Toyota packs new RAV4 with tech

Toyota, in keeping with the hi-tech times, has loaded the 2013 RAV4 with quite a rich features list.

The new RAV4’s three variants, named Active, Icon and Invincible, are priced at £ 22,595 (Rs 19.74 lakh) for the base Active two-wheel drive model powered by the 2.0- litre D-4D engine and £ 29,295 (Rs 25.59 lakh) for the top-of-the-line automatic, all-wheel drive Invincible model powered by the 2.2-litre D-4D engine.

The base Active variant features LED daytime running lights, heated door mirrors, Hill-start Assist Control, ABS, EBD and VSC, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth enabled stereo with aux-in and USB ports, front fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Icon variant sports a host of bells and whistles such as touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, rear-view camera and DAB digital radio, follow-me-home headlights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, folding door mirrors, powered tailgate and leather on the steering wheel, gear knob, door trim along with a part leather instrument panel.

The top-of-the line Invincible variant gets added goodies like heated front seats, keyless entry and start, illuminated entry system, rear parking sensors, roof rails, electric sliding function and lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat, sliding centre console storage, leather console storage trim and leather seat upholstery.

Toyota has introduced optional packs for all RAV4 variants that include safety features for the Invincible model such as lane departure warning and blind spot monitor systems, the touchscreen can be upgraded with Touch & Go, satellite navigation and on-board connectivity to google local search, and sun roof .

The new Toyota RAV4 will hit the UK market with two engine options that can be mated to a two-wheel drive system or an all-wheel drive system. As a result there will be eight variants in total. The engine options will include a 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine and a 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engines, mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed auto box, while a CVT gearbox is on offer on a single variant.

The features laden new RAV4 is well suited for tech savvy car buyers and hope Toyota will load its India models with new age tech as well.