The 2008 RAV4: six models make the category-creating compact SUV even better

October 17, 2007 (TORONTO) The 2008 RAV4: six models make the category-creating compact SUV even better - Toyota Canada today introduced the 2008 Toyota RAV4, and the popular and fun compact SUV that invented the category is now available in six models with exciting new features.

"At Toyota Canada, we're always looking for ways to make things better for our customers, and our 2008 RAV4 model line-up is a perfect example of that," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "With six models for 2008, including a new RAV4 Sport edition, and new combinations of features for both the four-cylinder and the V6 RAV4, we've created a choice of compact SUVs to suit every taste and budget."

The Toyota RAV4 is available with either a four-cylinder or V6 powertrain, each in three trim levels.  Now, for the 2008 model year, the four-cylinder RAV4 offers a Sport model, which adds the following sporty and style-focussed features to the base model:

• Premium cloth seats;
• Privacy glass;
• 18" aluminium alloy wheels;
• A power tilt/slide moon roof with shade;
• Sport badging and a unique black headlamp surround;
• Fog lamps

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 4WD and Toyota RAV4 4WD V6 are very well equipped with numerous performance, comfort, convenience and safety features, including:

• AM/FM stereo/CD player with MP3 capability, audio auxiliary input jack, the Auto Sound Levelizer system and six speakers;
• Air conditioning with rear seat heater ducts;
• A 60/40 split fold down rear seat with remote release in the cargo area;
• Power door locks with keyless entry;
• Power windows featuring tinted glass with UV glass protection;
• A full suite of instrumentation, including Optitron electronic gauges, tachometer, outside temperature gauge, dual trip odometer and digital clock;
• Dual vanity mirrors;
• A multi-purpose cargo area net and tonneau cover;
• A silver accented interior trim featuring plenty of useful storage space, including a large capacity storage box under the rear deck, a centre console box with armrest, upper and lower glove boxes, front seat back pockets, overhead sunglass storage, cargo area tie-down rings, and door map pockets;
• Telescoping/tilting steering wheel;
• Illuminated entry and ignition key;
• Cruise control;
• Accessory power outlets and retained accessory power;
• Engine immobilizer;
• Dual exterior power remote heated mirrors;
• A stylish exterior design featuring a roof rack, front and rear splash guards, colour-matched bumpers, rear spoiler and mirrors, and a spare tire cover;
• Variable intermittent wipers with rear window intermittent wiper/washer;
• Halogen headlamps with the auto headlamp cancel system.

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 4WD V6 may be fitted with a number of available option packages.

The B Package adds performance and functionality features, such as:

• 17" aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks;
• A third-row, 50/50 split and stow away bench seat;
• An available Leather Package adds a touch of luxury to the 2008 Toyota RAV4 4WD V6, with:
• Heated driver and front passenger seats;
• Leather seat surfaces;
• Simulated leather door trim.

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD V6 includes the same standard features as the base model, plus upgrades selected with performance and sporty style in mind. These include:

• Premium cloth seats;
• Privacy glass;
• 18" aluminium alloy wheels;
• Sport badging and a unique black headlamp surround;
• Fog lamps.

The Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD V6 is available with a number of options packages to give customers flexibility in personalizing their vehicle. The B Package adds a power tilt/slide moonroof with shade, while the Leather Package upgrades the interior with a heated driver and front passenger seat, leather seat surfaces throughout, and simulated leather door trim.

At the top end of the model range, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4WD and Toyota RAV4 Limited 4WD V6 are generously appointed with comfort, convenience and style upgrades. These include:

• An in-dash six-disc CD player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls;
• Premium cloth seats;
• Power adjustable driver's seat;
• A leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
• Driver and passenger footwell lamps;
• 17" aluminium alloy wheels;
• Privacy glass;
• Top of the line exterior styling including a moulded spare tire cover and Limited badging;
• A power tilt/slide moon roof with shade;
• Fog lamps.
  

The Toyota RAV4 Limited 4WD and RAV4 Limited 4WD V6 models are available with a B Package, which adds:

• Heated driver and front passenger seats;
• Leather seat surfaces;
• Simulated leather door trim;
• Premium JBL sound system with nine speakers with Bluetooth capability (RAV4 Limited 4WD V6 only);
• Colour-matched fender flares (RAV4 Limited 4WD V6 only).

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is on sale in Canada now. The RAV4 4WD carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $29,400, with suggested prices starting at $32,730 for the RAV4 Sport 4WD and $33,295 for the RAV4 Limited 4WD. The RAV4 V6 carries a manufacturer's suggested starting price of $31,900, with suggested prices starting at $33,690 for the RAV4 Sport 4WD V6 and $35,745 for the RAV4 Limited 4WD V6.

2008 TOYOTA RAV4 - PRODUCT DETAIL

Fun in four or six cylinders
All 2008 Toyota RAV4 4WD models are fitted with a 2.4 Litre four cylinder engine featuring variable valve timing with intelligence that produces up to 166 HP @ 6,000 RPM and up to 165 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 RPM. Models with this engine are rated for 680 kg towing capacity.

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 V6 models come with a 3.5 Litre V6 engine featuring dual variable valve timing with intelligence on both the intake and exhaust cams. This engine generates up to 269 HP @ 6,200 RPM and up to 246 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 RPM. Models with this engine are rated for 1,587 kg towing capacity.

Both engines feature lightweight aluminium alloy blocks and sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection, and are enhanced with a heavy-duty battery, starter, alternator and heater, and a stainless steel exhaust system.

RAV4 4WD models are fitted with Toyota's four-speed, automatic, super electronically controlled transmission to achieve a fuel efficiency rating of 10.1L/100km city and 7.7L/100km highway. The Toyota RAV4 V6 models feature Toyota's five-speed automatic, super electronically controlled transmission to achieve a fuel efficiency rating of 11.1L/100km city and 7.7L/100km highway. Both transmissions feature overdrive, a gate-type shifter, and a transmission cooler.

Full control
All 2008 Toyota RAV4s are standard equipped with Vehicle Stability Control, which enhances cornering stability by using both throttle and brakes to correct oversteer and understeer. All RAV4s are also fitted with Traction Control as a standard feature. Together, these active safety systems enhance the vehicle's performance for a confident driving feel. All models also feature Toyota's Active Torque Control 4WD system.

V6-equipped RAV4s are further enhanced with Hill Start Assist control and Downhill Assist Control, which are particularly useful control technologies when towing heavy loads or tackling steep terrain.

Ride quality is smooth thanks to a front suspension featuring Macpherson gas struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar. This works in conjunction with a double-wishbone style rear suspension with coil springs and trailing arms. The Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD and all V6-equipped models are also equipped with a rear suspension stabilizer bar.

All RAV4 models have plenty of stopping power, delivered via power-assisted front ventilated disc brakes and rear disc brakes, and all are enhanced with Toyota's Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist technologies.

Standard tires on the 2008 RAV4 are P225/65R17 all-season radials, while sport models are standard equipped with P235/55R18 all season radials. All RAV4 models carry a full-size spare tire conveniently mounted on the rear hatch.

Comfort and safety
Inside, the 2008 RAV4 holds up to five people in two-row models, and up to seven people in those equipped with a third-row seat, or up to 73.2 cubic feet of cargo.

All RAV4 models are designed with occupant safety in mind. Standard safety systems include dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, and roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain airbags. Three-point lap and shoulder seatbelts are fitted in all passenger positions, and include adjustable "B" pillar shoulder belt anchors and pre-tensioners and force limiters for the front seating positions. Younger occupants are protected with anchor points for child-restraint seats.

Personalization
Customers may personalize their 2008 RAV4 using the Vehicle Configurator on Toyota Canada's web site (www.toyota.ca) or in any Toyota Dealership across Canada.

Peace of mind
The 2008 RAV4 is provided with Toyota's no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for three years/60,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for five years/100,000 kilometres, major emission control components are covered for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for five years with unlimited distance.

Toyota also provides 24-hour Roadside Assistance for all models. Help is just a phone call away at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Roadside emergency services include battery boost, lockout service, fuel delivery, tire change, winching, and even towing. Optional Extra Care Protection (ECP) is also available, which includes travel planning and trip interruption assistance, vehicle rental help, lubrication maintenance, and mechanical protection of 17 major mechanical component groups for up to six years/200,000 kilometres.