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2011 Toyota RAV4 Review

May 2010
Filed under: TOYOTA Car News | TOYOTA Headlines

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RAV4, the Toyota that inspired a whole new market segment for compact recreational SUVs, is proving the master of sustained success with a new-look 2010 model.

As well as benefiting from new styling and higher equipment levels, the line-up has been revised to offer more choice, all with the performance, fuel efficiency and emissions rewards that come with Toyota Optimal Drive.

The current 2.2 D-4D diesel engine is featured in a new entry-point model in the range, with two-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission. And, for the first time, the range-topping 148bhp 2.2 D-4D D-CAT unit is offered in XT-R trim, with six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol with Toyotas Multidrive S CVT system remains part of the RAV4 portfolio, now exclusively in XT-R specification with all-wheel drive.

New exterior styling

The 2010 RAV4 gains a strong new front-end design, anchored by a new, wider grille with horizontal blades and chrome accents, strengthening the models “contemporary urban style appeal. The grille, a signature feature of the latest Toyota models such as Avensis and Verso, is framed by new-look headlights. These incorporate projector-type low beam lamps, integrated into the new bonnet and front wing design, emphasising RAV4s wide track and dynamic appearance.

There is also a new, full-width, aerodynamically styled front bumper which accentuates the vehicles stable stance. The addition of chrome accents to the grille, bonnet moulding and fog lamp surrounds reinforces the premium quality of the new design.

Two new exterior colours have been added for the new 2010 RAV4: Deep Titanium metallic and White Pearl pearlescent.

Specification upgrades

There is an extra touch of luxury for the RAV4 XT-R AWD models with the introduction of a new leather and Alcantara upholstery combination as standard, together with heated front seats. In addition, both AWD and 2WD versions ride on new-design 17-inch alloy wheels.

The RAV4 SR also benefits from an improved specification with Toyotas hard disc drive (HDD) satellite navigation system now part of the standard package (previously it was an option). This sophisticated navigation technology, which is also optionally available on XT-R models, includes dedicated disc space for owners to set up their own on-board “jukebox of their favourite audio files.

These introductions build on what are already generous specifications. Highlights of the XT-R grade include cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, seven airbags, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and rear privacy glass; AWD versions add Intelligent All-wheel Drive and, with automatic and Multidrive S transmission, Downhill assist control (DAC).

The RAV4 SR, offered exclusively with the 2.2 D-4D D-CAT engine and six-speed automatic transmission, gains 18-inch dark-finish alloys, smoke-finish headlamps, a reversing camera, Smart Entry and Start and over-fenders.

Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains

All RAV4 powertrains benefit from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies to deliver an excellent balance of power, fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The table below demonstrates the advantage this gives the core model in the RAV4 range, the 2.2 D-4D XT-R AWD, over some of its key compact SUV rivals.

TOYOTA RAV4 2.2 D-4D AWD FORD KUGA 2.0 TDCi VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0 TDI HONDA CRV 2.2 CDTi

Max. power (bhp) 148 138 138 148
CO2 emissions (g/km) 154 169 167 171
VED Band G H H I
Combined cycle fuel consumption (mpg) 48.7 44.1 44.1 43.5

RAV4 prices, insurance and VED

MODEL OTR PRICE INSURANCE GROUP VED BAND
XT-R 2.2 D-4D 6MT 2WD £22,410 tbc F
XT-R 2.0 Valvematic MDS AWD £23,710 22E I
XT-R 2.2 D-4D 6MT AWD £24,040 25E G
XT-R 2.2 D-CAT 6AT AWD £25,670 tbc J
SR 2.2 D-CAT 6AT AWD £27,380 25E J

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