Cars & Autos | Wednesday 10 April, 2019 4:48 pm |

Delivering on its promise to introduce trendsetting vehicles that meet and exceed guest expectations, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia, unveiled the stylish, all-new 2019 Toyota RAV in a ceremony held at The Track Jeddah. The ceremony was attended by Mr.Takayuki Kanno, Toyota General Manager of Strategic Planning Department-Middle East & Central Asia Division, and Eng. Hani Obaid, Marketing Director - SUV & MPV Products at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, accompanied by other senior officials from Abdul Latif Jameel Motors along with a number of media representatives.

Bringing a new era of improved performance, capability and safety, the fifth generation RAV4, the compact SUV trend-setter, is poised to, once again, change the game. The all-new RAV4 is, in essence, disrupting the segment it created. It is bringing more sport and more utility back while enhancing the agile handling, everyday comfort and exemplary fuel efficiency. The all-new vehicle is designed to tackle urban, suburban, and great outdoor adventures with equal finesse. The look is tougher and there’s greater capability with a new all-wheel-drive system, yet the ride is smoother and quieter, with new comfort touches inside.

One major addition to the all-new RAV4 is the hybrid electric model, the first of its class to be introduced to the Saudi market, which combines two power sources consisting of a petrol engine and electric motor. The class-leading model, which offers the lowest fuel consumption value of 22.2km/L, enables guests to contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying increased driving satisfaction and engagement provided by its advanced technologies and cabin quietness, as well as its acceleration smoothness, especially when accelerating from a stand-still.

Commenting, Eng. Obaid said: “We are excited to launch the all-new RAV4 in the Saudi market, setting a new benchmark in the compact SUV segment and presenting our guests with a vehicle that has evolved over five generations to offer them a remarkable ownership experience.”

He went on to say: “Owing to its stylish design, ride comfort, dynamic performance and superior value, the fifth-generation RAV4 will make a deep connection with the kingdom’s motoring enthusiasts whose needs and aspirations evolve constantly. We would like to extend our gratitude to our valued guests for their continued support and inspiration, which motivate Toyota to develop ‘ever-better’ cars that exceed their expectations.” 

Enabling the all-new RAV4 to express its distinct personality and brawnier stance is its robust design. The exterior lines and detailing in the cabin are influenced by regular, polygonal shapes, communicating strength and coherence. Following the guiding themes of Adventureand Refined, designers created an athletic, chiseled appearance especially in the front-end and grille design. Stunning LED headlamps, which are available with the automatic leveling function, and unique signature LED daytime running lamps produce a more premium light source while also contributing to the vehicle’s bold look. 

Owing to its polygonal motifs, the wheel arches appear to hold the tires from a high position, emphasizing the lifted-up body and drawing attention to the vehicle’s capability. Meanwhile, the side mirrors are positioned lower on the doors for increased forward visibility around the A-pillar. Side visibility is increased thanks to a lowered beltline and the redesigned and enlarged rear-quarter glass. Form and function combine in taillights and exterior door handles, which have been shaped to contribute to aerodynamic stability.

The RAV4’s distinct personality is completed by its expansive and comfortable cabin, which displays exceptional quality and finish throughout. The Refined theme guided interior design and the word “premium” will come to mind, as well. The instrument panel’s horizontal layout has a slimmer profile and a lower position than before to enhance forward visibility. Solid material used for the upper and lower parts of the instrument panel and door trim grip conveys strength and durability. Soft padding has been added to areas that passengers frequently touch, while stitching that enhances the continuity from the door trim to the instrument panel adds a sense of quality. The center console is wider and more versatile than before, and the console storage has been expanded. Furthermore, front and rear seats are more supportive, and with the improvement in seat cushioning, they are more comfortable in the all-new vehicle.

With an exciting interior featuring a distinctive design, and offering convenience and comfort, the bold new car’s cabin is accentuated with a range of advanced features, including Multi-terrain Select (MTS), wireless charging system for smartphones, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, 7-inch color multi-information display (MID) in the cluster gauge, 7-inch multimedia infotainment display, ambient illumination, six-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power driver seat, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Complementing the all-new RAV4’s daring looks is a thrilling drive personality imbued by two powertrain options. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with D-4S fuel injection system, which produces 170 hp and 207 nm of torque, ‎is mated to a new Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) structure that is sportier with better fuel efficiency. On the other hand, a new electrified hybrid system combines two power sources consisting of a petrol engine and electric motor producing a combined power of 219 hp, and delivering 225 nm of torque. It is also mated to a Direct Shift that provides the lowest fuel consumption value of 22.2km/L while delivering a new level of driving pleasure.

The all-new RAV4 hybrid electric model can be driven entirely on electrical ‎power with zero-fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, or by combining the power generated from both the petrol ‎engine and electric motor, depending on the vehicle’s speed and guest’s driving behavior. ‎Its hybrid electric batteries are continuously charged by either the petrol ‎engine or when decelerating and braking, eliminating the need to plug in a power cord. Furthermore, the hybrid electric model features a host of advanced technologies, yet drives like any other conventional vehicle and ‎does not require special fuel.

The launch of the all-new RAV4 hybrid electric model comes in line with Toyota’s continuing commitment to playing a leading role in constantly innovating and developing technologies that protect the environment, which is also a strategic imperative that forms the cornerstone of the company’s business. Electrification of vehicles has been an indispensable focus for Toyota since 1997 and the company has launched a variety of Hybrid Electric Vehicles in the past two decades, leading to a steady rise in the adoption of its environment-friendly vehicles and pushing its cumulative sales of electrified vehicles to over 12 million. This enormous sales record represents a reduction of more than 94 million tons of CO2compared to the sales of equivalent conventional vehicles and underscores the tremendous support received from guests.

As with any other Toyota model, safety remains a top priority for the all-new RAV4 that comes with an advanced safety system, which is complemented by Toyota Safety Sense,an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beam. In addition, the car features a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its occupants, such as 7 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold function, Blind Spot Monitor, Active Cornering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control, among many others.

Available in eight distinctive exterior colors, the all-new RAV4 provides guests the opportunity to express their individuality, while the interior is available in three colors - Light Gray, Beige and Black. Drawing inspiration from the polygonal motif, the all-new RAV4 has been rearmed with new 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, designed with a strong shape that creates a sense of precision, emphasizing the modeling theme present throughout the vehicle.