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2004 MODEL YEAR TOYOTA RAV4 GETS THE ‘X’ FACTOR

2004 MODEL YEAR TOYOTA RAV4 GETS THE ‘X’ FACTOR

Key Points

More style, safety and performance for 2004 model year RAV4, on sale in UK from 1 October

RAV4 remains Europe’s best-selling SUV


Worldwide production more than 1.4 million since launch


Simplified model range with XT2, XT3 and XT4 grades replacing the previous NV, NRG, GX and VX


Front side and SRS Curtain Shield airbags standard on all models


First in compact 4x4 class to offer Curtain Shield airbags


Engine options 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol and 2.0 D-4D common rail diesel


2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine now meets Euro IV exhaust emissions standards


XT4 versions equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA)


Suspension fine tuned for even greater ride comfort


Climate control air conditioning standard on XT4


Revised front grille, front bumper, fog lights and headlamps


New-look rear light clusters and spare wheel cover


Cabin ambience enhanced with new dashboard finish, chrome door handles and illuminated entry system


XT3 and XT4 feature wide body styling kit, colour-matched bumpers (selected colour shades) and new-design 16-inch alloy wheels


Redesigned steering wheel incorporates remote audio system controls on XT3 and XT4 models


Insurance group 10E for XT2, 11E for XT3 and 12E for XT4 models


Prices from £15,995 on the road for three-door 2.0-litre petrol XT2





You have seen the ‘story’ many times before: a sluggish selling product is given a mid-life makeover that amounts to little more than a new front grille and a bigger badge on the tailgate. Where the RAV4 is concerned, there is no attempt to weave a silk purse from a sow’s ear. For a start, more than 1.4 million have been built since RAV4 first broke cover in 1994 and it is firmly established as Europe’s best-selling SUV. In 2003 in the UK sales have soared by more than 18 per cent on last year’s figures, an increase that has largely been driven by the continuing success of the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel versions, available since August 2000.

Continuous improvement is a principle central to all Toyota’s activities, so rather than resting on its laurels, it has revised the RAV4 to achieve higher levels of comfort, safety and performance. As well as improving specifications across the board, it has re-tuned the suspension and steering and developed the 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine to meet Euro IV emissions standards, well ahead of their 2005 implementation. Yes, there is a new front grille and light clusters, but the improvements to the RAV4 go beyond simply making it look more stylish to create a vehicle that has greater market appeal than ever before.

NEW MODEL GRADING STRUCTURE

The RAV4 range has been rationalised and made simpler with the introduction of a new grading system, XT2, XT3 and XT4 replacing the previous NV, NRG, GX and VX grades. The XT2 is the new entry-level model, available in three and five-door bodystyles. XT3 is available as a three and five-door, too, while the top-of-the-range XT4 is a five-door only.

All versions of the RAV4 are available with either Toyota’s 147bhp 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine – which now complies with Euro IV emissions standards – or the clean and fuel-efficient 2.0-litre D-4D common rail diesel unit. Where pricing is concerned, diesel versions carry a £1,000 premium over the equivalent petrol model.

PIONEERING SAFETY PACKAGE

In terms of safety, RAV4 breaks new ground as the first compact SUV to be equipped with SRS Curtain Shield airbags as standard. These have been introduced along with front side airbags on all versions. Driver and front passenger airbags and WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) remain standard equipment.

Active safety provision on the XT4 no