Fifteen years after starting Prius exports, Toyota has launched its latest hybrid – a new addition to the ‘refreshed’ 2016 RAV4 small SUV line.
The model launches in the US this autumn and reaches the UK and Europe early in 2016 after a December 2015 launch for the rest of the updated RAV4 range.
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The hybrid combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor with an additional motor powering the rear axle to deliver electronic all wheel drive.
Toyota GB said the UK market towing capacity is 1,650kg and Trailer Sway Control is standard.
The RAV4 update covers exterior styling, improved cabin quality and more technology and safety features.
Full LED headlights are used for the first time, there is a new rocker panel each side while, at the rear, the combination lamps and bumper have been reworked.
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By GlobalDataInside, changes include new combination meters, a full colour TFT screen and soft touch materials.
New technology includes a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, which gives the driver sight of obstacles that would remain hidden in blind spots when using conventional front and rear cameras, making for safer and easier manoeuvring.
The safety specification is improved with the addition of the new ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ suite of features. In addition to the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist already introduced for the European specification Avensis and Auris this summer, the RAV4 will further benefit from Adaptive Cruise Control and two significant enhancements to the basic Pre-Collision System functions.
Firstly, the PCS will operate at an extend relative speed range – from 6mph up to the vehicle’s maximum speed – and will be able to reduce speed through automated braking by about 24mph. Secondly, the system will be able to detect potential collisions with pedestrians, in the event of which automated braking will operate at relative speeds between 6mph and 50mph and be able to reduce vehicle speed by about 19mph.
New RAV4 will go on sale in December, with the RAV4 Hybrid AWD model arriving in the UK and Europe early in 2016. UK specifications and further details will be announced nearer on the on-sale date.Looks Great and Less Filling
More details of UK/European specification will be announced later. Meanwhile, the US market RAV4 Hybrid will be offered only in two premium grades: XLE and Limited. Both will be equipped with the Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) and have unique 17-inch alloy wheels and six exterior colours.
The conventional petrol version will come in four grades: LE, XLE, Limited and the new SE, all with the same styling and interior upgrades as for Europe.
Additional convenience technologies for the US include front and rear parking sonar, optional smart key (keyless entry/start), and Homelink garage door opener (standard on Limited grade). The LE grade will have optional Scout cell phone based navigation while XLE, SE and Limited models will come standard with SiriusXM All-Access Radio with a three-month free trial.
The Bird’s Eye View Monitor will also be available in the US. This has a claimed industry-first feature called Perimeter Scan, that gives drivers a live rotating 360 degree view of what is around the vehicle, helping them see objects that could be in the way.
Toyota Safety Sense will be standard on Limited grades and a bundled US$500 option on others.
“The arrival of the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid will be a natural fit for young buyers seeking the winning combination of affordable SUV utility and the high MPG of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive,” Toyota Motor Sales said.
Surprisingly, given the go-ahead for right hand drive hybrid versions for the UK, Australia, a major RHD market, is not taking the new RAV4 Hybrid, according to local media.
Toyota Australia has no plans to introduce the eco variant Down Under, GoAutoNews.com reported recently.
“We have two petrol and one diesel RAV4 models and they are very well received and meeting customers’ requirements,” Toyota Australia product public relations manager Stephen Coughlan said.
“We are still a strong hybrid market but we don’t have the volumes of countries like the US.”
