Toyota’s next-generation 2013 RAV4 will arrive in Australia with three new fuel-efficient engines including – for the first time – a turbo-diesel.
Unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the popular SUV will arrive in Australia early next year with Toyota saying it will offer buyers improved performance, refinement, packaging, technology and value.
The new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine sees combined-cycle fuel economy dipping below 6.0 litres/100km and CO2 emissions below 150g/km when mated to a manual transmission.
It will provide more than 200Nm available from just above idle and a peak well in excess of 300Nm.
The two petrol four-cylinder engines are almost identical to those in the 133kW 2.5-litre Camry Altise and the 102kW 2.0-litre Corolla Ultima sedan.
They incorporate Toyota’s dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for high performance, economy, low emissions and smooth, quiet operation.
All three engines are mated to six-speed manual transmissions as standard.
The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.5-litre petrol engines can be specified with six-speed automatic transmissions while the 2.0-litre engine is available with Toyota’s advanced MultiDrive Sport CVT with seven-speed sequential manual mode.
Other driver-oriented improvements including an advanced all-wheel drive system, a better driving position, improved front and rear vision, and the safety of a more rigid body and seven airbags.
Premium features on high-grade variants include a power-operated tailgate, blind-spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers and electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.
“These and other attributes of the next-generation model will expand the appeal of a vehicle that has been a hit in Australia with almost 200,000 sales since the first-generation RAV4 was launched in 1994,” says Matthew Callachor Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing.
“The exterior design is particularly striking, with a stronger silhouette that expresses RAV4’s inner strength and sporty nature,” he says.
“It will attract young singles, couples and families looking for a spacious vehicle that accommodates their needs and can be driven on a wide variety of road conditions.
“The performance and economy of the three new engines are integral to the overall RAV4 package that includes advances in agility and handling.”
The car is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms during the first quarter of 2013.
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