Japanese automaker, Toyota is rumoured to launch the new RAV4 mid-sized SUV in the Indian market in mid-2021. Limited numbers of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid SUVs will be imported to India. The move will help Toyota to increase its SUV range and promote its hybrid drive technology.
The fifth-generation RAV4 is based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which also underpins the Prius and the Camry. The Toyota RAV4 SUV will directly rival the upcoming Citroen C5 Aircross and the Honda CR-V. In terms of proportions, the new RAV4 SUV is 4,600mm long, 1,85mm wide and 1,685mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,690mm. This is similar to that of the Honda CR-V (4,592 x 1,855mm x 1,679mm) on sale in India.
The Toyota RAV4 in India will be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. It is likely to receive the 218bhp version of the 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a strong hybrid system. There is a motor/generator mounted on the rear axle, which allows the hybrid powertrain to drive power to all-4 wheels. It offers up to 80% of the torque to the rear wheels.
In the international markets, the Toyota RAV4 is available in multiple engine options – a 2.0L, 4-cylinder petrol, a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol and a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid. The report claims that Toyota will most likely to import the RAV4 under the government’s policy of allowing importing up to 2,500 cars without local homologation. This helps in reducing the time and cost to bring a new product to showrooms. Likely to be launched by mid-2021, the new RAV4 is expected to be priced around Rs 60 lakh.
In India, Toyota is gearing up for the launch of the much-awaited Urban Cruiser compact SUV. It is basically the re-badged version of the Maruti Vitara Brezza. Adding to it, Suzuki and Toyota are jointly developing an all-new MPV and a new mid-sized SUV on the front-wheel-drive monocoque platform.
Source – AutoCarIndia
