Toyota's RAV4 has received a number of improvements. There are new engines as well as updated manual and automatic transmissions. The revision also marks the return of a two-wheel drive model to the compact SUV range.
As Toyota Optimal Drive is all about fuel efficiency and emissions it makes sense that the new engines use less fuel and have lower CO2 emissions than before. However the engines are also more powerful so there is no performance sacrifice for being green. As fitted to the RAV4 the 2.2-litre D4D turbodiesel engine produces 148bhp and 251lb.ft, both figures representing a ten percent improvement over the old D4D motor. Carbon dioxide emissions are down from 173 to 154g/km and the combined cycle fuel consumption is now 48.7mpg.
Customers who want diesel power with an automatic transmission get a slightly different 2.2-litre D-CAT engine, although power and torque are the same as the D4D. Fuel economy is down to 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions rise to 189g/km.
Toyota's new Valvematic, 2.0-litre petrol engine is also available in the revised RAV4. It will be offered either with the Multidrive S continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive or with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. The Valvematic engine develops 156bhp and 146lb.ft and when combined with the CVT and all-wheel drive manages 37.7mpg and 177g/km CO2 emissions. Choosing manual transmission and two-wheel drive sees the emissions improve by 3g/km and economy by 0.5mpg.
New engines are not the only changes made to Toyota's soft-roader. At the front the bumper, grille and headlamps have been restyled. Other changes include indicator repeaters in the door mirrors, restyled rear light clusters and a new design seventeen-inch alloy wheels. The SR version also gains chrome trim above the rear number plate and 18-inch five-spoke wheels.
Prices start at £18,995 for the two-wheel drive petrol RAV4. The 2.2-litre D-CAT automatic is the most expensive at £25,295. Deliveries are due to start in September but advance orders can be placed with Toyota dealers now.
John Lambert - 19 May 2009