TOYOTA RAV4 TO OFFER CLASS-LEADING SAFETY ON ALL 11 MODELS

Other advanced safety technologies including blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and seven airbags further contribute to the new RAV4's very high level of standard safety features.

Toyota Australia's vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the new RAV4 will offer unprecedented levels of safety in the mid-sized SUV class to deliver outstanding driver assistance.

"Safety has always been a top priority for Toyota and in the all-new RAV4, we are delivering highly advanced technologies to assist drivers and help protect occupants and other road users," Mr Hanley said.

"These features will ensure the RAV4 provides our customers with the very highest levels of active and passive safety in its class and they are not just limited to the higher grade models.

"Providing exceptional safety performance is vital for all customers so we have made all of our Toyota Safety Sense features standard across the range from the entry level front-wheel drive GX to the adventure-oriented AWD Edge model," he said.

To cater for a broad range of customers, the new RAV4 will be offered in 11 different models with a choice of four grade levels, front and all-wheel drive and three new powertrains.

For the first time in Australia, Toyota will offer a hybrid RAV4 - available in six models - with its powerful 155kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric drivetrain mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Three front-wheel drive hybrid models will be offered in entry-level GX, mid-range GXL and premium Cruiser grades, together with three electric-AWD models with the same GX, GXL and Cruiser models available.

The new RAV4 will also be available in a single model Edge grade that features more rugged exterior styling and an "adventure" focus.

This AWD model is powered by a new 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine that drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission and uses a mechanical AWD system.

At the entry level are the urban-oriented front-wheel drive 127kW/207Nm 2.0-litre petrol models offered in GX, GXL and Cruiser grades. 

The GX will be available with a choice of an intelligent six-speed manual gearbox or an innovative CVT with launch gear. Both GXL and Cruiser models are fitted with the CVT as standard.

Mr Hanley said with the new RAV4, Toyota was catering to a range of customers who are increasingly looking at SUVs for their practical flexibility for urban use as well as those who enjoy the occasional weekend adventure off the tarmac.

"The RAV4 was one of the original SUVs but customer tastes have changed and today, its popular appeal stems not just from its AWD capability, but its flexible, spacious interior and refined, car-like driving manners," Mr Hanley said. 

"With a choice of six different hybrid models, along with front-wheel drive petrol and the adventure-focused AWD Edge variants, Toyota is giving customers a chance to re-discover the RAV4 in a whole new light as a highly efficient, refined and versatile SUV to provide for all lifestyles and needs," he said.