New Design grade broadens the appeal of the latest Toyota RAV4 PHEV
If you want to keep up in the business of leasing and selling cars you need to be quick on your toes. Case in point being the new Toyota RAV4 Plug in hybrid. It was only revealed back in January, and the first models weren't even delivered until April, yet it's already been given a tweak with a brand-new ‘Design' specification level added to the list.
Increasing customer choice in its flagship RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid range is obviously a good idea as far as Toyota is concerned. That's worth bearing in mind if you're looking for a new lease car.
The RAV4 is one of the world's most popular SUVs with more than 10 million having been produced, and the plug-in hybrid is the most powerful version in Toyota's impressive arsenal. It offers a maximum power output of 302bhp from its 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid system, while still delivering class-leading performance in terms of zero emission driving range, CO2 emissions (22g/km) and fuel efficiency (282mpg).
Despite being a hybrid the Toyota RAV4 thinks like an electric vehicle.
Running on electricity is its default mode, and it can cover up to 46 miles in urban driving on a full battery charge, which is comfortably more than the average daily commute. It can even reach speeds of up to 84mph without any interference from the hybrid powertrain. Battery charging is simple and safe and can be accomplished in 2.5 hours using a 230V/32A connection.
When extra engine power is needed, the 2.5-litre engine kicks in to ensure efficiency remains class-leading. When the limit of EV driving range is reached, the RAV4 Plug-in automatically switches to its hybrid mode. The choice of driving modes means you can use hybrid mode to start a journey, then switch to EV mode to maximise efficiency when you reach the built-up areas. In Auto EV/HV mode, the hybrid system will automatically come into play when extra power is needed, for example under sharp, sudden acceleration, then returning to EV mode immediately afterwards.
Strong list of standard features on the RAV4 PHEV
Now taking its new place as the entry-level model in the RAV4 line-up, the new Design trim boasts a host of advanced technology features for safety, multimedia connectivity, comfort, and style.
The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system includes a nine-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, satellite navigation and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The dual-zone air conditioning system has a remote operation function, so the cabin can be warmed or cooled in advance of a journey, and both the front and outer rear seats have integrated heaters so you're not lacking comfort no matter what the weather.
Other standard features include power driver's seat adjustment, a reversing camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, smart entry and push-button start and auto-folding door mirrors with integrated puddle lights. Automatic LED dual-beam projector headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, power tailgate and front and rear parking sensors are also provided as standard, together with a full complement of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems, plus a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto braking.
That's quite a comprehensive list of features for an entry-level model.
Clearly Toyota has decided to get as many people as possible into its most efficient cars, and better specification and more range choice is the route it's following. All of which is excellent news when it comes to arranging your next lease car. In which case, have a look at what's on offer here .
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