Toyota RAV4 Diesel

Still going strong, and a leader in the mid-size SUV class, is the latest Toyota RAV4 Diesel.  Only a few years ago Toyota only offered the RAV4 with just a petrol drive, however it is so great to see a diesel alternative now available for powering the distinctive new RAV4.  The RAV4 is competing in a tough, congested class with plenty of options now available.  It seems most manufactures now offer a mid-size SUV.  Streamlined exteriors, power and safety are hallmarks of the new Toyota RAV4.

Gone are the RAV4 frumpy shapes of the nineties and early 2000s.  This new model has toned its lines right down to be one of the nicer looking SUVs on the road.  It’s hard to incorporate space, SUV height and safety into an athletic package, but we discovered that the new Toyota RAV4 Diesel has managed this, and is still nice and appealing to look at.  The windscreen angle is lower and raked nicely backwards to give an aerodynamic shape to the roofline.  Needing to be chunky at the front for strength and safety reasons means that the RAV4 still has a bulky front end, but on the plus side there is a great canvas for creating plenty of eye-catching features.  The nicely curved headlights are narrower and sleeker, small round driving lights are set low down – and to the outer edge of the front air dam.  An interesting, angular protruding divider helps to separate the front air dam with the grille area, though the grille has more of its design built into the front air dam – cleverly keeping the headlight area looking lighter and trimmer.  At the rear, there is nothing terribly interesting about the design but the roof spoiler is a nice addition to the clean lines.

Slip inside the new Toyota RAV4, and the interior is modern and easy on the eye.  Lots of black surfaces are highlighted with silver trimming.  Speedo dials are very clear and easy to read.  As you would expect, the 2016 Toyota RAV 4 models are well-equipped, even in standard form.  You get lots of electronic luxury gadgets as standard items – including LED headlights, sat-nav, dual-zone climate control and an electric boot lid.

Toyota RAV4 Diesel Interior

For its class, the new Toyota RAV4 Diesel is one of the biggest vehicles in its class.  There’s loads of room for up to five adults and the boot is good for plenty of luggage with a nice low-loading lip to get gear in and out of the boot with ease.

The new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel boasts 110 kW of power at 3600 rpm, while the 340 Nm of torque between 2000 and 2800 rpm is really accessible and punchy right where you need it.  Depending on which engine you choose, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 is available in All Wheel Drive (AWD) or Two Wheel Drive (2WD).  RAV 4 Diesel models are all equipped with AWD and do not come with the 2WD option.  AWD models do feature Active Torque Control which is really good for the complete range of conditions and road surfaces that can be inflicted on a vehicle.  Downhill Control Assist is excellent for the off-road adventurer.

Off-road, the RAV4 has plenty of capability.  Cruise Control is standard across the new RAV4 range and is adjusted with steering wheel controls.  Out on the open road, the diesel is very quiet and relaxed at all legal speed limits.

AWD RAV4 Diesel models are linked to either a six-speed automatic transmission that is geared for crisp acceleration, relaxed touring and fuel efficiency.  For those who like to slip the vehicle between gears themselves, a six-speed manual transmission gives smooth progress.  Three trims are available, with the GXL and Cruiser models having the most kit available.

You’re always going to get strong reliability and comfort with a new Toyota TAV4 Diesel, and I guess that’s why these sell like hot cakes and are very popular with rental car businesses.

The Toyota RAV4 Diesel model series includes the:

• RAV4 GX 2.2L Diesel 5D Wagon AWD
• RAV4 GXL 2.2L Diesel 5D Wagon AWD
• RAV4 Cruiser 2.2L Diesel 5D Wagon AWD

For any more information on the new Toyota RAV4 Diesel or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!