New RAV4 not just a rental car: Toyota NZ
Tuesday, 5 March 2019
Toyota New Zealand expects the three hybrid models of its all-new RAV4 SUV to trigger accelerated interest in the model line and broaden its appeal.
Confidence in the fifth-generation line, releasing next month, is boosted by it being set to benefit from an unprecedented consumer swing toward sports utility-styled models, the local distributor says.
Based on the same new modular TNGA vehicle architecture as the new Corolla and Prius, the eight new editions will also impress with better dynamics and improved technologies, most directed toward safety.
The line also takes a new direction with an Adventure flagship lending impression of enhanced off-road ruggedness.
**READ MORE:
* New hard-core RAV4 won't be for latte sippers
* Q&A: what the reborn Toyota Supra means for Kiwi buyers
* No driving appy for Toyota New Zealand**
Even so, speaking from Japan in the wake of the local release of information about what variants are coming, Toyota New Zealand's general manager of product and new car sales, Neeraj Lala, reckons the 155kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain, mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission, will be a primary draw.
Interest in hybrids – which TNZ has taken to call 'self-charging' products in apparent attempt to jump onto the electric bandwagon (regardless that they fail to meet legislative definition) – is growing, he says, and this particular drivetrain, shared with the Camry, brings particular benefits.
For that reason 'I think hybrid will account for nearly two thirds of our retail and fleet sales.
'We're definitely looking at a lift in volume. The power and efficiency of the hybrid will enhance the value proposition; it's a brand-new engine that has good power and 40 per cent plus extra efficiency over the outgoing petrol, so it's gives the benefit of both performance and efficiency.'
RAV4 is already a big hitter for TNZ, but through being a particular favourite with rental operators – it's probable the greater count of the 4964 outgoing models retailed last year initially went into that role.
That core business is unlikely to taper, with Lala suggesting 50 percent of all RAVs sold this year probably ending up as rentals.
Yet TNZ's intent to increase sales of popular Toyotas to private buyers and long-term fleet users will nonetheless ultimately alter the distribution mix toward 'our other channels' and that effort could well be the primary fuel for a predicted 15-20 per cent shift in volume in 2019 alone, even at risk of total volume diminishing slightly.
'This year I'm not sure I'm that motivated to take all of the rental… so the total number might be down, but my focus is on trying to get more growth in retail and fleet.'
Private buyers will be higher prioritised, he says, because 'this is 100 percent a car for us to really rebuild some momentum in the private channel. Absolutely.'
With the SUV swing now so obvious, what chance of RAV4 bumping out Corolla and Hilux as the brand's overall volume leader?
'If you were to say 'do I think the RAV4 stands a chance of being our absolute No.1 retail car?' then I think the answer would have to be yes, absolutely.'
The hybrid has been tailored to work with all-wheel-drive. Toyota's system is designed to provide flexible driving force distribution to the rear wheels.
That occasions with the E-Four system. TNZ says it helps suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts for optimal acceleration performance and stability.
It also helps reduce understeer during cornering for enhanced steering stability. Off-road, the increased rear-wheel torque helps provide powerful hill-climbing performance, even on rough terrain, the brand promises.
Two pure petrol four-cylinder powertrains are also coming, starting with an entry level 2.0-litre unit producing 127kW of power and 207Nm of torque, a boost of 20kW and 20Nm over its predecessor. This is fitted to urban-focused front-wheel drive variants and marries to a continuously variable transmission.
There's also a new normally aspirated 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine for all-wheel-drive variants, driving through a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission and mechanical AWD system (as opposed to the hybrid's electric-controlled set-up).
The Adventure further debuts a dynamic torque vectoring AWD. This sends up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear axle and the differential can then send it in varying amounts to the individual wheels.
The hybrid, meantime, has EV, Normal, Eco and Sport modes. In the thrift settings it can coach the driver toward achieving better fuel economy. An accelerator guide function suggests an acceleration amount to the driver according to the driving conditions, and a scoring function adds a measure of fun to eco driving.
All variants come standard with high-end driver-assistance technology such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign assist, lane departure alert and automatic high beam. Blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and seven airbags also feature. An ANCAP safety rating has yet to be awarded, but a five-star result is expected.
Lala says the provision of these features across the board reflects TNZ thought that advanced safety technology should not only be available on top grades.
He says the latest generation has been designed to cater to customers who are increasingly looking at SUVs for their practical flexibility for urban use as well as those who enjoy the occasional weekend adventure off the tarmac, yet attests the flagship's 'adventure focus' is more than just a styling exercise.
RAV4 pricing will be released at launch.