Toyota enhances RAV4 value

Toyota is gunning for the number one spot in the medium SUV segment in 2014, announcing a several feature upgrades across the board for its popular RAV4.

All models in the Toyota RAV4 range are now standard with a reversing camera and an upgraded audio unit with a 6.1-inch colour screen and steering-wheel controls have also been fitted to all models.

Top-tier Cruiser variants get an advanced safety suite, consisting of reverse cross-traffic alert and lane-departure alert warning systems, which mark the first time these advanced sensors have been fitted to a Toyota.

As the second-best-selling medium SUV in Australia in 2013 with 16,983 sales for the year, an increase of 15.9 per cent, the specification bump up is part of a push from Toyota to close the gap with the Mazda CX-5, which sold 20,129 units last year.

Toyota Australia's executive director for sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said the upgrades would be rolled out rapidly, rather than waiting for a mid-life model update.

"Toyota's commitment to safety and to our customers drove us to bring these latest features to the market now, rather than waiting for a more typical upgrade timing," said Cramb.

However the upgrades do come at a cost, with prices rising by $200 on most models, and increasing by $1800 on the range-topping Toyota RAV4 Cruiser.

In addition to the new safety systems, the Cruiser also gets features previously reserved for Lexus vehicles, including an 11-speaker JBL stereo system with a DAB+ digital radio tuner. Automatically dipping high-beam headlights are also fitted to the Cruiser, as are larger 18-inch alloy wheels, up from 17s.

Engine options remain unchanged with three options, a 107kW/187Nm 2.0-litre petrol, a 132kW/233Nm 2.5-litre petrol, or 110kW/340Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.

Due to "consumer demand" Toyota has deleted four manual gearbox variants, with the CVT and conventional six-speed autos now the dominant transmission choices. Prices for the upgraded 2014 Toyota RAV4 range is as follows:

2WD petrol
GX manual $28,690 (+$200)
GXL manual $32,690 (+$200)

AWD petrol
GX auto $34,690 (+$200)
GXL auto $38,190 (+$200)
Cruiser auto $47,290 (+$1800)

AWD diesel
GX manual $35,690 (+$200)
GXL manual $39,190 (+$200)
Cruiser auto $50,790 (+$1800)

Options:
Automatic/CVT $2,500
Full-size spare (GX, GXL) $300

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