Toyota has launched a new RAV4 which brings more versatility, interior space, aerodynamics, driveability, safety, comfort, ride and handling, fuel economy and feature levels to the compact sports utility vehicle market.

It is built on an all-new platform with a longer wheelbase and wider track, offering 20 per cent more interior space, including improved rear head and legroom.

Toyota has enhanced RAV4’s interior space flexibility with the adoption of one-touch remote-release fold-flat rear seats.

The new six-model RAV4 five-door range has 35 per cent more cargo volume with the rear seats in the normal position, thanks to a more compact rear suspension set-up.

RAV4 combines modern, rugged styling with high levels of passive safety and Toyota’s Driver Assist Technology (DAT) package that includes Toyota Australia firsts of Active All-Wheel Drive and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with steering assist.

RAV4’s Active AWD is also lighter and more compact, helping to improve fuel economy.

The system engages the rear wheels only when necessary for traction or cornering control. This results in reduced mechanical drag, further improving fuel economy and enhancing acceleration.

“The application of an advanced new drivetrain and systems control technologies has created a RAV4 that has the best of both worlds – more space, versatility and safety combined with less environmental impact in terms of fuel use and emissions,” said Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner.

RAV4’s 2.4-litre VVT-i engine has been refined, increasing power by 5kW, reducing emissions to Euro IV standards and improving fuel consumption to 9.1 litres/100km on manual transmission models and 9.6 litres/100km on automatic transmission models.

The engine delivers 125kW of power at 6000rpm and 224Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

The engine also features an electronic throttle.

“This is an intelligent vehicle, full of thoughtful design details and cutting-edge technology, which makes it excellent value for money,” said David Buttner.

There are three RAV4 equipment grade levels: CV, Cruiser and new hero-grade Cruiser L – the first Australian RAV4 with leather seat trim.

In specifying the different grades, Toyota has put particular emphasis on primary and secondary safety.

All models have as standard ABS anti-skid brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Electric Power-assisted Steering (EPS) and Active AWD.

Cruiser and Cruiser L models have front side and full-length curtain-shield SRS airbags as standard.

All RAV4 models have Toyota Driver Assist Technology (DAT), including a new system known as Vehicle Control Management System (VCMS), which uses Control Area Network (CAN) high-speed computer technology so the vehicle’s major safety systems can function concurrently.

The Cruiser and Cruiser L models also feature the safety enhancements of VSC, with steering inputs, a new Hill-start Assist Control and, on automatic transmission models, Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

RAV4’s feature levels have been raised across the board compared to the previous model.

For the first time, RAV4 offers Active AWD, EPS, air conditioning with a dust filter, 17-inch wheels, projector-type low-beam headlamps, steering-wheel audio controls, telescopic as well as tilt steering adjustment, one-touch remote-release rear-seat fold, a hidden 90-litre under-floor storage compartment, illuminated front cup holders, and ABS with EBD and BA as standard equipment across the range.

Other first-time features in RAV4 include rear heater ducts under the front seats, outside temperature gauge, and on some models Hill-start Assist Control, DAC and push-button front dual-zone air conditioning.