Spy shots first published...
Spy shots first published by Auto Express in Issue 827 revealed the look of the car, but this is the first time the Japanese firm has publicly revealed its face. The car - badged the Future Truck Concept - was unveiled at this week"s Tokyo commercial vehicle motor show.
Our pictures from the exhibition reveal the design team has opted for a sharper, more dynamic look than the current model. Aiming to knock Land Rover"s Freelander from the top spot in the off-road sales charts, the car"s overall dimensions aren"t expected
to change significantly. However, our souces say it will be slightly longer and wider than the current model.
From behind the wheel, the next RAV4 will retain its mix of on and off-road handling, but drivers can expect a smoother tarmac ride and less body roll. Power will be channelled to all four wheels via an upgraded version of the existing 4x4 system, but the engine range is likely to be freshened up. Cus-tomers will be able to choose from
the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol powerplant as well as a new oil-burner, using Toyota"s Clean Power unit seen at the recent Paris Motor Show.
The cabin of the Truck Concept is a futuristic mix of brushed aluminium and expensive plastics, and more of a styling exercise than any practical guide to production interiors. One interesting feature is a rear-bumper mount-ed ramp, to aid access to the flatbed for loads such as motorbikes.
Due on sale in spring 2006, the RAV4 will be one of Toyota"s most significant new models of the decade. But it"s the hybrid technology set to appear in 2010 that the firm is focusing on.
The pick-up seen here is fitted with a 4.3-litre V8 powerplant as well as a high-output electric motor. Developing in excess of 350bhp, the car delivers strong performance while producing 40 per cent less CO2 emissions and 30-40 per cent better fuel economy than a standard model.
This powerplant will be too large for the RAV4, but the Concept also points the way to future versions of the Land Cruiser and the Land Cruiser Amazon, which are more likely to get the technology. Although it will be several years before these are replaced, early design sketches are underway, and stylists will gauge reaction to their ideas at future motor shows.