Europe got a fantastic RAV4 diesel in 01; South Africa is getting them this year. I don't think Canada got them, unfortunately. Here's a tease [I think they measure by Imperial gallons, so the fuel economy comparison to here is a bit off]:
- Latest technology, common rail, 2.0-litre D-4D diesel
Exceptional fuel economy, low noise, low emissions
Available in the same four trim levels as RAV4 petrol (NV, NRG, GX and VX)
Excellent combined fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg
0-62mph in 12.1 seconds, maximum speed of 106mph
WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and twin front airbags standard on all grades
MPV-style versatility with rear seats designed to slide, fold, tumble and be removed
Air conditioning standard on all grades
Remote alarm and Thatcham Category One immobiliser fitted as standard
Roof rails standard on all grades
Offered with three-year/ 60,000 mile warranty as standard
On sale in the UK from 1 September 2001
The RAV4 D-4D exploits the very latest Toyota high pressure, common rail diesel technology and will be available in both three and five door bodystyles in the UK from September. The new RAV4 diesel will offer customers excellent performance, smooth power and outstanding fuel economy.
The RAV4 diesel is the latest in a rapidly introduced line of diesel-engined cars by Toyota. Corolla, Avensis, Previa (and soon Yaris) have all seen the addition of diesel to the range.
Excellent Performance
The new versions of the RAV4 will be fitted with the latest generation 2.0-litre, Toyota D-4D common rail diesel engine. This develops 114bhp (85kW) at 4,000rpm and offers constant torque of 250Nm across the power band from 1,800rpm to 3,000rpm.
Power has been increased by 5bhp over the previous 2.0-litre D-4D engine used on Avensis saloon with the fitment of a variable nozzle turbocharger. Meanwhile, harmful emissions have been decreased with the addition of cooling to the exhaust gas recirculation system. The new RAV4 D-4D complies with European Step III emissions limits.
The high torque output and low fuel consumption of the D-4D engine adds to the impressive list of features for the RAV4 – the fashionable Sports Utility Vehicle which is equally happy either on or off-road.
Fuel consumption is outstanding – 39.8mpg for both the three and five door models on the combined European cycle. Yet performance is still excellent – top speed of 106mph and acceleration from rest to 62mph in 12.1 seconds. The new diesel-engined versions of RAV4 will be available only with full-time four-wheel drive and a five speed manual gearbox.
The New RAV4
Since launch across Europe last summer, RAV4 has proved again to be one of the most popular vehicles in the small SUV market – comfortably beating Toyota sales targets. The new RAV4 has built on the reputation of the original vehicle, launched in 1994 as the first SUV to offer GTi handling and performance with a more rugged appearance and involving driving style.
The RAV4 offers customers more space, better performance, better ride and better economy than other vehicles in the market. Until now it has been available with a choice of 1.8-litre engine with two-wheel drive or 2.0-litre petrol engine four-wheel drive.
More than 30,000 new RAV4s have been sold in Europe in less than 12 months since launch with just over two-thirds of the sales being five door models. Countries where RAV4 has proved a particular success include the UK, Germany, France, and Italy.
Warming up to this theme now . . .
The idea of Lite Expedition (toss out the Cute-Ute) and think: Backpacking corollary to say, Horsepacking.
