Japanese car maker Toyota are noted for their continued premium build quality and reliability and this applies across the board from this just announced RAV4 model to the mighty Land Cruiser of legend. Among many other automotive brands, MHH International export Toyota vehicles (see the UKs VAT qualified Toyotas for sale here) from the UK to 27 destinations including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Caribbean, Ireland and New Zealand. There’s a full list of manufacturers and countries provided on our Home Page.
The New Model RAV4
This is the sixth generation model of the hugely popular RAV4 sport utility vehicle (SUV) which builds on the legacy of its trailblazing predecessors by introducing advanced technologies that take performance and efficiency to a higher level and pioneer new standards for safety and a digital user experience.
The all-new Toyota RAV4 will be available as a plug-in hybrid or a full hybrid, emphasising Toyota’s multi-pathway approach towards carbon neutrality without turning its back on internal combustion completely, whilst ensuring that the maximum potential of EV driving is achieved.
The vehicle’s robust exterior styling reflects its authentic SUV ethos by way of the strong frontal design and dynamic silhouette highlighting the robust off-road credentials. External dimensions are similar to those of its brilliant predecessor. Inside, a redesigned cabin encourages confident, intuitive driving and gives all passengers a sense of space and refined comfort.
Toyota’s new ‘Arene’ software development platform is a step towards fully software-defined vehicles; a growing trend in the industry. This new technology enables the creation and deployment of advanced safety and multimedia features in a fully digital environment, powering new safety technologies, significantly enhancing security and adding advanced driver and parking assistance features.
That’s not all; this car also introduces the global debut of a new Toyota multimedia system, providing enhanced connectivity, navigation and security tools, all crucially operating faster than ever before. A new 12.9 inch home screen concept gives the driver all the key information in one view. Its intuitive and user-friendly design has customisable shortcuts, a quick settings menu and data privacy features, makes personalising and navigating the in-car digital environment easier than ever. This digital cockpit experience is enhanced by a responsive and precise voice assistant that can handle navigation, media, in-car temperature, and vehicle control commands. It will receive regular over-the-air wireless software updates for continuous feature improvements.
It’s A Hybrid
The ultra-efficient, new generation plug-in hybrid system has a dual DNA, operating both as an electric vehicle and convenient hybrid. It achieves 62 miles (100km) in purely electric driving – enough to meet the daily needs of many local drivers while still offering the flexibility and dependability of Toyota’s hybrid technology. The system features a battery with thirty per cent greater capacity, delivering more power, acceleration and efficiency and faster charging. A revised system design brings the additional benefits of a more dynamic drive and a spacious interior.
The battery pack has its roots in Toyota’s EV (electric vehicle) development programme and allows for significantly faster charging. Plug-in charging with a DC 50kW onboard charger can replenish the battery from ten to eighty per cent in as little as 30 minutes, depending on conditions. Charging at home or with standard public chargers is also quicker thanks to a new 11kW AC charger which is twice as fast as the previous version; around three hours for a 10 to 80 per cent charge.
The Drive
An improved front motor benefits from a 16kW increase in power to 150kW, combining with the new battery to provide powerful acceleration. Total output from the intelligent all-wheel drive RAV4 is class leading at 300BHP (304PS / 224kW), enabling 0-62mph acceleration in a swift 5.8 seconds.
The battery pack, we learn, maintains reliable and consistent performance thanks to improved cooling. Its thermal management system switches automatically between coolant circuits depending on the operating conditions, keeping the battery at an ideal temperature to maintain optimum efficiency and charging performance. The new plug-in hybrid system also contributes to enhanced driving dynamics with the battery’s under-floor location securing a lower centre of gravity and increased body rigidity.
There’s a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration being introduced on a plug-in hybrid RAV4 for the first time, making the technology accessible to more customers, especially those for whom 4x4 isn’t a requirement. In this version, maximum power is 264bhp (26PS / 197kW) which is still nicely brisk.
The full hybrid system has also been updated with a series of improvements to the trans-axle, power control unit, battery and other components and this increased motor output contributes to seamless acceleration and prompt responsiveness when pulling away. with direct driving response.
The Latest In Safety
‘Front Cross Traffic Alert’ is a new feature for the RAV4. It protects the vehicle from crossing traffic at busy junctions, by detecting vehicles passing in front and issuing a visual alert before activating an audible warning if a high collision risk is anticipated. It complements the new ‘Blind Spot’ Monitor which alerts the driver to any vehicles they might not have seen in their side mirrors. This also issues a warning sound when a vehicle is approaching at speed from behind, giving the driver time to react safely.
The new and more advanced ‘Lane Change Assist’ helps drivers make safe and easier motorway lane changes. When the driver activates the turn signal, the system checks whether a vehicle is present in the blind spot before providing steering assistance. Lane Change Assist functions when the car’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist are activated. Further, the ‘Pre-Collision System’ has been upgraded by expanding the scope of head-on collision detection and improving recognition of obstacles, bicycles and motorbikes. It works by alerting the driver with audio and visual warnings, and providing braking assistance. If the driver is unable to slow in time, the brakes automatically engage. Safety first indeed.
The GR Sport
The letters GR are the tag that Toyota put onto their hot variants, making the prestige, range-topper RAV4 very desirable. The new RAV4 GR Sport delivers a more dynamic driving experience and a motor-sports-inspired character.
The chassis has a wider tread and the suspension benefits from high-performance dampers, strengthened rear bracing and retuned springs and power steering for increased stability and an engaging drive. Lightweight 20 inch black alloy wheels, in an exclusive five-unit, twin-spoke design, also contribute to airflow management. A distinctive ‘functional matrix’ grille design creates an eye-catching and sporty first impression with its GR-exclusive hexagonal G-mesh pattern, which creates a deeper 3D effect.
In the cabin, details emphasise the model’s connection to the multiple World Championship-winning Toyota Gazoo Racing teams, including console knee pads, an aluminium pedal set, and sports seats. The black interior finish is intended to encourage a focus on the road ahead. It features discreet GR logos and red accents, including on the steering wheel, knee pads and the GR Sport-exclusive synthetic leather and suede seat upholstery and the standard of fit and finish is excellent.
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