Toyota shows off bolder RAV4
by toyotaonnicholasville
http://www.montrealgazette.com/cars/Toyota+shows+bolder+RAV4/7706751/story.html
The 2013 Toyota Rav4 was unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Photograph by: Alexandra Straub , Special to The Gazette
This popular crossover SUV is a core product in the Japanese automaker’s model lineup. As the second-best-selling Toyota product in Canada (a close second to the Corolla), the changeup is significant, with a completely remodelled interior and exterior, a new engine and transmission and updated features that are perfect for the Great White North.
Bill Fay, Toyota Group’s vice-president and general manager, debuted the newly designed vehicle to the world at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
From the outside, there’s a bold and athletic design characterized by strong proportions and a sleek, sloping roofline.
Speaking with Yoshikazu Saeki, deputy chief engineer for the RAV4, he said that he “worked with the styling engineer to create a more aggressive image.”
The end result is a more grown-up-looking crossover that is pleasing to the eyes.
Inside, the interior takes on a new driver-centric and asymmetrical shape complete with a new dash panel. Designed with sportiness in mind, soft touch materials are used throughout, and the panel and gauges feature clear blue illumination for improved visibility in low lighting.
Powering the new RAV4 is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine with an output of 176 horsepower and 172 foot-pounds of torque. Gone is the V6 that was previously offered.
There’s also a new six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Shift that replaces the four-speed automatic.
Dimensionally, the vehicle remains very similar to the outgoing model, but features like the sled-style front seats amp up rear legroom. Futhermore, the second-row seats can be reclined several degrees to maximize passenger comfort.
Both a front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive RAV4 will be available.
“A Toyota first, 2013 RAV4s with all-wheel drive will have Dynamic Torque Control, a system that automatically shifts from front-wheel drive to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage,” the Japanese carmaker said in a statement.
A significant update comes in the form of abandoning the side-hinged rear door and replacing it with a convenient roof-hinged liftgate.
The spare tire that was once found on the side-hinged door can now be found under the trunk’s cargo floor.
If consumers opt for the Limited trim, it also comes with a one-touch power feature with a driver-selectable height setting. What does that mean? For individuals or families who live in urban areas, and might not have high ceilings in underground parkades, you can program the height to which your liftgate opens.
With the mere push and hold for a few seconds of the one-touch button, you can set it at a desired height. It can also be changed as often as necessary and to whatever summits its hinge range can accommodate.
Saeki mentioned that he also had women in mind when deciding on the rear bumper height. He wanted it to be low enough so it’s easier to load in heavier items.
Additionally, all RAV4 models come with class-leading eight standard airbags, Toyota’s Star Safety System, cruise control, power door locks and windows, and a class-leading 38.4 cubic feet cargo capacity.
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is expected to hit the streets early 2013.
Pricing is to be announced.
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