Toyota RAV4 Heritage Pioneer of a New Kind of Vehicle

April 2013

TOYOTA RAV4

INTRODUCTION

Toyota RAV4 heritage – pioneer of a new kind of vehicle

Toyota can rightfully claim to have created the modern compact SUV market with the launch of the original RAV4 in 1994 – the first generation of its Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive.

The first model was a compact three-door which, as the first “urban 4x4” was quite different to the traditional AWD models that preceded it. It featured a relatively small, transverse-mounted 2.0-litre engine, a monocoque bodyshell and independent suspension front and rear. The compact SUV was born.

Today this part of the market is one of the few in Europe that is still growing, with sales having risen by about 18 per cent between 2008 and 2012. In 2011 more than 770,000 were sold in western Europe, while in Russia sales rose beyond 265,000.

Three generations of RAV4 have been sold in more than 150 countries worldwide, amassing sales above 4.5 million. European markets have accounted for more than 1.2 million units, while in the UK cumulative sales up to the end of 2012 neared 155,500.

The new, fourth generation RAV4

The fundamental design features that have underpinned RAV4’s lasting success remain relevant in the new, fourth generation model.

Toyota canvassed the views of customers around the world, in Europe, China and North America, to learn what they most appreciated about Toyota’s compact SUV. They talked about good manoeuvrability, ease of access, a good view from the steering wheel, clever packaging, versatility and reassuring performance, even in tough conditions.

As with its predecessors during the past 18 years, the new RAV4 has been developed in response to evolving customer requirements, targeting couples and families with active lifestyles who value more space and versatility.

The new RAV4 reflects a stronger emphasis on family use, without sacrificing the model’s core values of manoeuvrability, versatility, an elevated view of the road and accomplished performance on and off-road.

It offers stronger, more sophisticated and dynamic styling, a more refined interior design using high-quality materials, more space on board for people and their luggage and improved comfort, versatility and safety.

Elements that help deliver these qualities include a more focused driving position, retuned suspension systems, revised steering and a new Sport mode added to the Integrated Dynamic Drive System on all-wheel drive models, which gives new RAV4 greater stability and agility on wet and dry roads and delivers a more engaging driving experience.

DESIGN

• New RAV4 displays a powerful and distinctive new design with signature features that make it immediately recognisable as a modern Toyota
• Improved aerodynamics mean better handling, less wind noise and improved fuel efficiency
• New interior features high quality materials and trim, extensive soft-padded areas and a new clear blue backlighting for the instruments
• Changes to the driving position give a better forward view and a more engaging drive
• More spacious and versatile than before, with more comfort for rear passengers and extra luggage space

Exterior design

The new RAV4’s exterior design gives a strong visual indication of how, as it enters its fourth generation, the world’s original compact recreational 4x4 has grown up without losing its defining character. The styling emphasises its essential versatility, roominess and dynamic ability that make it as rewarding to drive around town as across the wide open spaces.

It’s longer than its predecessor by 205mm at 4,570mm, 30mm wider and sits 25mm lower. There’s an extra 100mm in the wheelbase (2,760mm), but it remains easy to manoeuvre thanks to a class-leading 10.6-metre turning circle.

The exterior displays plenty of signature elements from the latest Toyota design language, in particular in the styling and arrangement of the car’s front end. Generally the look is clean-cut, projecting a suitably muscular and durable image in line with the RAV4’s SUV capabilities.

Toyota’s contemporary design can be seen in the large, trapezoidal lower grille design within the front bumper (with an accentuating chrome trim on higher grade models), matched by a smaller upper grille that runs the full width between the headlamps. The new headlights themselves adopt Toyota’s new sharp-edged styling, teamed with integrated LED daytime running lights. The look is anchored by a large Toyota emblem on the upper grille and, onIcon and Invincible models, a horizontal chrome-finished bar that runs through the grille and appears to extend into the headlight units, emphasising the vehicle’s width. The bar ultimately creates an eyebrow effect within the light clusters. With the daytime running lights and projector lamps set at the very edge of the vehicle, RAV4 presents a distinctive lighting signature.

All UK versions of RAV4 feature foglights integrated in the lower section of the front bumper, either side of the lower grille, adding further emphasis to the car’s “planted” appearance.

Seen in profile, new RAV4 displays the same kind of space-efficient packaging, rising belt-line and distinctive silhouette that have been hallmarks of successive generations of Toyota’s compact SUV.

The belt-line has been made more pronounced, and the blacked-out centre and rear pillars emphasise the longer glasshouse and extra space inside. Beneath this line the bodywork has contrasting convex surfacing and a sharply concave treatment of the wheel arches and door sills, adding strength and dynamism to the silhouette.

The cabin tapers strongly inwards to the rear, contrasting with the width of the lower body to create muscular haunches over the rear wheel arches. The tailgate (on all models) is now top-hinged and finished with an integral roof spoiler.

The 2WD models feature new-design 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, with new 18-inch alloys provided on all AWD versions.

There are nine exterior colours to choose from, including two new metallic shades for RAV4 – Titan Blue and Highland Green.

Improved aerodynamics

Toyota’s designers used an “air management” approach to improve RAV4’s aerodynamics, which in turn gives better handling, less wind noise and increased fuel efficiency.

There are aero-corners on the front and rear bumpers and, with fine attention to detail, the door mirrors have been shaped to minimise turbulence and stabilise the flow of air along the side of the vehicle. Even Formula 1 technology has been applied, with Sakana fins located on the bottom of the door mirrors and in the rear lamp covers to accelerate the airflow, thus supporting vehicle stability and control.

With the cabin tapering to the rear, the angle of the rear screen, roofline and roof spoiler have been optimised to stabilise air passing over the upper body, minimising turbulence and reducing drag.

Comprehensive work beneath the car helps keep the cabin quiet and adds to the stabilising effect. Details include numerous undercovers, front and rear wheel spats and a fuel tank protector.

Together with the car’s smaller projected frontal area, the new aerodynamic elements all give RAV4’s a coefficient of drag of Cd 0.31.

Interior design

RAV4’s interior styling is all-new, creating a spacious and comfortable cabin, with cockpit-like surroundings for the driver. The extra space on board is matched by higher quality finishes and detailed touches that help deliver a more engaging experience for the driver.

The new dashboard comprises upper and lower horizontal beams, which emphasise the open, roomy atmosphere. The driver’s area is defined by a curving, metal-finished spar that rises from the transmission tunnel and cuts through the dashboard beams to frame the instrument binnacle, steering wheel and footwell.

The leading edge of the upper dashboard beam has a metallic trim finish, while the lower beam forms a sweeping panel, clad in a soft leather-like material, matching the trim on the upper door panels.

Silver trim highlights feature on the driver’s instruments, air vents, gear lever and instruments on the centre console, with carbon fibre-effect used on the door switch panels and transmission tunnel.

All the instruments and switchgear have a crisp and cool new Clear Blue backlighting, which gives the cabin a consistent and sophisticated after-dark look.

Driving position

In keeping with the concept of a cockpit environment for the driver, the driving position has been substantially revised, delivering improved ergonomics, more comfort, a better forward view and a more engaging experience at the wheel.

The driver’s seat hip point has been lowered by 5mm and the seat height adjustment has been extended to give an extra 15mm of downward travel (to 30mm). The steering wheel angle has been lowered by 2.3 degrees and its reach adjustment towards the driver increased by up to 38mm.

It’s thus easier for the driver to set a lower and more engaging driving position, or to sit higher and gain a better forward view.

The driver’s seat has been remodelled, too, with a 20mm added to the cushion contact area and a two-degree increase in cushion angle. The side bolsters are set relatively higher and are thicker to give better lateral support, and there’s an extra 30mm in the seatback contact area. Icon and Invincible models come as standard with sports front seats that offer even more support.

The length of bonnet that can be seen from the driver’s seat has been increased by 170mm, making new RAV4 easier to position when parking. The forward field of vision has also been increased by three degrees, thanks to the front pillars being set further outward and made eight per cent thinner.

Space and versatility

While new RAV4 is still compact enough in its exterior dimensions to maintain its traditional manoeuvrability, the extra 100mm in the wheelbase allow for significantly more space in the cabin, on a par with vehicles from the next segment up.

The couple distance between the front and rear seats has been increased to a class-best 970mm, which combines with a new, thinner front seatback design to give generous seat accommodation with an extra 40mm of knee-room – one of the new model’s stand-out attributes.

The 60:40 split-folding rear seats have been made more comfortable with an increase in cushion angle and new, more supportive side bolsters. The seats fold almost flush to the floor with no need to remove the cushions or headrests and each section of the 60:40 divide can be independently reclined.

There is more loadspace as well, with 1,025mm added to its length, increasing capacity to 547 litres. The undertray beneath the load area has gained an extra 51 litres to provide 100 litres of storage. Compared to the previous model, new RAV4’s maximum load carrying ability has grown by 256 litres to 1,167 litres – increasing to 1,746 litres when loaded to the roof.

For easier loading, the tailgate adopts a top-hinge mechanism; on Icon and Invincible models, it is power operated and has a memory function so owners can set the opening to their preferred height. The loadspace sill height has been lowered to 645mm and the width of the tailgate aperture has been increased to 1,158mm.

POWERTRAINS

• New RAV4 features its cleanest and most efficient engine line-up yet, with reduced CO2 emissions across the board
• Range gains a new 2.0-litre D-4D diesel with Toyota Stop & Start technology, powering all 2WD versions
• CO2 emissions of 127g/km for 2WD RAV4 with 2.0 D-4D engine, a new low for the model and attracting zero road tax in the first year
• Engine choice also includes improved 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol with Multidrive S CVT, and 2.2-litre D-4D diesel with six-speed manual or (designated D-CAT) automatic transmission

Toyota has responded to demand from compact SUV customers for ever-better fuel and emissions performance by revising and improving the complete powertrain range for new RAV4, improving performance in these key areas across the board.

In the UK the choice includes a new 2.0-litre D-4D diesel unit, powering 2WD (front-wheel drive) versions of the new, fourth generation model. Matched to a six-speed manual transmission and benefiting from Toyota Stop & Start technology, it takes CO2 emissions to a new low for RAV4 – 127g/km (in the 2WD model) – which qualifies it for zero road tax in the first year of ownership.

The engine range also offers Toyota’s 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol unit, with the Multidrive S CVT system, and a revised 2.2-litre D-4D diesel that can be specified with six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

* Official combined cycle

2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine

The new 2.0-litre D-4D engine is a 1,998cc four-cylinder unit that develops a maximum 122bhp (91kW) at 3,600rpm and musters a healthy 310Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400rpm. Its great flexibility is reflected in 300Nm of torque being on tap at just 1,400rpm.

It powers the two-wheel (front-wheel) drive versions of new RAV4, using a six-speed manual transmission, enabling acceleration from rest to 62mph in 10.5 seconds and a 111mph top speed.

Toyota engineers focused on fuel efficiency, designing the engine with numerous measures to reduce friction, weight and energy losses. It features a compact, variable nozzle turbocharger and an oil pump which uses an electronically controlled variable hydraulic pressure system to reduce engine friction and improve fuel efficiency. Another detail is the design of the timing chain, which is both lightweight and low-friction. And to save yet more weight, the cylinder head cover and oil cooler bracket are made of a resin material.

Introducing Toyota’s Stop & Start system also has a marked affect on fuel economy, bringing the combined cycle figure down to 57.6mpg and reducing CO2 emissions to 127g/km – a new low for any conventionally powered RAV4. That figure takes RAV4 into Band D for annual road tax (VED), with zero charge in the first year.

2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine

Toyota’s 2.2-litre D-4D engine is an object lesson in detailed engineering to achieve a great balance of performance and efficiency. It’s equipped with a Toyota Computer Controlled System that uses a 32-bit processor for simultaneous regulation of the common rail fuel injection, injection timing, fuel pressure, glow relay and exhaust gas recirculation.

Peak power of 148bhp (110kW) arrives at 3,600rpm, with a 340Nm maximum torque delivered between 2,000 and 2,800rpm. The engine is featured in AWD versions of new RAV4, with six-speed transmissions – manual or (designated 2.2 D-CAT) automatic.

As well as being powerful and efficient, the engine has been rendered quieter, with less vibration, too, thanks to new scissor-drive, twin-axle balance shafts and a resin cylinder head cover. It has shed a lot of weight too, with an aluminium cylinder block and the integration of the water and oil pumps within an aluminium chain cover. Friction has been significantly reduced thanks to roller rocker arms that have built-in needle bearings.

These measures all contribute to attractive headline data: with manual transmission, combined cycle fuel consumption has improved from 47.1 to 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions have fallen from 159 to 149g/km. With the automatic gearbox the fuel figure is 42.2mpg and the emissions are 176g/km. compared to the 39.8mpg and 186g/km posted by the engine in the previous RAV4.

2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engine

Light and compact, Toyota’s 1,987cc, 16-valve petrol engine has a maximum output of 149bhp (111kW) at 6,200rpm, with 195Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

It uses Toyota’s Valvematic continuously variable intake valve lift mechanism, together with Dual VVT-i – intelligent, variable timing of both intake and exhaust valves. Efficient performance is further supported by a variable length intake manifold and a variable output oil pump. These highly efficient, lightweight, clean emission technologies increase power output while at the same time reducing fuel consumption, emissions and engine noise and vibrations.

The engine is available exclusively with AWD and Toyota’s Multidrive S continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In new RAV4 the engine achieves improvements of around six per cent in fuel economy and CO2emissions, with official ratings of 39.2mpg and 167g/km.

TRANSMISSIONS

New RAV4 is available with three different transmissions: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and Multidrive S CVT.

Six-speed manual transmission

The six-speed manual transmission offered with the 2.0 and 2.2 D-4D diesel engines is fitted with a triple-cone synchroniser for first to third gears, and a double-cone synchroniser for fourth. This reduces the amount of force needed to make a shift, allowing for smoother gear changes.