Twenty years ago, Toyota practically founded the SUV segment with the RAV4 model , and despite growing competition, it managed to remain in the leading group of the entire peloton. After about two years, the modernization of the current fourth generation comes, which also includes a hybrid version.
However, Toyota has not yet released much information about the RAV4 Hybrid . As for the powertrain, we only know so much that it combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a hybrid unit and another electric motor driving the rear axle. It is thus a four-wheeler, while an eCVT automatic transmission transfers unspecified power to the wheels. The Japanese car manufacturer also boasts the ability to tow a trailer with a maximum permissible weight of 1650 kg. Visually, the hybrid is distinguished from the classic model by the unique design of 17-inch wheels and a total of six body paints.
The modernization of the entire model range is mainly carried out in the spirit of unifying the external appearance with other models of the brand. New are full-LED headlights , a narrower grille or a larger intake opening in the bumper. The redesigned door sills stand out from the profile, giving the car a higher degree of elegance. The taillights, bumper and fifth door also received a new shape. The paint palette of the body includes three new shades, and the design of the alloy wheels has also been slightly modified.
The cabin is largely made of softened plastics , but the attention to detail is especially pleasing. For example, the drink holders can now accommodate tall mugs with a handle , the gear lever fits better in the hand and thanks to the additional storage space, there is a place to store glasses. The instrument panel with a color TFT display was redesigned.
A significant improvement in the safety equipment of the modernized RAV4 is the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense system. In addition to lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign recognition system, the SUV will also offer adaptive cruise control and two significant improvements to the collision avoidance safety system . In the event of an imminent collision with another vehicle, the system operates with an extended range of relative speeds from about 10 km/h to the vehicle's maximum speed and can reduce the driving speed by approximately 40 km/h. In addition, the technology is able to detect the risk of a collision with pedestrians, in which case automatic braking is activated at a speed difference between 10 and 80 km/h, while the vehicle's speed can be reduced by about 30 km/h by braking. Maneuvering in tight spaces is to be improved by the 360-degree camera system .
The modified Toyota RAV4 will be offered from December this year , the RAV4 Hybrid will appear in European car showrooms in early 2016.
Source: Toyota
