Toyota reveals new RAV4 Hybrid all wheel drive at the 2015 New York International Auto Show
20 years ago, Toyota made a decisive change to the automotive landscape by pioneering the C-SUV segment with the first generation RAV4. Today, we are again the pioneer in innovation by creating a unique offer in the European C-SUV market.
The new RAV4 Hybrid All Wheel Drive (AWD) represents the next dimension to Toyota's feel good driving with Hybrid technology. Combining a 2.5 petrol engine with a hybrid unit and an additional electric motor to drive the rear axle, the new model brings hybrid power to the RAV4 range.
The electronic AWD provides increased safety and stability on slippery surfaces and enables a towing capacity of 1,650 kg. Easy and safe towing is ensured thanks to Trailer Sway Control system.
The reveal of the Hybrid variant coincides with the introduction of the new RAV4 which features a new exterior styling, an enhanced interior and increased levels of technology and safety equipment.
The new frontal design gives the new RAV4 a stronger road presence, and now incorporates full LED headlights. To the side, a new rocker panel has been implemented for a more flowing appeal to the side of the vehicle. At the rear, the combination lamps have been redesigned for a more sophisticated look while the bumper's new design adds visual emphasis to the vehicle's road stance.
Onboard, the sensory quality of the cabin has been significantly enhanced through the adoption of new combi-metres, featuring a full colour TFT-screen, and soft-touch materials.
The level of technological equipment has been further increased with the new 360° Panoramic View Monitor. This system visualises obstacles which, using conventional rear- or front-view camera's, would be in blind spots and helps the driver while manoeuvring by providing a live 360° view of what is around the vehicle.
The safety equipment of the new RAV4 also receives a significant upgrade thanks to the addition of Toyota Safety Sense. In addition to Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Auto High Beam (AHB) and Road Sign Assist (RSA), which will be launched on the new Auris and new Avensis next month, the new RAV4 will also feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with two significant enhancements.
Firstly, for potential collisions with vehicles, PCS operates at an expanded relative speed range of between 10 km/h and the vehicle's top speed, and can reduce speed by approximately 40 km/h[1]. Secondly, the system is also able to detect potential collisions with pedestrians, in the event of which automated braking operates at relative speeds of between 10 to 80 km/h, and can reduce vehicle speed by approximately 30 km/h[2].
The New RAV4 will be available as from December while new RAV4 Hybrid AWD will arrive to European showrooms in early 2016.
The introduction of a new Hybrid powertrain -which combines power, refinement and ease-of driving with the benefit of low emissions- is a new dimension to Toyota Hybrid's feel good driving, and will bring the new RAV4 back to the top of its segment.
[1] Results achieved during testing using a vehicle travelling at 40 km/h and a stationary vehicle system operation depends on driving environment (incl. road and weather) and vehicle circumstances.
[2] Results achieved during testing using a vehicle travelling at 30 km/h and a stationary pedestrian system operation depends on driving environment (incl. road and weather) and vehicle circumstances.