New sexier and cheaper Toyota RAV4 launched
TOYOTA’S RAV4 sports utility vehicle has been hit with the sexy stick. And it starts from $28,490 - $500 cheaper than the outgoing entry level model.
Central Queensland
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TOYOTA'S RAV4 sports utility vehicle has been hit with the sexy stick.
Six years since its last update, the all-new fourth generation RAV has arrived with an entry-level offering $500 cheaper than its predecessor.
It looks groovier inside and out, adopting the company grille, high beltline and more muscular stance.
The new RAV4 line-up starts from $28,490 for the two-wheel drive GX manual. The automatic transmission costs an extra $2500.
But, most importantly, Toyota has added a turbo-diesel to the line-up.
There are now three trim grades (GX, GXL and Cruiser) as well as a trio of engine choices: a 2.0-litre 107kW/187Nm four-cylinder petrol, a 2.5-litre 132kW/233Nm four-cylinder petrol and a 2.2-litre 110kW/340Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel.
All variants are available with a six-speed manual, or an automatic. Only the 2.0-litre petrol is available with a continuously variable transmission, while the up-spec GXL and Cruiser models gain a conventional six-speed automatic.
While the majority of new releases boast about increased dimensions, the RAV4 is actually narrower, lower and shorter.
Yet boot space has improved (as long as you have the space saver, not the $600 full-size spare option), and knee room has also expanded for those in the back seat.
The key change is the ousted heavy, side-hinged tailgate with its mounted spare wheel, which has been replaced by a more conventional top-hinged boot lid. The spare is now found under the boot floor.
Seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, tilt-and-telescopic steering column and cruise control are standard equipment, while automatic AWD models have downhill assist to help manage slippery descents.
GX grade is fitted with 17-inch steel wheels as standard (available from March production), projector-style headlamps, CD tuner audio and cloth trim.
Also standard is Bluetooth connectivity, six speaker CD stereo, a 60/40 split-fold rear seat that reclines, roof rails, rear spoiler, roof-hinged luggage door, cargo net, tonneau cover, 60-litre fuel tank and, on AWD variants, sound-deadening windscreen.
Mid-level GXL gains 17-inch alloy wheels, reverse camera, display audio, sporty seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, power-retractable exterior mirrors, keyless smart entry and push-button ignition.
Top-grade Cruiser models are distinguished by satellite navigation, blind-spot monitor, power-operated luggage door, high-intensity discharge headlamps, eight-way power driver's seat and a tilt-and-slide sunroof.
Toyota RAV4 prices
2WD petrol | New | Previous | Difference |
GX manual | $28,490 | $28,990 | -$500 |
GXL manual | $32,490 | $33,990 | -$1,500 |
AWD petrol | New | Previous | Difference |
GX manual | $31,990 | $31,990 | $0 |
GXL manual | $35,490 | $36,990 | -$1500 |
Cruiser manual | $42,990 | $42,990 | $0 |
AWD diesel | New |
GX manual | $35,490 |
GXL manual | $38,990 |
Cruiser manual | $46,490 |
Options:
Automatic/CVT: $2500
17-inch alloys (GX): $600
Full-size spare: $300
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