Press Release
Page 1: Summary
Page 2: Design
Page 3: RAV4 X
Page 4: D-4D Range
Page 5: Driving Control
Page 6: Chassis
Page 7: Safety
Redefining the standard in compact SUVs
The all-new Toyota RAV4 will set new benchmarks in the compact Sports Utility Vehicle segment with the introduction of premium levels of driving performance, quality, passenger comfort and equipment to this market.
The new RAV4 is the third generation of a model that is a best seller in Europe and a worldwide success for Toyota. At launch, in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 established the popularity of compact sports utility vehicles and more than 1.8 million RAV4s have been sold since then. More than 655,000 RAV4s have been sold in Europe alone (by end-year '05).
The RAV4 has been completely redesigned for 2006, taking into account modern customer expectations. Its primary role will be to confirm Toyota as the leading carmaker in the SUV compact segment.
Highlights of the new Toyota RAV4 are:
All-new design:
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Rugged and modern five-door body
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Design cues from previous RAV4 models
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Longer and wider than current generation, though more manoeuvrable
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Class leading aerodynamics for maximum fuel efficiency
Superb active driving performance:
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Choice of hi-tech diesel or petrol engines
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Most powerful diesel in the segment (D-4D 180 Clean Power)
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Six speed manual gearbox (with diesel engines)
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Segment first Integrated Active Drive System
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All new suspension for optimum handling and ride comfort
Flexible and practical interior:
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Significantly increased interior space
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Luggage capacity up by 47%
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Highly flexible Toyota Easy Flat rear seating
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High quality interior trim and panel fit
Premium levels of specification:
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Available with nine airbags, including driver's knee
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Hi-tech, three-dial Optitron meters
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Dual zone climate control
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Full map DVD satellite navigation
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Smart entry and start system
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Rain and dusk sensors
The new RAV4 X:
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New challenger in premium compact SUV segment
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Unique exterior look with no spare wheel
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Most powerful diesel engine in segment (177 DIN hp)
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Run flat tyres and tyre pressure monitoring
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Luxury equipment including powered and heated leather seats
The all-new Toyota RAV4 will go on sale across Europe from February 2006.
Creating a new trend in SUV
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A new style of vehicle at launch in 1994: fashionable and fun
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An instant sales success and attracting new customers to Toyota
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RAV4 third generation, to set new benchmarks for product quality and driving performance
The Toyota RAV4 has taken its place, quite rightly, in the history of modern automotive design as the vehicle that launched the popularity of the compact SUV segment. When RAV4 was launched, back in 1994, its unique blend of rugged good looks, off-road capability and onroad performance set the scene for a whole generation.
For the first time, customers growing out of their traditional C-segment hatchbacks could enjoy the performance of a compact passenger car and explore the new world of off-road excitement with a Sports Utility. The new RAV4 was fashionable… and fun.
This heritage was recognised by the team responsible for the latest, third generation Toyota RAV4.
"The RAV4 is a unique compact SUV that offers our customers a fun driving experience on all types of roads," says Kiyotaka Ise, Executive Chief Engineer for this new model. "SUVs attract people because they are out of the ordinary - definitely different from the average passenger vehicle. The next generation RAV4 had to carry on this extraordinary flair."
A brief history
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A concept born in 1989
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Recreational Active Vehicle with 4 wheel-Drive, RAV4, first launched in 1994
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Fully revised in 2000
For a car that would transform the SUV market, the RAV4 was a long time coming. The initial
briefings were first discussed within Toyota in 1986 and a concept then appeared at the Tokyo
Motor Show in 1989. But it was not until the Geneva Show in 1994 that the first, production
ready model was revealed.
The first Recreational Active Vehicle with 4 Wheel-Drive (RAV4) went on sale in Japan in May 1994 and in Europe in June that year. Initial production estimates were 4,500 sales a month. But, when 8,000 orders were received in the first month, production volumes were doubled.
Chief Engineer of the first generation, M. Nonaka, said at the time: "Looking back over the development of this car, I now feel the toughest part was getting it all started. I strongly feel we've got the product to meet the needs of young and youthful customers looking for the diversity the RAV4 offers."
Nonaka defined the attributes of the RAV4:
1: Fun, personal and sporty design
2: Outstanding driving performance
3: Looks and specifications developed for 'fun' and summed the vehicle up as "civilised excitement"
Those attributes remain as true today as they did in 1994 but in a more mature and refined execution.
The first generation RAV4 continued largely unchanged but continually refined until 2000 when it was completely redesigned to take account of the more sophisticated and competitive compact SUV market. The new model was roomier, sportier and more versatile with increased length and wheelbase.
At the same time, the second generation RAV4 was given a more aerodynamic but more aggressive style. Product quality and interior packaging were developed to take account of improved engineering standards and greater customer expectations; thus ensuring that Toyota RAV4 remained at the top of the compact SUV sales table.
The introduction of new D-4D diesel engines for Europe at the end of 2001 gave sales a further boost.
A sales success
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Worldwide sales success
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Best selling SUV ever built
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Best selling SUV in Europe
The Toyota RAV4 is the best selling compact SUV ever built (more than 1,835, 000 models sold worldide to end of 2004) and continues to be a success throughout world markets.
The two major markets for RAV4 have been the USA and Europe - where just under 30% of all RAV4 sales have been achieved.
The Toyota RAV4 is the best selling SUV model in Europe and, as already indicated, sales volumes continue to grow despite the present generation now being in the fifth year of its product cycle. In full year 2004, RAV4 took 26% of the compact SUV sales in Europe with just over 109,000 units, despite the increasing competitive market place in which it now sells.
In 2005 (to-date) RAV4 sales have accounted for 21% of all compact SUV sales in Europe. It has to be remembered that compact SUV sales have themselves grown by over 300% in Europe in the last 10 years - much of it fuelled by the success of RAV4.
Total RAV4 sales in Europe to date have been up to 655,000 units.
The new challenge
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To maintain best selling status
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To set new benchmarks for product quality and driving performance
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To enter the premium compact SUV segment
The all-new Toyota RAV4 has the clear task of maintaining its position as the market leading compact SUV in Europe while setting new benchmarks for product quality, driving performance, technology and customer benefits in the sector.
You could say: "the new RAV4 has more RAV-ness".
It consolidates its position as a performance driving package with its Integrated Active Drive System, enhanced diesel engines and a new six-speed manual gearbox. At the same time, it exceeds customer expectations with its highly efficient package and modularity - featuring increased interior space and unique Toyota Easy Flat seating system.
In addition this third generation RAV4, through the RAV4 X flagship model, will be challenging the emerging premium compact SUV sub-segment which is predicted to grow to almost double current volumes by 2007.
While retaining its SUV style, the new Toyota RAV4 crosses over into other vehicle segments to offer premium quality passenger car characteristics, MPV-style modularity and wagon (estate)style interior space.
Toyota customers are confident and assured in their lifestyle choices. RAV4 owners see themselves as progressive, wanting to stand out from the crowd and "ahead of the curve" in terms of their car buying choice. The new RAV4 will reinforce that perception with its advanced styling and technology.
The primary target for the new RAV4 will be well educated young families in the 35 to 45-year old bracket. But, as before, RAV4 will also appeal to youthful 'empty-nesters' who maintain an active, urban lifestyle. These affluent customers are likely to be in the 55 to 65 year old bracket.
The all-new RAV4 will go on sale across Europe from February 2006 with a sales target of around 100,000 units in a full year.
"The launch of our first Recreational Active Vehicle with 4 wheel-Drive (RAV4) in 1994 created one of the most dynamic trends in the automotive industry in recent years," says Andrea Formica, vice-president sales & marketing, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe. "This success story has strongly contributed to Toyota's image in Europe. Today, with a unique blend of technology, versatility and quality, the all-new third generation RAV4 will once again reset the standards it established a decade ago; redefining customers' expectations."
