New Toyota RAV4 Debuts at IAA

Press Release

Modern and rugged third generation RAV4

 

• The all new third generation RAV4 set to storm the SUV sector
• All-new, modern and rugged design
• More space, more comfort, more driving pleasure
• Integrated Active Drive System: an advanced interactive management system to enhance performance, handling and safety
• D-4D 'Clean Power' diesel technology
• Modular interior with flexible Toyota Easy FlatTM
• RAV4 X : flagship of the RAV4 line-up

 

The Frankfurt Motor Show marks the world premiere of the new generation of one of the most significant models ever launched by Toyota, the RAV4.

 

An icon in motoring history, the RAV4 kick-started the fashionable compact SUV segment when it was first launched, 11 years ago. Its unique blend of off-road capability, excellent on-road performance and rugged looks set the benchmark for a whole new segment

 

"I asked myself what were the features essential to an SUV," says Kiyataka Ise, Executive Chief Engineer of the New Toyota RAV4. "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. We gained a lot of know-how and insight with the previous models and we are fully confident we have planted that DNA into the new generation for our customers to enjoy."

 

The third generation Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more driving pleasure and performance, more premium quality, advanced technology, increased interior space and innovative modularity. The all new design is rugged but modern, keeping the styling cues from the previous generations.

 

The new Toyota RAV4 will take SUV driving performance to a new level - thanks to its powerful engines and hi-tech drive train that features the new Integrated Active Drive System.

 

Interior quality and passenger comfort have been greatly improved while ingenious packaging creates more interior space and greater flexibility. The new RAV4 is equipped with Toyota's Easy FlatTM seating system, allowing the split (60/40) rear seats to be folded flat using one lever and without removing seat cushions or headrests.

 

Indeed, 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-style interior space.

The all-new Toyota RAV4 will go on sale across Europe from February 2006.

 

Europe's best selling SUV

 

First launched in Europe in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive) created the compact SUV segment - combining fashionable rugged styling, off-road all-wheel drive capability and excellent on-road characteristics.

 

The Toyota RAV4 was an instant sales success and continues to be the best selling vehicle in its segment in Europe. Almost 600.000 RAV4s have been sold in Europe since launch and, unlike some other vehicles, RAV4 has seen sales climb throughout its life-cycle. Last year, 2004, was a record with 109,059 units sold across Europe, which represented a market share of 25.6%.

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.

RAV4 X

 

The RAV4 X has been conceived to become the flagship of the range, challenging premium contenders in the SUV Compact segment. It will only be available with the high power 2.2 D-4D 177 DIN hp diesel engine (D-4D 180) and will be equipped with the latest technology run flat tyres. The RAV4 X will include exclusive exterior and interior features such as darkened headlamps, unique front grille, privacy glass, over fenders, and exclusive 18-inch alloy rims. An extensive range of premium features such as powered & heated leather seats, Smart Entry & Start System, rain & dusk sensors and electro-chromatic mirrors will be standard on RAV4 X, limiting the option list to a full map navigation system with Bluetooth technology, a Parking Assist Monitor and a powered sun roof.

 

Great driving performance

 

• D-4D ‘Clean Power’ diesel technology
• Integrated Active Drive System: an advanced interactive management system to enhance performance, handling and safety
• Redesigned front and rear suspensions to enhance stability and passenger comfort
• Enhanced safety features such as impact absorbing chassis and segment first driver knee airbag

 

The all-new Toyota RAV4 offers great driving performance and premium passenger car levels of ride, safety and comfort. There is a choice of three engines with outstanding performance and low fuel consumption, including the most powerful diesel in the compact SUV segment.

 

The new Toyota RAV4 is the latest model in the Toyota line-up to be offered with the new 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engines, offering a choice of either 136 DIN hp (100kW) or 177 DIN hp (130kW) Clean Power with Toyota D-CAT technology. Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox.

 

Equipped with the D-4D 180 Clean Power engine, delivering a torque of 400 Nm, the RAV4 has a maximum speed of 200 km/h and will accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. Despite this class-leading acceleration and performance, the RAV4 remains one of the most economical vehicles in the segment, with a combined fuel consumption of 7.2 litres/100 km.

 

The D-4D 135 diesel offers even better economy balanced with excellent on-road performance; a top speed of 180 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.5 seconds. Fuel consumption, on the combined cycle, is 6.7 litres/100 km.

 

Both engines comply with EURO IV emissions standards and the D-4D 180 is equipped with Toyota’s unique D-CAT emissions reduction technology which reduces diesel particulates and NOx simultaneously, making this the cleanest production diesel engine in the segment.

For petrol power, the new RAV4 offers the latest development of the 2.0-litre VVT-i engine with 152 DIN hp (112kW) and the choice of a five-speed manual or four speed automatic transmission. Top speed is 185 km/h (175 km/h in 4A/T) and 0-100 km/h acceleration is 10.6 seconds (12.0 seconds in 4A/T). Combined fuel consumption (manual) is 8.8 litres/100 km (9.1 litres/100 km in 4A/T).

 

Both on and off-road, the new Toyota RAV4 is easy to control with enhanced active safety through the high technology Integrated Active Drive System handling and safety package.

 

The VSC+ is a world first in this segment. In most other vehicles the anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control (TRC), vehicle stability control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) operate independently of each other.

 

Toyota’s VSC+ integrates these functions via the high-speed CAN communications and adds the Active Torque Control 4WD system. This interaction of all systems allows for real-time control that corresponds to driver operation and vehicle behaviour, resulting in enhanced running, turning and stopping performance.

Integrated Active Drive System

 

The VSC+ works with the electric power steering (EPS) to add steering torque assistance to the conventional stability control system. It anticipates the occurrence of understeer or oversteer and assists the driver by making the correct steering action easier and an incorrect action more difficult.

It also allows a better control when braking or accelerating on road surfaces with different traction characteristics under the left & right wheels, by providing additional steering torque to compensate for differences in left-right drive force.

In addition, the interconnection with the Active Torque Control 4WD system allows the cooperation of VSC with the drive torque distribution. This results in minimizing any over-steering or under­steering reaction when acceleration on a slippery road surface, enabling excellent stability and acceleration performance.

An Active Torque Control 4WD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between front and rear wheels. The system allows the vehicle to switch continuously between front wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode, optimising stability under all driving conditions and maximising fuel consumption. It helps to improve driving performance in terms of stability, acceleration and cornering. The conventional centre differential is removed and the electronic sensors monitor information from throttle angle, engine torque and speed, gear ratio, vehicle speed and steering angle.

 

Using values calculated from the sensors, the Active Torque Control 4WD system selects one of the three control modes by switching torque from front to rear:

• The ‘Start-off control’ ensures sufficient traction and acceleration when required. The torque distribution is 55:45.
• The ‘Normal control’ allows the system to switch from 4-wheel drive to front wheel drive (100:0) to ensure sufficient acceleration and improve fuel consumption. The torque distribution can then vary between 55:45 and 100:00.
• The ‘Cornering control’ increases cornering stability by monitoring the appropriate yaw rate that should be applied to the car.
• Active Torque Control 4WD
• Sensor

The result is greatly enhanced performance and stability under all driving conditions; allowing more precise control in corners and under heavy braking and acceleration, and also improved fuel economy.

In addition, the driver has the possibility to lock the torque distribution to the 55:45 ratio by the 4WD LOCK mode switch.

 

Other standard control systems are hill-start assist control (HAC) which prevents the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines and down hill assist control (DAC) which assists the driver by controlling wheel speed during steep descents (available with A/T only).

 

Front and rear suspensions have been completely redesigned to enhance stability and passenger comfort.

 

The front suspension utilises McPherson struts that have been completely re-designed from the lower arm to the coil springs and shock absorbers. The lower ball joints have been moved forward to increase the caster trail to achieve under-steering against the lateral force that occurs during cornering. And the roll centre height has been lowered to improved straight ahead driving stability.

 

Front suspension

 

The rear suspension utilises a newly developed trailing type double wishbone suspension which offers improved vehicle stability by achieving lateral under-steering during cornering. and, because the shock absorber of the rear suspension has been positioned diagonally, luggage space width has been increased by 230 mm.

 

Ride comfort has been improved by increasing the front and rear suspension compliance when the vehicle goes over bumps.

 

On-road precision is enhanced by the electric power steering (tilt and telescope steering column) while the agility of the new RAV4 is emphasised by its tight turning circle. Despite its increased overall length, the new RAV4 will now turn in 5.1 metres.

 

Passive safety has also been a key feature of the new RAV4 and Toyota is confident of achieving clas-leading Euro NCAP results. The newly development chassis is designed to be impact absorbing in the event of an accident with minimal cabin deformation.

 

The new Toyota RAV4 will be available with seven airbags: dual stage SRS driver and passenger airbags, SRS side airbags, SRS curtain shield airbags across front and rear and, for the first time in this segment, a driver’s knee airbag.

 

“The launch of our first Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive in 1994, has created one of the most dynamic trend 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 al-new third generation RAV4 wil once again reset the standards it established a decade ago, while redefining customers expectations�

Technical specifications (preliminary)

 

 

Transmission

Brakes *

Luggage compartment

VDA luggage capacity (m3) 450 + 63 (underfloor)

 

Performance                  2.0-litre VVT-i    D-4D 135           D-4D 180

Transmission                 5 M/T    4 A/T    6 M/T    6 M/T

Max. speed (km/h)         185       175       180       200

0-100 km/h (sec.)           10.6      12.0      10.5      9.3

Fuel consumption *        2.0-litre VVT-i    D-4D 135           D-4D 180

Transmission                 5 M/T    4 A/T    6 M/T    6 M/T

Combined (l/100km)       8.8        9.1        6.7        7.2

Fuel tank capacity (l)      60         60         60