Toyota's RAV4, a hot performer in the competitive Small SUV category, enters the 2003 model year with an aggressive new look and pricing as well as an exciting new "Chili" Special Edition.
The 2003 RAV4 "Chili" stands out with a dynamic solid-colour exterior in either black or white, a new sport-style front grille, hood scoop, headlights with black surrounds, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a new audio system that adds digital MP3 capability to the radio and CD player.
"The 'Chili' Special Edition shows off the muscle that some people might have overlooked in RAV4," said Tony Wearing, Group Vice President of Vehicle Sales and Marketing for Toyota Canada Inc. "It has all the SUV versatility and driving refinement that has made RAV4 a hit with active buyers - and more high-energy attitude. We expect that this, and the ability to take MP3 technology on the road, will make the "Chili" RAV4 a particular hit with young enthusiasts."
The new "Chili" Special Edition will carry a price tag of $28,570. Across the lineup, Toyota is offering equally attractive pricing on many revised and carry-over models. For example, a RAV4 with 4-speed automatic transmission fitted with the "B" package of options, to which a security cover has been added, will cost $105 less than it did last year. The same model fitted with "Package C" - including ABS, wider tires and alloy wheels - drops $540 to $29,885; with "Package D" - including leather seats and moonroof - RAV4 costs $33,220, or $1,020 less than the 2002 model.
2-Litres of Powerful Fun
RAV4 is equipped with a 2-litre, 1AZ-FE, in-line, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with dual balance shafts, that produces 148 hp at 6,000 rpm and 142 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy and emissions standards are maximized with superior combustion efficiency, the use of lightweight materials such as an aluminum cylinder block and magnesium alloy cylinder head cover, a fuel injection system and a dual-start catalyst.