Facelifted Toyota RAV4 unveiled

Toyota has revealed the new facelifted RAV4 SUV at the New York Motor Show. The new RAV4 will launch in the international markets in December; it gets revised styling, greater interior quality and a host of new technology.

The facelifted car gets a new front-end design that includes full LED headlights for the first time, a revamped, higher-quality interior with soft-touch materials, and an LCD colour screen. Along with an enhanced version of Toyota's Pre-Collision System, its Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert, and Road Sign Assist safety features, included on the new Avensis and Auris, have also been carried over into the RAV4. Toyota’s 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, which displays obstacles in the driver's blindspots on the infotainment screen, have been featured in the facelifted RAV4.

The Japanese carmaker has also revealed that a hybrid version will be a part of the RAV4 model's range soon. The hybrid version will be powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. It will have a towing capacity of 1,650kg and an electric all-wheel-drive system that uses the electric motor to power the rear axle.

The RAV4 is set to rival the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga globally, however, it is the first of the lot to offer a hybrid model in its range.