2010 Toyota RAV4

Though the compact SUV share of the European market has remained steady at just below 5% of total vehicle sales, the segment has recently attracted a new group of customers for whom an SUV purchase represents a more emotional than rational proposition.

These customers still value the high driving position, interior roominess, versatility and sense of security a compact SUV provides, but have less requirement for 4WD. Rather, they place more emphasis on distinctive, sophisticated styling, premium quality interior design and fuel efficient, environmentally-friendly performance combined with an engaging driving experience. Making its European debut at this year's Geneva motor show, the new, expanded Toyota RAV4 model range fulfils each of these demands while sacrificing none of the core values of Toyota's compact SUV.

Instantly identifying it as the latest addition to the Toyota family, the Toyota RAV4 features a new, more sophisticated, chromeaccented front design, emphasising the vehicle's wide track and stable stance.

Showcasing Toyota's unique Easy Flat seating system, the Toyota RAV4 interior retains all the practical, flexible versatility its active lifestyle customers have come to expect from the compact SUV, while perceived quality is further improved by the availability of new leather/Alcantara seat upholstery.

Exterior design

The latest generation of Toyota's dynamic, compact SUV features an all new, more sophisticated front design which combines stylish, urban-chic aesthetics with the image of durability expected from a vehicle with its class-leading four-wheel drive credentials.

A new wider, horizontal bar-type radiator grille design reminiscent of the Verso and Avensis instantly identifies the Toyota RAV4 as the latest addition to the Toyota family. It is framed by new headlights, incorporating projector-type low beam lamps, which are integrated into a new bonnet and front wing design which emphasis the car's wide track and dynamic posture.

A new, full-width, aerodynamically styled front bumper accentuates the compact SUV's stable stance. The addition of chrome accents to the radiator grille, bonnet moulding and fog lamp surrounds reinforce the premium quality of the new design.

In profile, the Toyota RAV4 inherits the combination of spaceefficient packaging, rising belt-line and distinctive silhouette that has hallmarked successive generations of Toyota's compact SUV. To the rear, flanked by prominent, high-visibility Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lamp clusters, the side hung back door is deeply indented into the rear bumper, providing a practical, flat and level access step to the interior loadspace. The back door features an integral roof spoiler which houses the high-mounted, LED stop light.

The Toyota RAV4 will be available in a choice of ten body colours, including three new to the model range: Pearl White, Dark Steel and Regency Red.

Interior design

The crisp precision of the Toyota RAV4's interior reinforces the premium quality of Toyota's compact SUV. The elimination of any break lines, the tight panel gaps and the matching of surface levels highlight its engineering excellence and contribute to the perceived quality of the design.

And the perceived quality of the Toyota RAV4's interior is further improved by the availability of new leather/Alcantara seat upholstery.

Thanks to Toyota's unique, Easy Flat seating system, the Toyota RAV4 retains all the practical, flexible versatility its active lifestyle customers have come to expect from the compact SUV. Using one of two one-touch levers, easily accessible from the back door, the rear seats can be folded down flush with the loadspace floor without the need to remove any seat cushions or headrests.

Toyota Optimal Drive Applied to the entire engine line-up

Sports Utility Vehicles are under increasing pressure to improve their environmental performance. Reinforcing Toyota's lead in environmentally-friendly, sustainable mobility, the entire Toyota RAV4 engine line-up benefits from Toyota Optimal Drive, a range of technologies introduced at the 2008 Paris motor show.

Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging advanced technologies and internal improvement programmes designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions.