The UK 2009 Toyota RAV4 gets to be a little bit less harmful to the world, as new fuel-saving Optimal Drive technology helps reduce carbon emissions by up to 16%. The current 2.2L D-4D diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission will be revised, starting with a power boost of 10%. The boost accounts for power rating changes from 134 hp/229 lb-ft to 148 hp/251 lb-ft. Carbon output goes from 0.61 lb/mi to 0.55 lb/mi for an 11% reduction. Fuel economy has improved as well, moving from a mixed rating of 35.6 mpg to a more substantial 40.6 mpg.
For the first time, an automatic transmission will be offered with the 2.2L D-4D. This combination will achieve a mixed fuel economy of 32.6 mpg with a carbon emissions output of 0.67 lb/mi.
For those not into oil burners, Toyota is introducing a new 2.0L Valvematic engine with 156 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. While the fuel economy, rated at 31.4 mpg, is not as great as in the diesel, it is still an upgrade over the previous-generation 2.0L VVT-i engine (150 hp/143 lb-ft, 26.1 mpg). Carbon emissions will be cut from 0.75 lb/mi to 0.63 lb/mi. The transmission of choice for the 2.0L Valvematic is Toyota's Multidrive S CVT.
A front-drive RAV4 will be available exclusively in the XT-R trim, equipped with the 2.0L Valvematic engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This option gets a mixed fuel economy of 31.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 0.62 lb/mi.
In addition to the more efficient powertrain offerings, the 2009 RAV4 also receives a redesigned front bumper, front grille, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, new taillights, foglights, and 17-in. wheels. All models now come with standard Bluetooth and climate control. Pricing for the UK RAV4 starts at just under $30,000.
Source: Newspress UK