Concept Cars: 2010 Toyota FT-86 Concept

 

The speculation is over, the Japanese automaker Toyota has finally shown the world the highly anticipated successor to the original AE86 "Hachi Roku" with the FT-86 Concept. The old Toyota Corolla was celebrated for its lightweight fun to drive layout. The new project has previously been referred to as a Toyobaru because the affordable sports car was developed in collaboration with Subaru and is scheduled to make its world debut in just a few weeks at the Tokyo Motor Show. We are happy to report that even though this is just the concept, the production model will look a lot like it, with the only revisions being done to the cars interior. However we won’t know for sure until the end of 2011.

The Flash Red FT-86 Concept is inspired by the Corolla based AE86 sports coupe from the 1980s, and carries a very strong resemblance to the FT-HS Concept that was revealed back in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The FT-86 is a compact, rear wheel drive sports concept powered by a 2.0 Liter horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated four cylinder gasoline burning engine supplied by Subaru. In its non boosted form, the flat four make a maximum output of 150 HP, but the automaker is toying around with the idea of a more powerful super charged version depending on consumer demands, but for now we will have to settle for a simple boxer engine connected to a 6 speed manual transmission and equipped with ADVICS brakes.

When designing the FT-86 Concept Toyota’s engineers wanted to give the car a very low center of gravity for improved handling and efficient aerodynamics so that it can cut through the air with ease. So the four passenger FT-86 ended up being 4,160 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,260 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. Toyota’s design team has also included quite a few sporting touches to the concept’s interior; starting off with a flat bottom steering wheel, aluminum pedals and red stitching to accent the leather wrapped steering wheel and parking brake lever. The grey instrument panel is seamlessly molded into the darker dash and from the looks of things, is ready to hit Fuji Speedway.

Updated 05/03/2010: Toyota revealed new images of the FT-86 (Future Toyota-86) during the concept’s European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Check the gallery to see them all!

Press release

TMC seeks to develop the ultimate earth-conscious environmentally-considerate vehicle with a focus on hybrid technologies without losing sight of the appeal of cars themselves or the joy of driving.

Over the past several years, the need has been rising for motor vehicles that take into consideration global warming and other environmental issues, while there has also been concern that there have been too few new sports cars that make the heart beat faster and that the time is right for a new generation of sports cars. In response to these needs, TMC has developed the FT-86 Concept, a sports car equipped with a 2,000cc, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that evokes the joy of driving a car and the pleasure of vehicle ownership.

As the name "Future Toyota 86 Concept" implies, the FT-86 Concept, which will be exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, is a new 86 Toyota with a flash red finish. It is a compact, rear-wheel drive sports concept car that embodies speed and the excitement of driving that give cars their appeal as well as environmental performance.

A Toyota Sports Car for a New Era when the Driver Plays the Main Role

The FT-86 Concept is 4,160mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,260mm high with a wheelbase of 2,570mm, giving it a compact feeling that is easy for the driver to handle while able to accommodate four occupants. In addition to being light and having a low center of gravity, the FT-86 Concept boasts the handling of a racing car as well as a 6-speed manual transmission and ADVICS brakes.

The stylish concept captures the heart with the "functional utility" of its highly-refined body. It is the creation of Toyota Europe Design Development known as ED2, which has established body lines that take into consideration a low center of gravity and aerodynamics. The interior is distinctive, featuring an instrument panel with a gray and white base, gauges with red neon lights and digital displays, and a navigation system. In addition, a zipper that evokes an image of interior lapping with minimal covering of a highly-refined body presents a striking display.

It is necessary to create a vehicle in which the driver plays the main role in order to have as many people as possible experience the joy of driving.

The FT-86 Concept is neither an electric vehicle nor a hybrid vehicle, but is a sports model with a gasoline engine developed to convey the essential appeal of automobiles in a new era. It is a must-see concept car that expresses TMC’s desire to once again create a Toyota sports car.

2010 Toyota Aygo Black : Toyota’s friendly and frugal city car

Toyota UK has just added a new version to the Aygo line-up. The new Aygo Black will be offered in both three and five-door versions and will be based on the Aygo+ model.

This special edition adds Alcantara and leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, leather gear shift knob (manual models), 14-inch alloy wheels and Tempest Black metallic exterior paint finish.

Press release

Order books have opened for Aygo Black, a new version of Toyota’s friendly and frugal city car.

Aygo Black comes with a choice array of sports styling features, building on the specification of the Aygo+ model with additional Alcantara and leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, leather gear shift knob (manual models), 14-inch alloy wheels and Tempest Black metallic exterior paint finish.

Powered by the ultra-economical Toyota Optimal Drive 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine – winner of the sub-one-litre class of the International Engine of the Year awards for the past three years – and fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, Aygo Black has official combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 106g/km.

Both three and five-door models are available and air conditioning is available as an option. Toyota’s Multimode transmission is also available on the five-door Aygo Black, where air conditioning has been specified.

Chicago Auto Show New Cars 2011 Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon has been a staple of the Japanee automaker’s commitment to quality and comfort ever since it was introduced back in 1994 and has been refreshed for the 2011 model year making its debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The face lifted four door features new exterior styling and a few new interior amenities rich with premium materials and practical new technologies. The new Toyota Avalon will go on sale this spring and will be offered in two trim levels including the standard Avalon and a Limited edition.

On the outside, the 2011 Avalon features a wider, more substantial grill along with new headlamps housing halogen high beams with halogen or optional high intensity discharge (HID) low beam units, a reshaped trapezoidal front bumper, redesigned rocker panels and glare resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. Meanwhile under the hood, Toyota has equipped the new Avalon with a 24 Valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) 3.5 Liter V6 that produces a maximum output of 268 HP, mated to a multi mode six speed automatic gearbox. The 2011 Toyota Avalon promises to add a few high tech creature comforts and a fresh new face.

Press release

 Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Avalon today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies.

Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and “Traveling Avalon Class” is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.
 

The new Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon’s excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.

“The Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment. The competition does not stand still, and neither do we.”

Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero landfill” facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich.
 

Dynamic New Exterior

For 2011, Calty restyled Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence. A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Avalon’s wide stance.

The new headlamps, which combine multi-reflector halogen high beams with halogen or HID low beams, utilize light pipes to create a signature, night-time appearance. The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination.

Viewed from the side, the 2011 Avalon is enhanced by additional use of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels, and glare-resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade feature a 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.
 

At the rear of the car, identification is cleanly defined by a single Avalon logo located above the license plate. Dual-exhaust pipes are integrated into the cutaway trapezoid shape of the lower bumper for a modern image. Taillights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a lower coefficient of drag. The new lights integrate stop, turn and side marker lighting functions in one combined lamp. Unique LED light pipes with dark aluminized sides and both clear and red lenses project a modern appearance.
 

Spacious Interior Built For Comfort

For 2011, a new interior has been designed with a contemporary style. The new interior remains generously spacious and elegant, fitted with comfortable seating and thoughtfully integrated amenities. Coordinated colors and rich wood-grain materials were carefully chosen to convey an optimistic attitude and modern essence.

Standard leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area to help keep them cool. Interior seats feature thicker stitching, which provides an elegant accent to the interior design. Active front headrests are also standard.
 

The rear seating area is configured to seat three passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats, unique in the segment. The rear headrests have also been reshaped and enlarged for better support, and a convenient flip-down center armrest provides storage when the middle seat is not in use.

A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window. The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear.

A new instrument panel incorporates visually attractive and highly readable Optitron gauges that use graduated white illumination with white pointers. They are set inside smoked lenses and deep chrome rings that add depth and a sense of luxury.

The steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center.
 

Technology-Enriched Environment

A comprehensive infusion of technology was designed into the new interior to ensure an enriched environment, with enhanced function and connectivity.

New standard equipment includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and music streaming to the audio system from a compatible device, XM® satellite radio (subscription required), and both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod® and other audio devices. Each of the three available audio systems can control iPods seamlessly using switches located on the steering wheel and display track information stored in the device.

Toyota’s latest DVD Navigation system has a newly adopted database and now has easier search and address input functionality. The Navigation system also offers new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.
 

The Avalon grade’s standard nine-speaker system offers exceptional sound quality, while the Limited grade features a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer. The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.

A rear-view monitor function is standard in the rear-view mirror or with the navigation system. The rear-view-mirror image includes on-screen back-up guides that help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.
 

Performance and Efficiency Combined

Avalon’s exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.

The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.
 

The 2011 Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.

A roadworthy mix of fine ride quality and accurate driving control is delivered by the Avalon’s MacPherson strut suspension, which uses coil springs at all four corners. Rack-and-pinion steering combines with front-wheel-drive and optimized steering gear for a natural handling feel.
 

Simple Comforts Throughout

A dual-zone climate control system has nine air-flow modes for more precise control of interior climate, and a clean-air filter removes dust and pollen. Doors use three stop positions instead of two for easier entrance and exit. A lockable glove box has a pneumatic-door damper and inner box illumination. The front-console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches front to rear, able to accommodate a wide range of driver positions. The elegantly stitched top is padded with a double density cushion material for softness. Inside, there is a 12-volt outlet in addition to the USB and auxiliary audio terminals.
 

Safety is Standard

The new Avalon’s occupant-safety strategy includes use of extensively tested energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as standard equipment. Avalon will also have a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system.

Seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows, are also standard. Toyota’s standard Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system. TRAC and VSC functions can be disengaged if the driver needs to free the vehicle if stuck in mud or snow.

A full-size spare and alloy wheel is standard. Each wheel has its own pressure sensor to warn if tire pressure drops, providing the driver with an early warning to find a safe place to change a tire.
 

Simplified Packaging

The 2011 Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited. Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver’s seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have additional standard equipment, such as an eight-way passenger’s seat with lumbar support, driver’s seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Avalon grade can be upgraded with features like a JBL Synthesis sound system and heated front seats, while Navigation is optional for both grades.
 

Color and Trim

Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica. Additional colors include Cocoa Bean Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic. Avalon grade will be mated to three leather-trimmed interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Limited grade receives Ivory, Light Gray, and Black Bordeaux trims with accent-color trim on the vertical surfaces.

2010 Toyota Highlander

When we first received the Toyota Highlander into the Top Speed test fleet we immediately noticed just how big the Salsa Red Pearl crossover from Japan really is. Even our base model Highlander came rather well equipped, and is the perfect new car for a growing family on a budget. The Highlander that Toyota chose for us to drive is representative of the automaker’s high quality economical transportation options.

The CUV came with everything you need to get the job done, like third row seating and plenty of interior space to go along with the comfortable ride, minus a few of the pricey creature comforts that the segment has become synonymous with; keeping the new car’s price well in the affordable range. On the outside, everything about the Highlander is big, like the oversized grill and machined six spoke alloys measuring 17 inches in diameter, giving the crossover a more powerful presence rather than a playful persona, unlike the majority of the CUV field. Meanwhile the interior is spacious and wrapped in cloth continuing the cost effective crossover theme.

Although Toyota offers both V6 and Hybrid equipped Highlanders, under the hood our car came equipped with a rather large 2.7 Liter VVT-i four cylinder engine cranking out 187 HP and a gas sipping six speed automatic transmission that is good for 20 MPG in the city and as much as 27 MPG at highway speeds. The package is more than enough to scoot the nearly two ton crossover around town comfortably, all for under $26,000.

Exterior Impression

The Toyota Highlander is unlike most cookie cutter crossovers; its combination of curves and creases, round edges and sharp corners make it a fun design that is big enough to pack your whole family and all their gear comfortably. At first glance the Toyota Highlander has the presence of a full size SUV, it was only after parking next to a Chevrolet Suburban that the CUV inside shines through. However despite being a crossover, every part of our Salsa Red Pearl 2010 Toyota Highlander was big; from the bulging fenders to the wide grill, large headlamps and even the oversized mirrors make this compact sport utility vehicle seem much larger than it actually is.

One touch we were particularly fond of was the 17 inch six spoke machined alloys pushed to the far corners of the body, and although Toyota offers a few other wheels in larger diameters, our rollers not only get the job done but they look pretty good at no additional cost. The side glass is big, breaking up the large red body, and tapers slightly towards the rear just above the hindquarter panel adding a sporty touch to the Highlander’s profile. The back glass is equally as big with an oversized sombrero logo on top of a fun looking engraved Highlander emblem hiding the handle for the lift gate. Overall the Highlander is enough to make a few more men feel comfortable in a crossover that is more traditionally suited for a soccer mom.

Interior Impression

The interior of our Toyota Highlander is spacious and well laid out. While the Japanese automaker offers the Highlander with optional leather upholstery, our model came with cost effective cloth seats that go along with the economy car theme. Despite the lack of leather, the two tone interior is dressed up with a few well placed chrome touches like on the instrument cluster bezels and cup holder surround. The CUV’s center stack is made up of oversized knobs and large intuitive buttons that make the Highlander as easy to use as it is to make payments on, as well as enough cubbies to make you forget where you put the registration. Meanwhile second row passengers benefit from rear air controls and a very intricate set of cup holders.

One option that our Highlander did come with was the third row seating, a plus for any growing family of more than five and is easily propped up or dropped back down to make a little more room for cargo. The Highlander can safely seat up to seven passengers with its seven standard airbags and while Toyota does offer an optional 9 inch display complete with a pair of wireless headphones that are guaranteed not only to keep the back seat passengers entertained with DVDs, but it will do it in complete silence as well, as long as you are into that sort of thing. After all the Highlander is focused more on getting people to their destination than becoming a rolling entertainment center.

The Drive

Keeping with the SUV theme you would think that the Highlander has a V8 under the hood because the crossover exhibits quite a bit of get up and go. So after popping the hood we were extremely surprised to see a big four banger with one of the trickest OEM headers bolted to it that we had ever laid eyes upon. Powered by a 2.7 Liter 16 valve four cylinder engine with Toyota’s VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that makes the 187 HP and 186 lb-ft of torque and thanks to a six speed automatic ECT-i (Electronic Controlled Transmission with intelligence) gearbox with manual shift mode, returns gets an EPA estimated 20 MPG in the city and up to 27 MPG on the highway.

Despite being a 3,800 pound CUV, the plus sized four banger is more than enough to get going in a Highlander. Another visual treat that we found after opening up the hood is the equal length 4-2-1 headers that looks like it could have been lifted from the TRD catalog, the piece is the perfect example of how far the Japanese engineers go to squeeze every last drop of efficiency from their vehicles.

The Highlander’s suspension was soft enough to soak up every bump in the road making it a very comfortable family hauler without feeling too tipsy, perhaps a set of larger diameter wheels would have added an element of harshness to the Highlander’s ride and taken away from one of the best CUV experiences we have ever encountered.

Why to Buy

If you are managing your family on a budget and looking for a practical CUV with plenty of space and third row seating, then you should seriously consider the Highlander. Coming in just shy of $26,000 our red hot Toyota Highlander came equipped with everything you need to get the job done without gouging your wallet with a host of superfluous options making it a great choice for an extended family looking to get around town in comfort without having to break the bank.

Why Not to Buy

If you have something against the Highlander, but are still looking for an affordable plus sized people mover you should look into other crossovers like the Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Borrego. All of these CUVs fall into the same price bracket, but the larger V6 engines available in the competition mean that you will be spending more at the pump and you don’t get Toyota’s proven reliability.

Top Speed Final Verdict

At under $26,000 the Toyota Highlander over delivers in every way imaginable, offering everything you need without any of the pricey extras. However the Japanese automaker does have everything from gas/electric Hybrid Synergy Drive modules, 19 inch wheels and leather upholstery. After all the Hybrid’s heavier, your wife will inevitably curb the plus sized rims and your kids will ruin the leather; so we will take our Highlander just the way that Toyota delivered it to us.

Quotes

At right around $25,000, the 4 cylinder Highlander is reasonably economical, roomy and stylish transport.-Road and Track

The unibody structure is less heavy and cumbersome, which gives the Highlander driving dynamics similar to those of a large car but with a high seating position.-Car and Driver

The Highlander delivers an agreeable combination of comfort and control, though the Highlander ultimately favors ride quality over driver involvement. Drivers looking for a slightly more precise cornering attitude will want to check out the Sport version, which has modestly firmer suspension tuning. Also, while larger than its predecessor, the Highlander is one of the smallest entries among large three-row family crossovers.-Edmund

New Car 2011 Toyota RAV4

The Japanese automaker Toyota has revealed the refreshed RAV4 compact crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. The facelift version of the Toyota RAV4 receives not only a new front end, but also a few interior upgrades as well as improved power train options. The exterior gets a new set of headlights on either side of the new front grill, a new hood and a redesigned front bumper complete with integrated fog lights.

The 2010 RAV4 will be offered in 2WD and 4WD variants, with a choice of three diesel engines: a petrol and two diesel. The 2.0 litre Valvematic petrol engine delivers a total of 158 hp at 6200 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. The 2.2 litre D-4D 150 diesel engine delivers 150 hp at 3600 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 2000-2800 rpm. And finally the 2.2 litre D-4D 180 diesel engine delivers a total of 177 hp at 3600 rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2000-2800 rpm. All versions are equipped with Toyota Optimal Drive technologies that help to lower emissions and fuel consumption.

Press release

Since the first generation of Toyota’s RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with 4 Wheel-Drive) was launched in Europe in 1994, over one million customers have come to appreciate its compactness, manoeuvrability and versatility, allied to the dependability of the most advanced four-wheel drive system in the segment.

Though the compact SUV share of the European market has remained steady at just below 5% of total vehicle sales, the segment has recently attracted a new group of customers for
whom an SUV purchase represents a more emotional than rational proposition.

These customers still value the high driving position, interior roominess, versatility and sense of security a compact SUV provides, but have less requirement for 4WD. Rather, they place more emphasis on distinctive, sophisticated styling, premium quality interior design and fuel efficient, environmentally-friendly performance combined with an engaging driving experience.

Making its European debut at this year’s Geneva motor show, the new, expanded RAV4 2010 model range fulfils each of these demands while sacrificing none of the core values of Toyota’s compact SUV. Instantly identifying it as the latest addition to the Toyota family, the RAV4 2010 features a new, more sophisticated, chromeaccented front design, emphasising the vehicle’s wide track and stable stance.

Showcasing Toyota’s unique Easy Flat seating system, the RAV4 2010 interior retains all the practical, flexible versatility its active lifestyle customers have come to expect from the compact SUV, while perceived quality is further improved by the availability of new leather/Alcantara® seat upholstery.

Offering an expanded range of 2WD and 4WD variants, the entire RAV4 2010 engine line-up benefits from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies, resulting in low emissions and fuel consumption. The 4WD variant returns class-leading emissions and fuel consumption, both for Multidrive S and manual transmission versions of the 2.0 litre Valvematic petrol engine, as well as manual and automatic 2.2 D-4D 150 diesel models.

The RAV4 2010 range offers customers greater flexibility in selecting their ideal grade and powertrain combination. The four grades -UP1, UP2, Leather/Alcantara® and Premium
 are now available with a wider choice of engines.

Sophisticated exterior design with refined interior quality

Successive RAV4 generations have followed the same groundbreaking, ‘Modern Rugged’ design cues that created the compact SUV market with the launch of Toyota’s first RAV4 in 1994. The key attributes of compactness, manoeuvrability and versatility allied to the most advanced four-wheel drive system in its segment have earned the RAV4 a consistently high share of the European compact SUV market.

Sacrificing none of these core values, the RAV4 2010 is designed to appeal to a new group of customers who further demand distinctive, sophisticated styling with refined, premium-quality interior design.

Exterior design

The latest generation of Toyota’s dynamic, compact SUV features an all new, more sophisticated front design which combines stylish, urban-chic aesthetics with the image of durability expected from a vehicle with its class-leading four-wheel drive credentials. A new wider, horizontal bar-type radiator grille design reminiscent of the Verso and Avensis instantly identifies the RAV4 2010 as the latest addition to the Toyota family. It is framed by new headlights, incorporating projector-type low beam lamps, which are integrated into a new bonnet and front wing design which emphasis the car’s wide track and dynamic posture.

A new, full-width, aerodynamically styled front bumper accentuates the compact SUV’s stable stance. The addition of chrome accents to the radiator grille, bonnet moulding and fog lamp surrounds reinforce the premium quality of the new design.

In profile, the RAV4 2010 inherits the combination of spaceefficient packaging, rising belt-line and distinctive silhouette that has hallmarked successive generations of Toyota’s compact SUV. To the rear, flanked by prominent, high-visibility Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lamp clusters, the side hung back door is deeply indented into the rear bumper, providing a practical, flat and level access step to the interior loadspace. The back door features an integral roof spoiler which houses the high-mounted, LED stop light. The RAV4 2010 will be available in a choice of ten body colours, including three new to the model range: Pearl White, Dark Steel and Regency Red.

Interior design

The crisp precision of the RAV4 2010’s interior reinforces the premium quality of Toyota’s compact SUV. The elimination of any break lines, the tight panel gaps and the matching of surface levels highlight its engineering excellence and contribute to the perceived quality of the design. And the perceived quality of the RAV4 2010’s interior is further improved by the availability of new leather/Alcantara® seat upholstery.

Thanks to Toyota’s unique, Easy Flat seating system, the RAV4 2010 retains all the practical, flexible versatility its active lifestyle customers have come to expect from the compact SUV. Using one of two one-touch levers, easily accessible from the back door, the rear seats can be folded down flush with the loadspace floor without the need to remove any seat cushions or headrests.

Toyota Optimal Drive

Sports Utility Vehicles are under increasing pressure to improve their environmental performance. Reinforcing Toyota’s lead in environmentally-friendly, sustainable mobility, the entire RAV4 2010 engine line-up benefits from Toyota Optimal Drive, a range of technologies introduced at the 2008 Paris motor show. Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging advanced technologies and internal improvement programmes designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions.

These diverse core technologies focus on three key aspects of powertrain development: firstly, the reduction of powertrain weight through the use of super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions; secondly, the minimisation of friction and mechanical losses; and thirdly, the maximisation of combustion efficiency. Equipped with Toyota Optimal Drive, the RAV4 2010 engine range offers an unmatched balance between outstanding, front- and fourwheel drive performance and class-leading CO2 emissions in both
petrol and diesel variants.

2.0 litre Valvematic petrol engine

Available in 2WD with a six-speed manual gearbox, and with Toyota’s 4WD Integrated Active Drive System mated to six-speed manual or Multidrive S transmissions, the 1987cc, 4-cylinder Valvematic engine develops 158 DIN hp/116 kW at 6200 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. When equipped with 2WD and manual transmission, the unit delivers a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 185 km/h.

Mated to 4WD and manual transmission, the engine offers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 185 km/h. Multidrive S transmission delivers 0-100 km/h
acceleration in 11.0 seconds. Both when mated through manual transmission and Multidrive S, the 4WD version returns class-leading fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Multidrive S transmission

The 2.0 litre Valvematic engine can be equipped with the Multidrive S, Toyota’s highly-advanced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system. Delivering an infinite number of ratios through two cone-shaped pulleys and a high-strength steel belt, Multidrive S offers an incredibly smooth, seamless driving experience. Because the CVT system maintains the most efficient engine rpm at any given vehicle speed, it combines low cruising-speed noise with high CO2 and fuel efficiency, yet can also maintain the ideal ratio to deliver peak engine power for maximum performance.

A ‘Sport’ button selects a more responsive, power-maximising ratio, delivering a more engaging driving experience. Multidrive S also features a sequential, manual seven-speed mode, with gear selection performed either by the gear shift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

2.2 litre D-4D 150 diesel engine

Mated to the six-speed manual transmission, the 2.2 D-4D 150 is available with 2WD or the 4WD Integrated Active Drive System. The 2231cc unit develops 150 DIN hp/110 kW at 3600 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 2000-2800 rpm. With a maximum speed of 190 km/h, the engine delivers a 2WD 0-100km/h acceleration time of 10.0 seconds, and 10.2 seconds with 4WD.
When mated to the six-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the 2.2 D-4D 150 unit further benefits from Toyota’s Diesel-Clean Advanced Technology (Toyota D-CAT), which incorporates a Diesel Particulate and NOx Reduction filter (DPNR). Thus equipped, the 2.2 D-4D 150 offers performance of 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 185 km/h. When mated to 4WD, the unit returns class-leading CO2 emissions, for both the manual and the automatic transmission.

Six-speed automatic transmission

The 2.2 D-4D 150’s six-speed automatic transmission provides a fast, smooth response while maintaining an impressive level of comfort by eliminating harsh shift shocks. A ‘Sport’ mode offers a more aggressive shift pattern using AI-SHIFT Control (Artificial Intelligence Shift Control). The new transmission also features a newly developed, 6-speed
Sports Direct Shift manual override control, with gear selection in M-mode performed either by the gear shift lever or steering wheelmounted paddle shifts. M-mode offers a more sporting driving experience, with a lock-up function used from 2nd to 6th gears for as wide a range of gear ratios as possible.

6-speed Sports Direct Shift also incorporates an automatic, throttle ‘blipping’ function to optimise the speed and smoothness of downchanges. As with the Multidrive S transmission, drivers can also use the paddle shifts to temporarily override the automatic mode.

2.2 litre D-4D 180 diesel engine

Also equipped with Toyota’s D-CAT technology and mated to a six-speed manual transmission with the 4WD Integrated Active Drive System, the powerful 2.2 D-4D 180 unit develops 177 DIN hp/130 kW at 3600 rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2000-2800 rpm. The engine delivers a performance of 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

Integrated Active Drive System

The RAV4 2010 is available with either 2WD front-wheel drive or Toyota’s advanced 4WD Integrated Active Drive System (IADS). IADS is a sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system which -via sensors located throughout the vehicleintegrates the RAV4’s Active Torque Control 4WD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance the RAV4’s performance, handling and safety.

The key element of IADS, the Active Torque Control 4WD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in front of the rear differential, optimising traction and vehicle stability under all driving conditions. Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 55:45, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to improve fuel consumption. The system incorporates a 4WD Lock button, allowing the driver to lock torque distribution in a 55:45 ratio for maximum off-road traction. IADS coordinates the operation of the Active Torque Control 4WD system with the RAV4’s VSC and EPS to not only control individual wheel speeds (as in a conventional VSC system), but also to adjust torque transfer between the front and rear wheels and add steering torque assistance to help the driver control a skid.

Wider choice of grade and powertrain combinations

The RAV4 2010 range offers customers greater flexibility in selecting their ideal grade and powertrain combination. The four grades -UP1, UP2, Leather/Alcantara® and Premium- are now available with a wider choice of engines. Both UP2 and Leather/ Alcantara® grades are newly available with either the 2.2 D-4D 150 6A/T or 2.2 D-4D 180 6M/T engines.

The luxury content of the RAV4 2010’s comprehensive standard equipment package is enriched through the new Leather/ Alcantara® grade, giving customers the option of leather and
Alcantara® seat upholstery. And the grade line-up is further enhanced by a range of options including the intelligent technology of DVD and HDD navigation systems and an extensive list of personalisation accessories.