The new Toyota RAV4 Plug-In HybridToyota Ireland is to introduce a new plug-in hybrid version of the new RAV4 before the end of the year.
Pricing of the new Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will be confirmed closer to launch but the brand has already informed us that they will have a limited supply of this new model arriving in Ireland towards the end of 2020 and expect the 2021 allocation to be mostly pre-sold before the end of 2020.
In 2019, the brand introduced an all-new generation of the popular RAV4 SUV. For Ireland, the new Toyota RAV4 has been sold exclusively as a self-charging hybrid. However come the end of 2020, buyers will also be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid version offering drivers more flexibility with the ability to plug-in, charge and drive on pure electric power for a claimed 64 km.
Toyota already offers a Prius Plug-in Hybrid in Ireland.
More power and super low emissions for the RAV4
The new RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid will use the same 2.5-litre petrol electric hybrid but a new, high-capacity lithium-ion battery and an enhanced boost converter to the hybrid system’s power control unit will give full system output of 306 hp. Toyota says it has the potential to deliver acceleration from rest to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds. Toyota’s pre-homologation, WLTP-standard data indicates CO2 output for this new model of less than 29g/km.
It’s built on Toyota’s GA-K platform and according to the brand there will be added dynamic benefit by locating the hybrid battery beneath the floor. It is also equipped as standard with all-wheel drive. There will be four driving modes and the driver can switch from hybrid to pure EV driving. Speeds up to 135 km/h can be reached without any intervention of the internal combustion engine, even under full acceleration.
The interior of the new RAV4 Plug-In HybridNew design features
Styling updates include dark plating for the dedicated grille mesh and frame and headlight extensions, together with a new metallic finish on the lower bumper moulding. New 18 and 19-inch wheel designs combine contrasting bright machined and grey or black finishes, while at the rear there is a metal-like finish for the garnish beneath the screen and black plating for the under-run.
In the cabin the focus is on new upholstery designs with a sporty feel, with ribbed patterns with contrast red detailing. The centre console features a nine-inch multimedia touchscreen display – the largest in any RAV4 model – for clear and easy control of the car’s entertainment, information and connectivity functions.
Some of the equipment available on the new RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid range will include 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, a 230 V power outlet in the cabin, a bi-tone exterior paint finish, power tailgate, nine-inch display audio system and the latest Toyota multimedia package with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Commenting on the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, Steve Tormey, Toyota Ireland CEO said:
“We’re delighted to offer another electrified option for customers, further cementing our leadership in the drive to a full zero emissions society. Toyota are constantly innovating and this best-in-class plug-in hybrid will be an excellent option for customers looking to further extend their electrified driving. The RAV4 is one of our most popular models and it was a runaway success in 2019, with the majority of our dealers selling out of their allocation by midyear 2019, and we are expecting a lot of customer demand for this model in 2020. The launch of the plug-in RAV4 also is a clear demonstration of our Built For A Better World brand promise, to make life better for Irish families, by contributing to cleaner environment and better air quality for all.”