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| RAV-4 2-DOOR |
Following its success in Japan and Europe, RAV4 enters the U.S. market in early 1996. By combining passenger-car elements with the features of a light, off-road vehicle, Toyota's RAV4 is a new-concept sport utility vehicle.
Powertrain
The 1996 RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD) features two- and four-door configurations, unibody construction, independent suspension on all four wheels and full-time four-wheel drive. Its wide stance, short front and rear overhang and high ground clearance allows for great stability, maneuverability and utility.
Powering RAV4 is a stout 2.0-liter, four-cylinder 16-valve twin-cam engine that produces 120 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 125 lb./ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. Its sophisticated engine technology gives RAV4 spirited performance characteristics similar to sporty coupes and sedans.
In order to reduce engine noise and weight, RAV4 features engine mounts unique to vehicles in its class. The front and rear mounts utilize a small aluminum outer ring for a decrease in weight, while the right mount is liquid filled and incorporates a rigid engine bracket to lessen noise. The engine also is positioned in a slanted low profile allowing for RAV4's short overhang.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on two- and four-door configurations. A four-speed electronically controlled (ECT) automatic transmission is available on the four-door model.
Five-speed manual models offer a standard locking center differential. An optional Torsen-type torque sensing limited slip rear differential (LSD) is available on all models. Compared to the current style multi-plate LSD used by several manufacturers, the torsen-type LSD creates a higher bias for greater LSD effectiveness. RAV4's LSD will either transfer power to the wheel with the most traction or will split the power between both wheels equally.
RAV4 uses MacPherson strut type front suspension with an L-shaped lower arm which also functions as a strut bar. The gas shock absorbers utilize a two-stage low velocity valve which improves both riding comfort and control. In order to increase performance and stability during corning, ball joints are placed at the stabilizer bar/link connection as well as at the lower arm and stabilizer link.
Double wishbone coil springs with trailing arms and low pressure gas charged shocks are used in the rear suspension and provide for excellent driving stability and ride comfort.
Steering feel and response are heightened through RAV4's rack and pinion power-assisted steering. Steering wheel vibrations are controlled by adapting a dowel rubber coupling to the steering shaft, while gear box rigidity is increased and gear ratio and valve characteristics are optimized for superior handling.
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) are optional on all RAV4 models. The ABS has a deceleration sensor which can measure vehicle lateral and longitudinal G-forces balancing both brake control and steering. Standard on all RAV4 models are front ventilated disc brakes and rear nine-inch drums.
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RAV-4 4-DOOR |
Design
Contributing to this new-concept SUV's versatility in either light off-road or urban driving in various weather conditions is its high ground clearance of 7.7-inches on the two-door and 7.5-inches for the four-door model, and its front and rear tread width of 57.5 and 57.7-inches respectively.
Anti-corrosion and high-tensile steel is used in key areas of the RAV4 to improve resistance to rust and dents. A soft-chip primer has been applied to the edge of the hood and front end panels to help prevent paint damage due to chipping, and body rust protection is applied to hemming areas.
In addition, RAV4's use of large body-side cladding helps to protect body panels from chipping as well as creating a sporty two-tone look. The cladding, as well as the front bumper and rear corner piece are constructed of high-strength, Toyota Super Olefin Polymer.
RAV4 uses a single-piece flush-mounted windshield molding which creates a smooth sleek look. A single piece molding with a built-in rain gutter in the A-pillars helps keep accumulated water from dripping onto the windshield and washer fluid from splashing on to the side windows.
In addition to its modern, aerodynamic design, RAV4 offers several unique exterior features. The two-door model's blacked-out roof sections divided by a "roll-bar" like color keyed center pillar were designed to create both a sporty image and an open-cabin feel. Rounded front bumpers on all models showcase a front grille that is integrated into the hood, while the back door glass is built into the frame accenting RAV4's wide stance. The back door handle is integrated into the left rear light and reflectors are integrated into the rear bumper for a clean, uncluttered look. Also, a built-in bracket attachment for a roof rack is standard.
The RAV4 is spacious, offering 40.4- and 30.1-inches of front and rear leg room respectively, in both two- and four-door configurations. Its anterior roominess provides for easy ingress and egress, while supplying ample storage space, especially in the four-door model which offers seating for five passengers. Both models feature split folding and reclining rear seats that further enhance the vehicles' versatility in terms of carrying both passengers and cargo. The four-door RAV4 is 16.1-inches longer than the two-door version due to an increased wheelbase, and has a cargo capacity of 26.8-cubic feet.
Features
Six, contemporary sporty colors have been chosen for RAV4: Purple Storm, Confetti Blue Metallic, Sequoia Green Metallic, Prussian Red Pearl (four-door only), Bright Red (two-door only), and White. In addition, RAV4 offers all-new interior fabrics and designs with distinctive patterns for each body style.
RAV4 offers numerous safety features including standard driver- and passenger-side SRS airbags, three-point seatbelts in all outboard positions, adjustable front seatbelt anchors (four-door only), side-door impact beams, strategically located chassis impact absorbing reinforcements, integrated center high mount stop light, and an energy absorbing urethane steering wheel. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are offered as optional equipment on the 1996 RAV4.
Standard interior RAV4 features include: front fabric bucket seats (with seatback pockets on four-door models), cut-pile carpeting, dual door pockets, cup holders, tachometer and tripmeter instrumentation, intermittent front and rear wipers, and rear window defogger.
RAV4 exterior standard equipment includes: dual black fixed outside mirrors, green tinted windshield, quarter window and door glass, flush mounted aerodynamic sealed halogen headlights, and 16-inch wheels with 215/70 R16 tires.
In addition to several appearance packages, optional equipment available on the 1996 RAV4 includes: CFC-free air conditioning, aluminum wheels, twin removable sunroofs (two-door only), cruise control and a variety of audio systems.
Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month limited warranties are available and cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.
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