Toyota RAV4 2007
When Toyota RAV4 first appeared in 1996, it was a first SUV based on car platform. Timing was perfect - SUVs were becoming more and more popular, yet still most were old-school trucks with lack of refinement and flair.
Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive, a.k.a. RAV4 was the first crossover, first vehicle to combine SUVs looks with car’s comfort.
Even at that time, most SUV owners haven’t gone for serious off-road driving. RAV4’s larger ground clearance was just the right measure for easier winter roads handling and dust roads.
Since then, RAV has gone a long way - its engine is improved to 2.4l, 166hp one, interior has become more stylish with lots of bells and whistles. Even the standard equipment leaves very little to be desired.
Major improvement for 2007 were front-seat mounted airbags and curtain airbags (formerly optional), which became standard. Tad longer than it was, it provides even smoother ride than before … and bit bigger storage area.
Exterior is also more stylish. However, a major problem of all RAVs is the tailgate. It opens to side (opposed to standard, upward opening one), which makes access to the storage area extremely difficult in cities, when parked in front of the other car.
Limited edition has 269hp at 6200rpm - anything but weak. It speeds up to 60mph in 6.9s.
Restyled Aygo is on sale in March, while hybrid Toyota Yaris HSD is scheduled for May.
June is Prius month - that's when Prius plug-in and MPV Prius + will get into stores.
Second generation of Auris and new GT86 are scheduled for the end of the year.
Toyota's SUV flagship, Land Cruiser V8 (4.5l, 286bhp), is redesigned and will be on the market this year.
Cube chaped fog lights have replaced oval ones, and are integrated into a new front bumper, along with daily LED lights.
Front grille is also changed, as well as outside rear view mirrors and back lights.
After many announcements and two concept studies, Toyota has revealed long awaited sport coupe - GT 86. Cooperation with Subaru resulted in many similarities with Subaru's BRZ - it shares the same engine, a 200bhp 2,0l boxer, but has a lower mass center and better mass distribution (front 53%, rear 47%).
Toyota GT86 is successor to legendary Toyota's sport coupes - sport 800, 200 GT and Celica.