The 2004 RAV4

You have seen the ‘story’ many times before: a sluggish selling product is given a mid-life makeover that amounts to little more than a new front grille and a bigger badge on the tailgate. Where the RAV4 is concerned, there is no attempt to weave a silk purse from a sow’s ear. For a start, more than 1.4 million have been built since RAV4 first broke cover in 1994 and it is firmly established as Europe’s best-selling SUV. In 2003 in the UK sales have soared by more than 18 per cent on last year’s figures, an increase that has largely been driven by the continuing success of the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel versions, available since August 2000.

Continuous improvement is a principle central to all Toyota’s activities, so rather than resting on its laurels, it has revised the RAV4 to achieve higher levels of comfort, safety and performance. As well as improving specifications across the board, it has re-tuned the suspension and steering and developed the 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine to meet Euro IV emissions standards, well ahead of their 2005 implementation. Yes, there is a new front grille and light clusters, but the improvements to the RAV4 go beyond simply making it look more stylish to create a vehicle that has greater market appeal than ever before.

• More style, safety and performance for 2004 model year RAV4, on sale in UK from 1 October
• RAV4 remains Europe’s best-selling SUV
• Worldwide production more than 1.4 million since launch
• Simplified model range with XT2, XT3 and XT4 grades replacing the previous NV, NRG, GX and VX
• Front side and SRS Curtain Shield airbags standard on all models
• First in compact 4x4 class to offer Curtain Shield airbags
• Engine options 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol and 2.0 D-4D common rail diesel
• 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine now meets Euro IV exhaust emissions standards
• XT4 versions equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Suspension fine tuned for even greater ride comfort
• Climate control air conditioning standard on XT4
• Revised front grille, front bumper, fog lights and headlamps
• New-look rear light clusters and spare wheel cover
• Cabin ambience enhanced with new dashboard finish, chrome door handles and illuminated entry system
• XT3 and XT4 feature wide body styling kit, colour-matched bumpers (selected colour shades) and new-design 16-inch alloy wheels
• Redesigned steering wheel incorporates remote audio system controls on XT3 and XT4 models
• Insurance group 10E for XT2, 11E for XT3 and 12E for XT4 models
• Prices from £15,995 on the road for three-door 2.0-litre petrol XT2

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