Toyota has introduced a new all-wheel drive version of the RAV4 in Europe for the 2014 model year that combines a Euro 5 compliant 2.0-liter D-4D turbodiesel engine with Toyota’s Integrated Dynamic Drive System AWD technology.
Just like on the FWD version, the diesel engine develops 124PS (122hp) at 6,000 rpm, and 310 Nm (228 lb-ft)) of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the powertrain generates CO2 emissions of 136 g/km. Toyota didn’t provide fuel consumption figures, but on the front-wheel drive RAV4 the same engine averages 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg US) and emits 127 g of CO2 per kilometer.
The Integrated Dynamic Drive System allows front to rear torque distribution to vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to improve fuel consumption.
Besides the new AWD diesel version, the 2014 Toyota RAV4 brings new exterior and interior color and trim designs, including a new Dark Brown Metallic exterior paint color. There’s also a new 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel design available, while a range of 18-inch wheel designs is now available for front-wheel drive models as well.
There are four-color schemes available for the interior, Black, Grey, Terracotta and new Beige, while the Black fabric and Grey leather interior designs have been retained.
Equipment upgrades include the updated Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system featuring a new, 6-inch full colour WVGA touch screen with improved resolution, a new Drag and Flick function, and six additional languages, plus new optional equipment including the Smart Entry and Start system, power-operated tailgate, and an 8 channel, 9 speaker, 440 Watt JBL Premium sound system. The new Geneva ‘Premium’ Pack adds a rear under-run and chrome finish on the side sills and the tailgate.
Finally, the new available Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system alerts the driver for approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
By Dan Mihalascu
