The new model year brings some changes to Toyota’s RAV4 compact SUV in Britain, including a new powertrain combo, higher equipment specifications and a lower entry price.
On sale this week, the 2014 RAV4 now starts at a lower price point than before, with the OTR price of the base 2.0 D-4D 2WD Active model reduced by £400 to £22,195.
For the first time, buyers of the 122bhp (124PS) 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine have the choice of an all-wheel drive version in addition to the FWD model. Paired to a a six-speed manual gearbox, this new powertrain returns combined cycle figures of 137g/km (Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty) and 53.3mpg UK (5.3l/100km or 44.4 mpg US).
With the exception of the entry-level Active grade, all other 2014 RAV4s come equipped with the Touch 2, which is the latest evolution of Toyota’s touchscreen-operated multimedia system that includes a higher resolution screen utilizing four times as many pixels as the original system.
There’s also the optional Toyota Touch 2 on Icon and Invincible trim models that adds a number of extra functions and advanced connectivity, such as the full map navigation with speed limit indications and safety camera warnings, real-time HD traffic data from TomTom, Google Street View and Panoramio.
Moreover, the Icon and Invincible versions of the RAV4 gain extra standard equipment and styling features for 2014.
The Icon models benefit from keyless entry, push-button start and new two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Invincible grade adds the no-cost option of a new beige leather seat upholstery and front parking sensors in addition to those at the rear.
New optional features for 2014 include a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
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