – although no performance or economy figures have been announced.
It features a brand new electric motor, which Toyota claims uses battery charge more effectively, while also using a second electric motor to power the rear axle to deliver all-wheel drive.
Alongside the hybrid will be a new 2.0-litre turbo, also available with fourwheel drive and the option of a manual or automatic gearbox. When AWD isn’t required, on the motorway for example, Toyota says the car is able to disconnect the rear driveshaft to boost fuel economy.
No diesel engines will be launched in the fifth-generation RAV4, Toyota has confirmed. Last year, hybrid versions of the Mk4 outsold those with diesel power, accounting for two thirds of models registered.
The SUV’S cabin has also been given a complete overhaul; a new seven-inch touchscreen display has
been fitted to the dashboard, while redesigned climate controls and a new wireless charging tray sit just beneath the revamped infotainment system.
A new steering wheel and digital dials have been added to the kit list as well, along with blue ambient lighting.
UK specifications will be announced closer to the RAV4’S arrival early next year, but new electronically adjustable, ventilated and heated seats, Wifi, a panoramic glass roof and a hands-free tailgate should be available as optional extras when the car goes on sale.
A raft of new or updated safety kit has also been launched on the latestgeneration model. Radar-guided cruise control, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning are carried over from the current RAV4.
But new technology arrives in the shape of Lane Tracing Assist, which tracks the vehicle in front to remain in a lane if road markings are unclear.
Each RAV4 is kitted out with eight airbags as standard, too.
“Front and rear overhangs have been shortened, while there’s an increase in ride height to boost off-road ability”