The newToyota RAV4 has made its international debut at the LA Motor Show and will be on display until 9 December 2012. The new Toyota RAV4 will be launched in South Africa in 2013 and, according to Toyota, will offer improved performance, greater refinement, smart packaging, convenience technology systems and value for money.

??New Toyota RAV4 offers exciting package

Engine Capability

Internationally, the new Toyota RAV4 is offered with a choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine. The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is the stand-out engine and exhibits a fuel consumption figure of only 6.0-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure below 150g/km when using a manual transmission. Peak torque for this unit is rated at 300Nm.

All three units incorporate Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) which helps enhance performance, fuel economy, emissions and smooth operation of the vehicle. All three engine units are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. The 2.2-litre diesel and the 2.5-litre petrol engine can also be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission while the 2.0-litre engine is available with Toyota’s MultiDrive Sport CVT with 7-speed sequential manual mode.

New Styling

The new Toyota RAV4 now has the spare tyre placed under the cargo floor and the tailgate is now hinged at the roof, which differentiates it from the previous model. Other enhancements include an advanced all-wheel drive system, an improved driver position, enhanced all-round front and rear vision and a more rigid body and the inclusion of seven airbags.

Premium features on high-grade models includes a power-operated tailgate, blind-spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.

The South African engine and transmission line-up as well as the specification levels will be announced closer to the South African launch of the new Toyota RAV4 in 2013.