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NEW RAV4 DIESEL

NEW RAV4 DIESEL

The RAV4 D-4D exploits the very latest Toyota high pressure, common rail diesel technology and is available in both three and five door. The new RAV4 diesel offers customers excellent performance, smooth power and outstanding fuel economy.

The introduction of diesel engines enables Toyota to build on the current success of the RAV4 by taking it into a new, rapidly growing market. Total diesel sales across Europe are forecast to reach five million units a year by 2003, while in the UK sales are predicted at 3,000 units for the RAV4 diesel in 2001. A restricted supply of RAV4 makes these sales figures lag behind true demand for the car.

The RAV4 diesel is the latest in a rapidly introduced line of diesel-engined cars by Toyota. Corolla, Avensis, Previa (and soon Yaris) have all seen the addition of diesel to the range.

Excellent Performance

The new versions of the RAV4 will be fitted with the latest generation 2.0-litre, Toyota D-4D common rail diesel engine. This develops 114bhp (85kW) at 4,000rpm and offers constant torque of 250Nm across the power band from 1,800rpm to 3,000rpm.

Power has been increased by five bhp over the previous 2.0-litre D-4D engine used on Avensis saloon with the fitment of a variable nozzle turbocharger. Meanwhile, harmful emissions have been decreased ensuring the new RAV4 D-4D complies with European Step III emissions limits.

Fuel consumption is outstanding – 39.8mpg for both the three and five door models on the combined European cycle. Yet performance is still excellent – top speed of 106mph and acceleration from rest to 62mph in 12.1 seconds. The new diesel-engined versions of RAV4 will be available on all full-time four-wheel drive versions with a five speed manual gearbox only.

The New RAV4

Since launch across Europe last summer, RAV4 has proved again to be one of the most popular vehicles in the small SUV market – comfortably beating Toyota sales targets.

The RAV4 offers customers more space, better performance, better ride and better economy than other vehicles in the market. Until now it has been available with a choice of 1.8-litre engine with two-wheel drive or 2.0-litre petrol engine four-wheel drive.

Growing Demand for Diesels in the SUV Market

The Sports Utility Vehicle market has always had a high diesel penetration, with more than 50 per cent of all SUVs. However, the small Sport Utility Vehicle market has been less diesel biased, with around 30 per cent of the 250,000 vehicles sold last year in Europe being diesel powered. This is largely due to the more sporting nature of the small SUV market – and the fact that one of its best sellers, the RAV4, has not been available with a diesel engine, until now.

In the UK, the new company car tax parameters based on CO2 emissions effective from April 2002, will certainly contribute to a boost in diesel sales over the next few years. The latest common rail diesel technology has resulted in a dramatic improvement in emission figures not only when compared with previous diesel technology, but compared to petrol engines as well.

RAV4 D-4D in the Fleet Market

Throughout 2001 Toyota has widened the appeal for diesel buyers in the fleet sector with the introduction of its new D-4D engines across the Toyota range.

As Government calls for companies to be more environmentally responsible fleet managers can be reassured that the RAV4 D-4D offers better performance than comparable vehicles with the same engine size; uses less fuel and emits less emissions.

The RAV4 diesel brings desirability to the user chooser market offering versatility and style while also proving cost-effective for company car drivers with a smaller tax

bill than its rivals. The 2.0-litre D-4D diesel in RAV4 boasts just 190g/km, which will prove highly competitive when the new company car taxation becomes effective in April 2002.

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