Toyota is launching the new RAV4 Hybrid in Europe.
The all-new Toyota RAV4 is the company’s latest model to
benefit from the company’s TNGA platform (code GA-K for the nerds out there).
Thanks to that, the new RAV4 comes with a much lower center of gravity, a 57
percent stiffer body and an almost perfect 51-49 weight balance front to rear.
No wonder then that Toyota makes bold claims about
the new RAV4’s handling characteristics, saying that it doesn’t just offer a
better, more precise drive but it’s also more refined than ever.
European customers will get to choose between two
versions of the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid; both use the same (and also new) hybrid
2.5-liter powertrain, with the front-wheel drive model offering 215 hp and the all-wheel drive one 219 hp. 0-100 km/h takes 8.1 seconds.
Toyota has also released the first fuel economy
figures of the Euro-spec RAV4 Hybrid AWD-i, which offers a combined 4.4lt/100km
(64.2 mpg UK) and 100g/km of CO2 (NEDC correlated values obtained under WLTP).
The AWD version also gets a significantly improved
all-wheel drive system that makes the new RAV4 Hybrid more capable on different
types of road. The electric AWD-i system was re-engineered in order to provide
stronger performance and secure handling in challenging conditions, both on-
and off-road. The front-rear torque split can vary from 100:0 up to 20:80,
depending on the driving conditions. The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will
also feature a new automatic limited-slip differential control system, called
Trail Mode, to ensure the best possible grip and control on slippery surfaces.
Interior quality has been improved with soft-touch
materials and tighter fit and finish, while an abundance of storage spaces can
be found everywhere. In addition, the cargo area now offers a capacity of 580
liters, 79 more than the previous model, with all seats in place.
Other cabin features include a power sunroof,
ventilated seats, wireless charging, up to five USB ports, and a digital
rear-view mirror which is a first for Toyota. All models will come with
Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of active safety systems, which includes
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, intelligent Adaptive Cruise
Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and more.
