Toyota confirmed diesel powered RAV4
Toyota seems to be doing a couple of new things in regards to their new generation of RAV4 vehicles, they’re dropping some features and adding a very big one.
The Japanese carmaker has confirmed that the new-generation model of the RAV4 will indeed feature a brand new turbo diesel engine, while dropping the rear-mounted spare wheel and the side-hinged tailgate.
The new-look mid-sized SUV has been revealed at the 2012 LA Motor Show thus confirming that Toyota is renouncing the V6 petrol version in favor of a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel.
Toyota hasn’t revealed all the details about their new RAV4 but they did mention that the diesel will produce more than 300Nm of torque – two-thirds are produced from just above idle – with fuel consumption below 6.0L/100km.
The RAV4 will still have petrol engines options, a 133kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 102kW 2.0-litre based on the one present in the Corolla Ultima sedan.
The six-speed manual gearbox will come as a standard feature with the six-speed automatic featuring a tipshift function will be available as an option with both the diesel and the 2.5 petrol engines.
As far as the exterior design goes, the new model will include the wraparound grille and headlight design that are characteristic of Toyota’s line-up, however the big news is that they will move their trademark spare wheel from the tailgate to a position beneath the boot floor.
The newly roof-hinged tailgate will also overcome the current model’s problems has on windy days or when the car is parked on a slope.
The Japanese carmaker says that the new RAV4 will have improved handling and increased body rigidity, vision is claimed to be better both in the front and the rear.
The model that was unveiled was an all-wheel-drive version, however it is thought that a front-drive variant will still be offered in order to maintain the RAV4’s competitiveness against similar rivals.
The model will come with seven airbags as standard, with other extra features including auto tailgate operation, blind spot assists and a few other things.
