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2009 Toyota RAV4 sneak preview

Toyota's popular compact SUV is scheduled for a facelift and our Toyota insider has given us a sneak peak of what we should expect from the new model.


New updated models of the new RAV4 are currently being built with the Australian release expected in late September.

Changes are aplenty. As per current model RAV4s an airbag package including front side and curtain airbags is available as an option on 4-cylinder CV grade, and is standard on all other models.

The new additions mean the option pack now includes driver’s knee airbag and front dual zone climate control air conditioning.

Toyota has dropped the moonroof as an option on 4-cylinder Cruiser grade, but it's now standard on Cruiser L, SX6, and ZR6 variants. Three new exterior colours are also available. Graphite, Liquid Bronze (new to the Toyota range) and Sandstone. The three will replace Storm Grey, Dune and Mist Green.

For the facelift Toyota has updated pretty much everything, although from the photos above, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what has changed. Our source says there has been revisions to the front bumper, headlamps, exterior mirrors, rear bumper, radiator grille, front fog lamps, rear combination lamps as well a range of new alloy wheels.

The headlamps now make use of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as the light source for each of the tail and stop lamps, meanwhile side turn signal lamps have been fitted to the exterior mirrors (moved from the front fenders)

The overall length of the car has increased slightly to 4625mm while kerb weight has also gone up slightly. The interior also receives a new dark silver brushed metallic finish.

A new scuff plate for the upper side of the rear bumper has also been added to prevent scratches.

New wheels for the updated RAV4.

Safety has also been improved with VSC (vehicle stability control), Toyota's version of ESC, now standard across the entire RAV4 range. Another standard feature is Hill-start assist control. Downhill assist control is also available on all automatic four-cylinder and all V6 models.

Power from the 2.4-litre four-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine now rates at 125kW and 224Nm of torque. The V6 manages 201 killer-wasps and 333Nm of torque.

Official information from Toyota Australia is expected within the next few weeks.

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