MOTORING
Toyota Rav4 Even better in 2014
t’s 20 years since Toyota RAV4 created a whole
new motoring market with the launch of RAV4,
the original compact recreational SUV.
While other manufacturers have been keen to
follow Toyota’s lead, RAV4 continues to develop
and deliver performance, specification and choice
that keep pace with changing customer demand.
That’s the inspiration for the 2014 RAV4 which
hits the road this week, building on the model’s
inherent strengths with a new powertrain and even
higher equipment specifications.
Customers choosing Toyota’s efficient 2.0-litre
D-4D diesel engine for their RAV4 have, until now,
only had the option of two-wheel drive. For 2014
this popular unit has been made available with allwheel drive, increasing access to 4×4 motoring
with the kind of low emissions and strong fuel
economy that help keep running costs down.
All versions of RAV4 bar the entry level Active
model are equipped as standard with the Toyota
Touch 2, the latest evolution of Toyota’s
touchscreen-operated multimedia system.
It comes with a new high-resolution screen that
uses four times as many pixels as the original
system, for bright, sharp images.
The package includes Bluetooth for hands-free
I
phone calls and sending and receipt of text
messages; a rear-view camera; vehicle
information, including trip data, climate control
profile; and management of settings for door
locking and lighting.
Toyota Touch 2 with Go, an option on Icon and
Invincible models, adds a wealth of extra functions
and advanced connectivity, all controlled simply
and clearly using the same touchscreen system.
The leading feature is the full map navigation,
with a new screen design that provides clear
display of signposts, junctions and lane guidance.
A new intuitive detour function uses real-time
traffic information to warn of congestion ahead,
calculate the likely delay and suggest a suitable
alternative route.
The system also provides speed limit
indications and safety camera warnings, and in the
event of an emergency will give direct access to the
emergency services or AA breakdown assistance,
automatically providing exact vehicle location
details on the display screen.
The 2014 RAV4 is now sale. Toyota has made
the range even more accessible by reducing the
entry price point by £400, offering the 2.0-litre D4D 2WD Active model for £22,195 on-the-road.
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