Along with the revised 2009 Yaris and Aygo, Toyota's Bologna Motor Show stand also hosted the debut of the facelifted, European market RAV4 SUV. The cosmetic changes are rather difficult to spot, being limited to a new chrome grille treatment, revised headlamps and tail-lights, turn indicators that have been relocated to the door mirrors and restyled bumpers. There's also a different alloy wheel design or two. Inside, changes include new materials and colors as well as the availability of a 'sport' flat-bottom steering wheel.
Under the hood, Toyota's engineers have been busy tweaking the RAV4's mechanicals as the facelift model receives a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine developing 158HP and 196Nm of torque that's hooked up to a 6-speed manual gearbox or optionally, to a newly developed CVT transmission called Multidrive S. Toyota promises that the new 2.O VVT-i engine is not only more powerful but also 5% more fuel efficient that the outgoing 2.0-liter unit it replaces
Toyota has also revised the 2.2 D-4D diesel engine that gains new piezoelectric injectors. The result is a 14-horspower bump to 150HP while torque increases by about 10% to 340 Nm between 2000 and 2800 rpm. The diesel engine is also available with a new Sports Direct Shift 6-speed automatic transmission.
Sales of the revised Toyota RAV4 will begin in Europe in early 2009.
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