USA RECALL - Toyota/Lexus - Models recalled for possibly unexpected braking with the possibility of causing an accident.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 31,000 Model Year 2013-2015 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Lexus ES350 and ES300h sedans. 

In the involved vehicles, under certain situations, the PCS (Pre-Collision System) could interpret a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object that triggers PCS activation. If this occurs, the PCS warning buzzer sounds and the system may apply the service brake automatically. Unexpected braking could increase the risk of a crash.

For all involved vehicles, the PCS function will be disabled as an interim remedy. As the permanent remedy, Toyota dealers will replace PCS components with improved ones.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles, customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site:safercar.gov/vin.  For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331, or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.

USA - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser: A luxurious bridge between civilisation and Adventure.

• New 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Toyota Safety Sense-P with Pre-Collision System, Frontal Collision Avoidance and Pedestrian Protection
• Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Entune^® 2.5 Multimedia with Siri® Eyes Free Mode and 9-inch Display
• Standard Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Dual 10-inch Screens
• Qi Wireless Phone Charging

How do you improve ultimate? The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been the brand’s ultimate-capability, ultimate-luxury SUV, and for 2016 Toyota is ratcheting up the meaning of that term. New exterior and interior design features are the obvious changes made to the 2016 Land Cruiser, while new safety technology, a major drivetrain upgrade and enhanced multimedia features make this makeover far more than metal-skin deep.

Toyota has continually sold Land Cruiser models in the United States since 1957. Over the decades, the Land Cruiser has evolved from a utilitarian go-anywhere vehicle to one of the most luxurious full-capability SUVs on the market. Land Cruiser customers are among the most loyal in the auto industry; they seek ultimate capability and luxury, though packaged with renowned Toyota value and understated character.

The Land Cruiser body is new from the A-pillar forward. It’s a whole new look for this iconic vehicle, with the bumper, grille, projector-beam LED low and high beam headlights, headlight cleaners and integrated Land Cruiser logo, all contributing to the new design signature. The hood’s distinctive power bulges convey the potential of the 381-horsepower V8 that lies beneath. Teamed to that power plant for 2016 is the Toyota brand’s first 8-speed automatic transmission, which helps enhance acceleration.

The Land Cruiser shows a new signature from behind, as well, thanks to new taillights with light-tube design and LED brake lights, a new full-width chrome molding and a new bumper. A chrome body side molding embossed with the Land Cruiser logo and new-design 18-inch alloy wheels accentuate the Land Cruiser’s muscular profile.

 

Once again, the Toyota Land Cruiser comes in one version: fully equipped and with seating for eight. There are no factory options, and really, none are needed. For 2016, new semi-aniline perforated leather is available in the customer’s choice of black or new Terra (brown). The black interior and Terra interiors are accented by Deep Wood trim. The high-quality materials complement a center console redesign that shows a more cohesive appearance and more intuitive controls.

The Land Cruiser’s Entune head unit is upgraded, adding Siri^® Eyes Free mode and other performance enhancements. When paired with an iPhone, the driver simply pushes a steering wheel button and then speaks requests to Siri. And, new Qi wireless phone charging (for compatible devices) means one less cable to carry.

The luxurious new steering wheel, is heated as before, and also integrates switches for the multi-information display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and new Toyota Safety Sense-P system.

 

New Driver Assist Technologies

The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser is the first in the model’s history equipped with technology designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions and, under certain circumstances, help protect pedestrians in a collision. The new Toyota Safety Sense-P system includes Frontal Collision Avoidance, at speeds below 24 mph (including pedestrian protection); Frontal Collision Mitigation (also for speeds below 24 mph); Lane Departure Alert; Auto High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

In addition, the 2016 Land Cruiser can help the driver avoid hazards with the new Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All the new driver-assist systems come standard. A backup camera is also standard, and also useful for hitching a trailer.

 

An Engine That Deserves to be Called a Power Plant

The Land Cruiser driver will not be wanting for power. The 381 horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine features Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and produces 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Equally critical is that the engine produces 90-percent of peak torque at just 2,200 rpm, giving Land Cruiser a powerful response for any driving situation and making it especially useful for towing.  

 

For 2016, a new 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the 6-speed unit, with the added ratios allowing a wider ratio spread to help enhance acceleration and fuel efficiency. When the going gets rough, the driver can select manual control for more powertrain control. EPA fuel efficiency is 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway and 15 combined.

And the Land Cruiser can tow: the standard Trailer Towing Package equips it to pull a trailer up to 8,100 pounds. The hardware needed for towing is all there, including an engine oil cooler, as well as a connector and sub-wiring harness that facilitate a trailer-brake controller. Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract trailer sway, helping to make towing a more relaxed proposition.

 

Tough Where It Counts

The smooth-riding, unabashedly plush Land Cruiser is built with tough-as-nails body-on-frame construction. Its reassuringly solid feel comes from more than size. Its body structure makes extensive use of high-strength steel, especially in the A-, B-, C- and D-pillars and rocker area.

Offering the comfort of a luxury sedan in everyday driving, the Land Cruiser comes ready to tackle off-pavement and trail driving, making out-of-the-way vacation cabins seem less out of the way. Suspension design combines proven trail capability with advanced control technology. Key to the Land Cruiser’s off-pavement competence is suspension articulation, facilitated by long wheel travel.

And the suspension has some high-tech hydraulic help. Hardcore off-road drivers will, when necessary, disembark their vehicles to disconnect the suspension stabilizer bars in order to increase wheel articulation. That’s a tough, dirty and even dangerous job, and it can impair on-road handling if the bars are left disconnected. Fortunately, such dirty work is completely unnecessary in the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) hydraulically adjusts the lean resistance provided by the stabilizer bars, reducing it for off-road driving to help minimize any tendency for wheel lift.

On pavement, where stabilizer bar function is beneficial for agility and safe control, KDSS enables the bars work conventionally to help reduce body lean by as much as 50 percent. The system operates hydraulically, without the need for complex electronics.

 

Approach and departure angles are 30 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively, for confident off-road maneuvering. While traversing rocky terrain, the driver can take comfort knowing underbody panels help to protect the Land Cruiser’s engine and transmission.

 

Full-Time 4WD, With A Supporting Cast of Advanced Control Systems

Four-wheel drive is a given in a full-capability SUV, but not all 4WD systems are equal. The Land Cruiser’s full-time 4WD system uses a TORSEN^® limited-slip locking center differential to distribute torque 40:60 front-to-rear. Should wheel slippage occur, the differential can direct more torque to the wheels with the best grip. Active Traction control (A-TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), with a cut-off switch, helps maintain directional control during cornering.

Off-road drivers know that a 2-speed transfer case with low-range is a must for tackling steep inclines and particularly difficult trails. That’s why the Land Cruiser has one, and it, too, does not work alone. The Land Cruiser’s Multi-terrain Select system allows the driver to match wheel slip control to the surface and driving conditions.

Multi-terrain Select allows more-than-normal wheel slip in loose terrain, such as mud and sand, to help the Land Cruiser keep moving without digging itself in. The Mogul setting is effective for traversing extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges; wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip differential.

Land Cruiser also features an enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor with selectable front, side or rear views with near 360-degree visability and five-second front undercarriage projected path video playback.

Low-range is also vital for crawling along at a slow, safe speed over challenging terrain.  With the transfer case shifted into low range, the Land Cruiser’s CRAWL Control regulates engine speed and output, along with braking force, to propel the vehicle forward or reverse at one of five driver-selectable low-speed settings. CRAWL Control, when engaged, allows the driver to focus on steering without also having to modulate the throttle or brake pedals.

 

Two more systems help out on trails. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) can augment the low-range ratio’s low-speed descending ability by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with minimal driver intervention. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) helps prevent nerve-wracking roll-back when stopping and then starting again on a steep incline or slippery surface.

Because trails are usually not as comfortably wide as highway lanes, the Land Cruiser comes equipped with Off-Road Turn Assist. The system tightens the turning radius by applying slight brake pressure to the inside rear wheel, creating a pivot effect. Big P285/60 R18 mud-and-snow tires on 18 x 8.0-inch aluminum alloy wheels help give the Land Cruiser exemplary grip in all conditions. With a tire that size, you’d want the reassurance of having a full-size spare, and it’s standard on Land Cruiser. And you’ll always know it’s ready because the direct individual tire pressure monitor system also monitors the spare.

Of course, all of the Land Cruiser’s impressive 4WD hardware and chassis control technology also help take the slip out of slippery weather in everyday driving.

Luxury is not an Option; It’s Standard

To get the Land Cruiser equipped with the most desirable features, the customer need only choose … color. The Land Cruiser comes fully equipped, requiring no options or packages to add premium luxury. The very long list of standard amenities includes perforated leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping with memory. The list keeps going: Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start; anti-theft security system with engine immobilizer; power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink^® universal garage-door/gate opening system, and much more.

The Land Cruiser’s four-zone automatic climate control system provides a comfortable environment for all onboard. Its 7-level blower control circulates heated or cooled air via 28 air vents located throughout the cabin, and a micro-dust and pollen filter helps keep that air clean. When it’s cold outside, the Land Cruiser’s auxiliary Positive Temperature Coefficient heater warms the cabin quickly using an electrically heated ceramic element, similar to a household space heater.

 

The Land Cruiser driver faces a panel of bright Optitron instrument gauges, and a Multi-Information Display shows gear selection, odometer, tripmeter, fuel consumption, individual tire pressures and cruising range. The Multi-Information Display also monitors parking assist, steering wheel angle, Multi-Terrain Select including Crawl Control, Dynamic Cruise Control adjustment information, TSS P pre-collision warning alarm adjustment, Lane Departure Alert and sway warning. The center console, which was redesigned for 2016, integrates a cooler box, USB port and cup holders.

Luxury permeates all three rows. The middle row seats are also trimmed in perforated leather and feature multi-stage heating and abrasion-resistant seatback material. The 40/20/20 split seat is built for comfort and convenience. It’s got a recline feature, and a one-touch tumble mechanism makes it easy for passengers to enter and exit the third row. When you need to maximize room for either passengers or cargo, the middle row seats also slide forward and aft 4.1 inches. The third row are 50/50 split fold-down leather trimmed with folding headrests with abrasion resistant seatback materials, which seats three occupants. With the middle and third rows folded, the Land Cruiser provides 81.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

 

JBL^® Synthesis Premium Audio with Entune^®

Music lovers will recognize JBL as the brand behind some of the world’s best concert hall speaker systems. It’s also the name behind the standard Land Cruiser’s Entune Premium JBL^® Audio with Integrated Navigation system. The system creates the effect of driving a concert hall, with stunningly clear, powerful sound delivered through 14 speakers, including a subwoofer. It’s all controlled through the new-for-2016 nine-inch touch screen.

The unit’s split screen capability allows navigation and audio screens to be displayed at the same time. The music sources includes an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability; SiriusXM^® All Access Satellite Radio capability (includes three-month complimentary trial subscription); HD Radio™ with iTunes^®Tagging; USB port with iPod^® connectivity and control, and music streaming via Bluetooth^®, which also provides hands-free phone capability and phone book access. Advanced voice recognition lets you speak simple commands to get what you want.

 

The Toyota Entune App Suite is a collection of popular mobile applications and subscription-free data services. Once a smartphone is paired to the vehicle using Bluetooth or a USB cable, Entune apps are operated using the vehicle’s controls or, for some services, by voice recognition. Entune offers apps for Destination Search, Facebook Places, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable^®, Pandora^®, Yelp^®, and Slacker Radio.

Rear passengers will enjoy Land Cruiser’s rear-seat DVD entertainment system featuring two individual 11.6-inch display monitors, RCA jacks and separate HDMI input for individual playback.

 

Star Safety

Connectivity gives drivers and passengers more choices for information and entertainment, and it also provides added peace of mind. Using onboard cellular technology, independent of the driver’s phone, Toyota’s Safety Connect™ offers Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and enhanced Roadside Assistance, which adds GPS data to the already-included warranty-based Toyota roadside service. One-year of Safety Connect service is included, and subscription packages are available after that.

Safety, too, comes from an array of technologies that make up the STAR Safety System™ that’s standard on all Toyotas.  The Land Cruiser multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS) automatically selects the optimal ABS profile to provide the most suitable brake force for on- and off-road driving surfaces. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) balances braking forces between the front and rear brakes, and Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking.

All eight seating positions have three-point seatbelts, and Land Cruiser features 10 airbags: driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System; driver and front passenger knee airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, second-row outboard seat-mounted side airbags and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags.

Active headrests on the driver and front passenger seats move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest. The advanced seatbelt system is designed to retract the front seatbelts when the brakes are suddenly applied or when the VSC system detects tire slippage. The standard parking sonar system uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers to sense obstacles.

         

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The Land Cruiser also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

USA - Beyond possible, The Sky's the limit for the All-New 2016 PRIUS at Las Vegas World Première Event.

• Striking exterior design ushers in new hybrid era
• New platform and rear double wishbone suspension dial up driving dynamics
• Ten percent fuel economy improvement on core models; highest MPG without a plug
• First vehicle based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture
• Toyota Safety Sense system available among other safety enhancements

The same vehicle that pioneered the hybrid category just disrupted the status quo again. The all-new, fourth-generation Prius starred in a spectacular evening production of music, food and special effects to celebrate an industry icon in a way that was anything but expected.

More than 350 journalists, social influencers and Toyota guests watched the all-new 2016 Prius elevate into the Las Vegas night sky. After almost twenty years of shaping the world view on alternative energy vehicles, and more than 3.5 million global sales, Prius is setting out to change the world again.

Today’s consumers expect environmental credentials, and the new Prius delivers. Smaller, lighter hybrid system components, higher-energy density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine touting ground-breaking thermal efficiency (more than forty percent), contribute to a significant advancement in fuel economy.   

With an expected ten percent improvement in EPA estimated MPG on core models, Prius will offer best-in-class fuel economy among vehicles without a plug.  A soon-to-be unveiled Eco model will achieve an even greater improvement, strengthening Toyota’s leadership in hybrid fuel efficiency. 

But it’s not just about MPG anymore.  Today’s customers want all the traditional benefits of a hybrid, but don’t want to compromise on looks and performance.  So Toyota upgraded the Prius inside and out to deliver the complete package - emotional styling, smarter technology and impressive MPG, in a vehicle that’s more fun to drive than ever.

“Prius set the global benchmark for hybrids, but now is breaking its own boundaries with more engaging style and fun-to-drive dynamics,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.  “What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on fuel economy, is now so much more.  This Prius will invite new drivers into the category by delivering an impressive look and feel, built on the foundation of safety and eco-consciousness that define the vehicle’s heritage.”

Easy on the Eyes

The Prius’ exterior has been completely reimagined. From the side, it is longer and sleeker with the overall outline evoking an athletic shape.  Inspired by a runner in the starting blocks, the sporty design conveys a feeling of forward motion.

The hood is lower and the distinctive roof peak has been moved forward. Bold character lines run along the side from the front fenders – one just above the sill that sweeps up towards the rear fender, while the upper crease morphs into the rear spoiler, which has been lowered.

The use of new standard LED headlamps minimizes the Prius’ front fascia and, at the same time, provides an arresting lighting display which helps define the vehicle’s character. The unique and striking rear combination lamps express the distinctive lines of the Prius from the rear spoiler to the trailing edges of the sides.

A palette of seven exterior colors includes an all-new Toyota hue, “Hypersonic Red.”  This new color utilizes a newly developed treatment process, which results in a deep and vibrant luster highlighting the external forms.

Need a Hug?

The Prius’ new, premium interior adopts advanced technology complemented by features that are functional, fun and have high visual impact. The wrap-around dash design, form-hugging seats, ease of controls and improved visibility put the driver in complete control.

Once inside, drivers will feel immediately comfortable and impressed by styling cues that are unique in the industry.  The wide instrument panel, seamlessly designed to be both functional and beautiful, gives a sense of comfort and spaciousness.  Available premium white ornamentation in the lower sections of the cabin is reminiscent of fine bone china.

Efficient Development from the Start

The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to implement Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA).  TNGA aims to greatly improve core vehicle performance and enhance product appeal through an integrated development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. Development of vehicles is being grouped to promote strategic sharing of components with the goal of improving resource efficiency by better than twenty percent. Resources will be directed into developing advanced technologies, and most importantly even further strengthening product appeal.

A Fun-to-Drive Hybrid?  A “Wish” Come True

Engineered from the ground up, the new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces, providing a planted on-road presence while delivering more occupant and cargo room.

Hallmarks of TNGA, a lower center of gravity and a more responsive suspension package, dial up the driving excitement. In fact, the height of the Prius’ front badge is exactly the same as that of Scion’s FR-S sports car – a remarkable achievement in height and mass reduction.

The all-new rear double wishbone suspension produces a better connection to the road, providing greater control and feedback in all driving conditions.  A more rigid body helps improve responsiveness while cornering. From winding mountain roads to the wide boulevards downtown, the new Prius stays connected to the road, without sacrificing ride quality and occupant comfort.

Safety First

TNGA also provides a more rigid structural framework to help enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. The high strength upper body is designed to distribute frontal collision impact energy. Plus, the Prius will be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking.  TSS bundles cutting edge safety technologies including:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams 

Available on the new Prius, Toyota aims to make Toyota Safety Sense available across nearly the entire vehicle lineup by the end of 2017.

Setting the Stage for the Future of Mobility

It started in 1992 with a vision for the future – mobility in harmony with society.  Prius, which means “to go before” changed the way we move about the world, and changed the automotive industry forever.  More than two decades and over 8 million Toyota hybrid sales later, the all-new, no compromises 2016 Prius stands side by side with its sibling, the hydrogen powered Mirai, poised to change the game yet again. The new Prius will arrive in dealerships early next year.

USA - Scion has announced that the future of the brand, the iA & iM models are arriving at dealerships now.

Believe the buzz. The versatile 2016 Scion iM hatchback and 2016 Scion iA sedan are now arriving in more than 1,000 dealerships and are ready to go wherever drivers can imagine.

The dynamic Scion duo has been the talk of the town with a combination of practicality, desired technology and unique style for today’s young drivers. Then there are the highly competitive prices. The fun-to-drive Scion iM has an MSRP of $18,460 for the manual transmission and $19,200 for the CVTi-S model. The sporty Scion iA has an MSRP of $15,700 for the 6-speed manual transmission and $16,800 for the 6-speed automatic. A $795 delivery, processing and handling fee is not included.

“With the arrival of the iM and the iA in showrooms, Scion’s evolution moves from talk into reality,” said Doug Murtha, Scion group vice president. “This new, savvy generation of drivers will find these cars have the features, space and styling to meet whatever challenge or opportunity comes their way.”

When drivers walk into one of showrooms all over the country, either model could catch their attention.

The athletic design of the 5-door hatchback Scion iM communicates the engaging driving experience that’s ahead. It impresses with a hexagon lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and sporty body aero kit side bezels. Under the hood is a 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with Valvematic continuously variable valve timing technology. The lengthy list of standard amenities includes the 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit with standard HD Radio and Aha™, rear-view backup camera, Scion’s first 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display and dual-zone automatic A/C control. The iM’s versatility extends to its ability to stretch out trips to the gas station with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 37 mpg highway.

The Scion iA sedan adds some sophisticated touches for millennials looking for practicality and style. Just look at the piano black bumper treatment, chrome grille surround and the spacious trunk. Power comes from quick-revving, high-compression 1.5-liter engine with 106 horsepower. Like its sibling, the Scion iA takes Scion’s famous mono-spec strategy to new levels with a keyless entry with push-button start, low-speed Pre-collision system, rear-view backup camera and 7-inch touch screen multimedia system with voice recognition. Its premium features, aggressive styling and fuel-sipping EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg highway make the iA an incredible value in its class.

Whichever buyers chose, with Scion’s no hassle, no haggle Pure Price, the same price posted in the dealership is the price customers pay.

NEW YORK - Toyota unveils new RAV4 Hybrid, will this over take the Outlander PHEV ?

• Toyota unveils the first RAV4 Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show
• Full hybrid system features 2.5-litre petrol engine, with electronic all-wheel drive provided by additional electric motor powering the rear axle
• Introduction of hybrid coincides with reveal of new RAV4 with revised styling, improved interior quality and provision of advanced technology features
• Significant safety upgrade with addition of Toyota Safety Sense package
• New RAV4 to be launched from December with hybrid model joining the UK and European line-up from early 2016

Toyota wrought a decisive change in the motoring landscape 20 years ago with the launch of the original RAV4, a new kind of recreational vehicle that pioneered today’s valuable and highly popular compact SUV market. Today it has opened a new chapter in RAV4’s enduring success story with the unveiling of the first RAV4 Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show.

The new RAV4 Hybrid AWD represents the next dimension in Toyota’s application of full hybrid technology. Its smooth and efficient powertrain combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, with an additional motor powering the rear axle to deliver electronic all-wheel drive.

The AWD capability provides greater safety and stability when negotiating low-grip surfaces, It also provides a towing capacity of 1,650kg, with Toyota’s Trailer Sway Control system providing added security and peace of mind.

The unveiling of the hybrid coincides with the announcement of the new RAV4 range which features new exterior styling, improved cabin quality and further deployment of advanced technology and safety features.

RAV4’s new frontal design generates a stronger road presence and includes full LED headlights for the first time. To the side, there is a new rocker panel that creates a more flowing look, and at the rear the combination lamps and bumper have been reworked, adding yet more emphasis to the car’s road stance.

The sensory quality of the cabin has been raised significantly with the adoption of new combination meters, a full colour TFT screen and soft-touch materials.

New technology features include Toyota’s 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, which gives the driver sight of obstacles that would remain hidden in blind spots when using conventional front and rear cameras, making for safer and easier manoeuvring.

RAV4’s safety specification is significantly improved with the addition of the new Toyota Safety Sense suite of features. In addition to the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist features that will also be included in the package for new Avensis and Auris this summer, RAV4 will further benefit from Adaptive Cruise Control and two significant enhancements to the basic Pre-Collision System functions.

Firstly, the PCS will operate at an extend relative speed range – from 6 mph up to the vehicle’s maximum speed – and will be able to reduce speed through automated braking by about 24 mph. 

Secondly, the system will be able to detect potential collisions with pedestrians, in the event of which automated braking will operate at relative speeds between 6 mph and 50 mph and be able to reduce vehicle speed by about 19 mph.

New RAV4 will go on sale in December, with the RAV4 Hybrid AWD model arriving in the UK and Europe early in 2016. UK specifications and further details will be announced nearer on the on-sale date.