New Toyota RAV4 Debuts at IAA

Press Release

New styling for 3rd generation

 

• Rugged and modern design
• Greatly increased interior space
• Modular Toyota Easy FlatTM for maximum versatility
• RAV4 X , flagship of the RAV4 line-up

 

Exterior

 

Each generation of RAV4 has followed the same ground-breaking design cues that created the compact sports utility vehicle market – combining versatility, design and driving dynamics .

 

The all-new third generation Toyota RAV4 continues this pioneering spirit and has been designed with a ‘modern and rugged’ sporting theme in mind. Its wedged lower-body design suggests agile driving performance on winding roads, while the dynamic fender shape emphasises a squat stance for stability under straight-line acceleration.

 

There is a clarity to the design, created by reducing the number of elements while increasing the size of each individual element. The trapezoidal grille provides a common thread of identity with other models in the Toyota SUV range and differentiates them from the core saloon models.

 

The all-new Toyota RAV4 has been created within the context of Toyota’s ‘Vibrant Clarity’ design philosophy and the elements of ‘dynamic’ and ‘clear’ forms should be viewed in this context.

 

“Design sketches were drawn from the earliest stages of the planning. We used these drawings to gauge the reaction of customers from countries al over the world,� explains Mr. Ise, “This feedback led us to adopt ‘Modern Rugged’ as our design theme. Focusing on this theme, we sculpted a stylish yet rugged design with an air of quality, which was pleasing to al parties.�

 

The new Toyota RAV4 is 145 mm longer than the current generation, with a significantly increased wheelbase (+70 mm) and rear overhang. This allows greatly improved passenger comfort, with the couple distance between front and rear seats increased by 55 mm.

 

The width is also increased (by 80 mm) and increased shoulder space allows the front seats to be set further apart, again improving comfort. Height remains below that of many competitors, emphasising the sleek, squat styling and premium passenger car driving performance of the RAV4. Despite the lengthened wheelbase, a lower turning radius of 5.1 meters has been achieved.

 

Dimensions

The excellent aerodynamics of the new RAV4 are clearly demonstrated by its low drag co-efficient (0.31 Cd) which is the best in this segment. Smooth airflow around the car contributes to better fuel consumption, quiet running at high speeds and enhanced stability.

 

Interior

The precision of the interior structure underlines the premium quality of the new RAV4. The elimination of any break lines, the tight panel gaps and the matching of surface levels all contribute to the excellence of the design.

 

“We particularly aimed for an interior design that should be typical of an SUV, yet have a premium feel,� explains Mr. Ise. “We placed a vertical column in the centre of the instrument panel to emphasize the powerful nature of the SUV and gave the instrument panel a two-level winged shape for a premium feel. In addition, the superior quality feel is further enhanced by using new decorative trim and tight panel fit throughout.�

Hi-tech Optitron meters are standard and practical touches are everywhere – from the illuminated front cup holder to the upper glove box for handy storage of maps and other items.

 

The increased exterior dimensions and significantly improved overall packaging both contribute to the spacious, quality environment which passengers enjoy inside the new RAV4. The overall cabin length, at 1885 mm (+150 mm on current model), is the best in the segment and the increased rear overhang, along with a new rear suspension layout results in dramatically improved luggage space (up by 25% over the current model to class leading levels).

 

But the practicality and modularity of the new RAV4 is most clearly expressed by the Toyota Easy FlatTM seating system , which is unique to this segment. Using the one-touch lever, which is easily accessible from the rear tailgate, the rear seats can be folded down into the rear floor space to leave a ‘easy-flat‘ luggage space without the need to remove any seat cushions or headrests.

 

Toyota Easy FlatTM System

 

The rear seats are also split (60/40) for maximum flexibility and can recline on an individual basis. They can slide backward and forward over 165 mm to greatly enhance rear passenger comfort.