And I'm guessing civilized is what Toyota will stress regarding its newfound dynamics and accommodations. When the marketing campaign hits,
expect lots of talk about sporty dynamics without sacrificing a comfortable ride. Surely Toyota will not be afraid to recognize that small, but growing RAV4 families will appreciate more rear legroom over 30-inch approach and departure angles.
Aside from a civilized ride, expect big announcements about a new range of engines. The current base engine, a 2.4-litre four making 161-horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, is respectable and fuel efficient, so don't look for too much at the lower end. However, sources indicate that the new RAV4 is built on a larger platform, so a variety of possible V6s could be wedged under the hood, the most likely candidates being the Camry's 3.0-litre unit tuned for over 200-horsepower or the same model's top-level 3.3-litre mill downgraded to more pedestrian numbers.
Inside the cute ute' things look progressively upscale with a more stylish steering
wheel featuring satin aluminum-look accents, leather grip for the hands and a hub that appears to be covered in material left over from a Batman suit-nice, soft suede-like rubber. In a total reversal, the gauges are black-faced with blue illuminated numbers. The centre console is bordered with more of the satiny aluminum-ish material, plus slightly revised audio interface and automatic climate control buttons replacing the three standard HVAC knobs.
Worth noting here is that the European press site features pictures depicting an interior with a navigation screen, a start-stop button (indicating some sort of keyless ignition system) and buttons for hands-free integrated phone compatibility, so we here in North America are likely to get these amenities as stand-alone options, if at all.
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| Inside the cute ute' looks progressively upscale with a more stylish steering wheel featuring satin aluminum-look accents, and leather grip for the hands. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Aside from a civilized ride, expect big announcements about a new range of engines. The current base engine, a 2.4-litre four making 161-horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, is respectable and fuel efficient, so don't look for too much at the lower end. However, sources indicate that the new RAV4 is built on a larger platform, so a variety of possible V6s could be wedged under the hood, the most likely candidates being the Camry's 3.0-litre unit tuned for over 200-horsepower or the same model's top-level 3.3-litre mill downgraded to more pedestrian numbers.
Inside the cute ute' things look progressively upscale with a more stylish steering
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| It's hardly a surprise that ECHO sedan sales in the United States suffered as they did after Toyota released the fashionable Scion line amongst much fanfare and an aggressive marketing campaign. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. |
Worth noting here is that the European press site features pictures depicting an interior with a navigation screen, a start-stop button (indicating some sort of keyless ignition system) and buttons for hands-free integrated phone compatibility, so we here in North America are likely to get these amenities as stand-alone options, if at all.