2010 Toyota RAV-4 Introduces New Features and Sport Appearance Package for 4-Cylinder Models

Continuing the announcements on its revised U.S. market lineup, Toyota has released details on the 2010 model year RAV-4. Changes include the addition of the backup monitor system with rear-view camera and monitor integrated into the electrochromic mirror to the Base model while the Sport grade now offers a new optional JBL audio system with steering wheel audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.

Moreover, Toyota is expanding the availability of the Sport Appearance package that was initially introduced for the 2009 4x4 269HP 3.5-liter V6 models, on the Sport grade 4x2 and 4x4 versions equipped with the 179HP 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in early 2010. Other external cues include

On the outside, the Sport Appearance Package adds a specific rear door design featuring chrome accents and no spare tire (run-flat tires come as standard), color-keyed power, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a stainless steel exhaust tip and special badging while retaining the Sport grade's 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Sport Appearance Package upgrades the RAV-4's cabin with a chrome accented shift knob with a leather insert, chrome interior door handles, parking brake and vent trim, and specific doorsills.

*All photos depict the 2009 Toyota RAV-4 V6 Sport Grade with the Sport Appearance Package

Toyota Announces Minor Changes for 2010 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, Highlander and Tacoma

Along with the 2010 FJ Cruiser that gains a more powerful V6 engine, Toyota has also announced minor upgrades for its 2010MY Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact hatch, Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV and the Tacoma pickup truck. With the exception of the Highlander that's expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in September, the rest of the 2010 model year range will go on sale across the States in early August.

Beginning with the RAV4, the 2010 model receives minor styling enhancements that include chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4 with prices ranging from $21,500 for the base four-cylinder 2WD model to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon gets rear-passenger auto up/down windows and a new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, which translates to an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent over the 2009 model year.

For 2010, the Yaris receives standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) that add $150 to the model's prices that range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.

The only updates for the 2010 Highlander concern an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder model. The MSRP for the gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which gets a stainless-steel exhaust tip that increases the price by $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

As for the Tacoma pick-up truck, the 2010MY brings an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality and, well that's about it. Prices carry over unchanged from the 2009MY ranging from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers should note that all MSRPs mentioned above do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks.

* Tacoma Aside, All other Vehicles Shown in the Photos are 2009MY

BMW X1 Priced 7 to 11 Percent Lower than X3 and Relatively Close to VW Tiguan in Germany

As well as publishing the official photos and specs of the X1, BMW has also confirmed pricing on its new compact SUV for many European markets. In Germany, the entry-level, rear-wheel drive X1 sDrive18i petrol model will go on sale in Europe from the beginning of 2010 with a starting price of €27,200. The range topping, all-wheel drive xDrive28i with its 258HP straight six gasoline engine is priced from €41,500 or 7.3 percent (€3,400) less than the 272HP X3 xDrive30i.

Since the X3 is not offered with the option of rear wheel drive, we can only compare the xDrive variants of the two vehicles. Both the xDrive18d and 20d are priced around 10 percent lower than the respective X3 models.

But how does the X1 compare price-wise with other compact SUVs in Germany? As we said before, the base X1 RWD sDrive18i, which should logically come with a 143HP 2.0-liter petrol, costs €27,200.

In comparison, the entry-level, front-wheel drive VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI 140HP is priced at €26,050 while the basic Toyota RAV4 that is moved by a 2.0-liter with 158HP, costs €23,200.

The base all-wheel drive diesel version of the X1, the 143HP xDrive18d that should be one of most popular versions in Europe, begins from €31,550. That's compared to the VW Tiguan 140HP TDI 4Motion's starting price of €29,600 and the Toyota RAV4 150HP 2.2-liter D-4D's €27,300.

Price Comparison X1 vs X3 in Germany

BMW X1 sDrive18i €27,200 -

BMW X1 sDrive18d €29,550 -

BMW X1 xDrive18d €31,550 - BMW X3 xDrive18d €35,550 (+ €4,000)

BMW X1 sDrive20d €32,400 -

BMW X1 xDrive20d €34,400 - BMW X3 xDrive20d €38,300 (+ €3,900)

BMW X1 xDrive23d €38,800 -

BMW X1 xDrive28i 258HP €41,500 - BMW X3 xDrive30i 272HP €44,900 (+ €3,400)

2009 Toyota RAV-4 with new 179HP 2.5L Engine

Toyota has announced pricing on the 2009 M.Y. RAV-4 that features minor styling changes along with a new 2.5-liter engine that replaces the previous 2.4-liter unit. Set to arrive at Toyota dealerships in early September, the average MSRP for the RAV4 will increase by $224, or 0.9 percent with prices ranging from $21,500 for the Base grade front-wheel-drive with a 4-cylinder engine to $27,810 for the Limited grade four-wheel-drive with a V6 engine.

The new 2.5L unit that produces 179 HP at 6,000 RPM, along with 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM (versus 166 HP and 165 lb.-ft. respectively of the previous 2.4L), is matted to a new 4-speed automatic transmission. According to Toyota, fuel efficiency is improved over the 2008 RAV-4 2.4L with EPA mpg estimates of 22 city/28 highway on 4x2 models and 21 city/27 highway on 4x4 models. The top-of-the-line 269 HP 3.5-liter V6 remains unchanged. -Continued

For the 2009 M.Y., the RAV-4 has been refreshed with a revised grille and front bumper, new fog light trims and redesigned tail lamps. Additionally, all models, except the 4WD V6 with the new Sport Appearance Package, include a redesigned rear step bumper with a black protector molding while the Sport Appearance Package receives a clear rear bumper protector. The Base and Limited grades feature new 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and the Limited also adds overfenders, new color-keyed power heated turn signal side mirrors and a unique grille design with chrome accents. The Sport grade adds a unique redesigned rear spoiler.

In terms of equipment, all 2009 models get standard front seat active headrests and an engine immobilizer. Additionally, the Limited grade adds a new standard Smart Entry system while the Sport and Limited grades offer an available integrated backup camera linked to an electrochromic mirror. Integrated XM satellite radio is a new feature for 2009, while the Sport and Limited grades also offer a new low-cost navigation system.

Toyota Launches Sporty RAV4 SR180 for the UK Market

The new RAV4 SR180 is the latest addition in Toyota’s compact SUV range. Powered exclusively by the company’s 2.2-liter D-4D turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 177 Hp and 400Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the RAV4 SR180 can sprint from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in a totally respectable 9.3 sec while achieving an average fuel consumption in the EU combined cycle of 40.4mpg which translates to 33.7mpg US. -Continued

On the outside the SR180 is distinguished by the dark-tinted headlamps and its new 18-inch alloys wrapped in run-flat tires that are housed in extended wheelarches. In the UK, the new RAV4 SR180 has an on-the-road price of £23,045 with the list of standard features including Integrated Active Drive, which combines Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill Start Assist, Bluetooth connectivity, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, front fog lamps, six-speaker sound system with six-CD autochanger, cruise control, electric sunroof and rear parking sensors.

Toyota RAV4 & BMW X5 Chinese Clones Go On Sale in Germany

Nearly a year after China Automobile Deutschland made its European debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Munich-based importer announced today that it has began sales of its SCEO and UFO SUVs at 80 dealerships across Germany. Both models have caused quite a stir in Europe as the Mitsubishi Pajero based Shuanghuan SCEO’s appearance resembles the first generation BMW X5 while the UFO DR is essentially a clone of the previous Toyota RAV4.

The X5-inspired SCEO that’s equipped with a 125Hp 2.4-liter petrol engine goes on sale in Germany with a base price of €25,900 or about $40,700 (including 19% tax). That’s a far cry from the inexpensive cars that we were all expecting from China. For example, a 152Hp 2.0-liter base Toyota RAV4 will set you back €26,600 in Germany. What would you buy?

On the other hand, the UFO is priced significantly lower at €15,990 or $25,000. The Chinese RAV4 clone is offered in Germany with two petrol units, a 129Hp 2.0-liter and a 136Hp 2.4-liter engine. Not that we'd ever be tempted to buy a clone, but at €16k, the UFO doesn't seem out of this world, does it...