UK: Toyota RAV4 with Toyota Optimal Drive

Fifteen years ago the original RAV4 created a new market segment for compact, fun-to-drive SUVs. Now it is ready to raise the bar higher with improved performance, lower emissions and even better fuel economy.

[B]RAV4 with 2.2-litre D-4D 150 ENGINE[/B]
Matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 2.2-litre D-4D engine benefits from significant revisions to bring about a 10 per cent power upgrade to 148bhp, while at the same time recording segment-leading CO2 emissions of 154g/km, making RAV4 the first AWD model in its class to dip below the 160g/km mark. Torque performance is also stronger with the maximum increased from 310 to 340Nm.

[B]RAV4 with 2.2-litre D-CAT 150 ENGINE[/B]
For the first time RAV4 is offered with a diesel engine equipped with an automatic transmission.

Toyota's new 2.2-litre D-4D 150 D-CAT engine joins the range, offered exclusively with a new six-speed automatic transmission and in SR trim. Also featured in the new Avensis range, this engine produces 148bhp and 340Nm of torque, generated between 2,000 and 2,800rpm.

It provides a strong balance of performance with economy and efficiency, giving 6 liters/100 km and 189g/km in combined cycle driving. Thanks to Toyota's D-CAT clean diesel system with the DPNR four-way catalyst, the engine achieves exceptionally low combined NOx and particulates emissions.

[B]RAV4 with 2.0-litre VALVEMATIC ENGINE[/B]
For 2009 RAV4 is offered with a new 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engine, designed and engineered with Toyota Optimal Drive technology to achieve an exceptional combination of performance, fuel economy and low emissions.

In all respects it marks improvements over the 2.0 VVT-i unit previously featured in the range. As well as offering more power and torque, it emits significantly less CO2 and returns 20 per cent better fuel consumption in combined cycle driving.

In line with market demand, the engine will be offered in AWD versions exclusively with Multidrive S, Toyota's new continuously variable transmission that was first introduced in new Avensis.

[B]MULTIDRIVE S TRANSMISSION[/B]
Multidrive S is Toyota's new, advanced continuously variable transmission, fitted as standard to the RAV4 XT-R 2.0-litre Valvematic AWD model.

Where conventional automatic and manual transmissions use multiple sets of gears and a clutch to achieve different gear ratios, Multidrive S delivers an infinite number of ratios using two cone-shaped pulleys and a high-strength, V-shaped steel belt. With this arrangement, it changes ratios smoothly and seamlessly.

The system is CO2 and fuel-efficient and offers powerful driving performance. Because of its stepless variation of gear ratios, it can maintain the ideal ratio to keep the engine with its optimal power range. Its operation is also incredibly smooth and refined.

Using a Sport button next to the gearshift, the driver can choose a more responsive and power-maximising mode for the system. And for even more active driving, Multidrive S has a sequential manual seven-speed mode. This lets the driver select gears using the shift lever, or paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.

The paddle shifts can be used to temporarily override the automatic D mode. For example, when preparing to overtake. Pressing the + paddle again for more than one second returns the transmission to automatic mode; this also happens automatically once the car returns to a constant driving speed for a specified period of time, or when it comes to a complete stop.

Multidrive S has a control logic that recognises when the car is being driven up or downhill and selects the appropriate gear ratios. This reduces the amount of shifting when driving uphill and makes best use of engine braking when traveling downhill.

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Credits: JRC