• Al-Futtaim Toyota’s 1st Hybrid Electric SUV in the UAE
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• Trend setting design, tougher looks and class-leading fuel economy 

Dubai, UAE, April 2, 2019:   In 1994 Toyota did something unprecedented in motoring by launching its first crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Toyota RAV4, revolutionizing the segment and redefining the meaning of adventure ever since. Now, almost three decades later, Toyota is redefining the rules with the all-new fifth-generation RAV4, which was launched by Al-Futtaim Toyota, pioneer of sustainable mobility in the UAE since 2008.
The 2019 RAV4 has arrived in the UAE to yet again shake up the segment. This time, as Al-Futtaim Toyota’s first-ever hybrid SUV in the Emirates. Aimed at active families that seek a balance of sportiness, practicality and environmentally-friendly journey, the 2019 RAV4 delivers in spades. 
 
Available in four grades, the 2019 RAV4 will cater to the requirements of different customers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The two-wheel drive GX grade, 4x4 GXR and the exclusive 4x4 Adventure variant, are powered by a proven 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and delivering 203hp and a substantial 243 Nm of torque.

The highlight of the lineup is indeed the VXR Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) version, which delivers 218hp and 221Nm from the 2.5-litre petrol engine, with an additional 121 Nm supplied by the electric motor for brisk progress. Complimenting these solid performance figures, the RAV4 VXR HEV returns a stellar fuel economy of 22.2 Km/L. 

“The all-new RAV4 is a perfect choice for those who like to explore, be it in the city or beyond, with its leading-edge technology and performance, it is the perfect vehicle. With an array of connectivity and infotainment features, I am confident it will replicate, and even surpass, the success of its predecessors,” said Saud Abbasi, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Toyota.

“The Hybrid Electric variant, especially, will appeal to individuals and families that are not only shopping for performance and looks, but also for an eco-friendly vehicle that reduces their carbon footprint. Naturally, the new RAV4 will also be backed by Al-Futtaim Toyota’s proven aftersales support, as well as market-leading residual values,” he added.

One of the highlights of the all-new RAV4 is its completely re-imagined exterior styling, compact and easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces. The design places an emphasis on maximizing the presence of a small SUV while maintaining high levels of finesse inside and out. There is an air of sophistication about each body panel, with the all-new polygonal motif giving it a chiseled overall appearance and perfect combination of adventure and charisma. The front end is more assertive, with a more striking profile, strong shoulders, and 19-inch alloy wheels, making for a powerful stance ready to tackle any adventure, any time.

The interior is more sophisticated than ever too with as many as 19 new features available in the all-new RAV4. A total of seven airbags including, side curtain and knee airbags are now standard across the range to ensure safety of occupants, while Multi-Terrain Select in the Adventure grade facilitates progress on less that hospitable terrain. Also new is an 8.0-inch navigation system and panoramic sunroof that’s available on the top-spec VXR HEV variant. 
 
While the new RAV4 is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, it’s longer, lower and wider than before and provides greater interior room. The shorter front and rear overhangs meanwhile ensure that it’s ready to go where the tarmac stops and the driver wants to continue exploring. 

The RAV4 Hybrid Electric model can be driven entirely on electrical ‎power with zero-fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, or by combining the power generated from both the petrol ‎engine and two electric motors, depending on the vehicle’s speed and customer’s driving behavior. ‎Its Hybrid electric batteries are continuously charged by either the petrol ‎engine or when decelerating and braking, eliminating the need to plug in a power cord, like any other conventional vehicle and ‎does not require special fuel. Also on the Hybrid model a newly developed E-Four system has been adopted to achieve both AWD driving appropriate for an SUV and high-level fuel efficiency.

Another Toyota-first in the 2019 RAV4 is the Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect. The system is standard on AWD petrol models and allows for up to 50 percent of engine torque to be sent to the rear wheels. Furthermore, depending on terrain conditions and traction, it can also distribute the power to left or right rear wheel to improve handling. The AWD can also ascertain when four-wheel grip isn’t required and can disconnect the drive from the rear wheels to conserve fuel. 

Al-Futtaim Toyota was one of the pioneers in alternate propulsion in the region when it launched Hybrid Electric Vehicles in the UAE back in 2008. Since then over 4,000 HEV vehicles have been sold in UAE resulting in approximately 340,000 fewer tons of CO2 and over 90,000 kiloliters of petrol saved. That’s roughly enough fuel for more than 600 trips to the moon and back!
 
Prices for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 start from AED 99,000 for the 2WD GX version, while the AWD GXR, ADV and VXR HEV variants retail for AED 119,900, AED 129,900 and AED 139,900 respectively.