Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Revised Toyota RAV4 available to order now (UK)


From today, the facelifted RAV4 SUV can be ordered from your local Toyota dealer. The RAV4 has updated looks, new engines and the option of 2WD.

Exterior revisions are subtle, but new lights (front & rear), bumpers, front grille, door mirrors and alloy wheels freshen the look. The biggest changes are under the bonnet with two new engines and the option of a front-wheel-drive model.

A new 2.0-litre Valvematic engine replaces the previous 2.0 VVT-i as the petrol option with a new CVT automatic gearbox as standard. Power is up from 150bhp to 156bhp and CO2 emissions are cut from 212g/km to 177g/km, while average fuel economy is 20% better at 37.7mpg combined. The 2.0-litre diesel model has also been updated. Power is increased by 14bhp to 148bhp with CO2 emissions are down from 173g/km to 154g/km, making the RAV4 the cleanest SUV in its class. Fuel economy is up from 44.1mpg to 48.7mpg combined.

For the first time, the RAV4 will also be offered with the combination of a diesel engine and an automatic gearbox. The pairing with the new 6 speed auto gearbox will result in CO2 emissions of 189g/km. The other big news is the introduction of a front wheel drive model. Available with a 6 speed manual gearbox and the 2.0-litre petrol engine, it achieves 38.2mpg and emits 174g/km of CO2.

The XT-R and SR trims continue, with SR reserved for the automatic diesel model. Standard equipment include 17" alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth, automatic lights and wipers, auxiliary input socket, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with power-fold. All 4WD models get heated leather seats with electrical adjustment for the driver. Prices start at £18,995 rising to £25,295. The revised RAV4 is available to order now, with deliveries expected to start in September.