Supermini Yaris Coming to the States?

Toyota Reveals RAV4 to be built at New Woodstock Plant

After carrying on with minor revisions for about five years, the Toyota RAV4 has been completely retooled for the 2006 model year. The number one Japanese brand released a couple of snapshots of the upcoming RAV4 SUV yesterday, and announced that it will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in a couple of weeks.

Aside from its fresh new look, Toyota has hoarded any details regarding its mechanicals and features until the Frankfurt event, and pricing will be available closer to its availability.�

So, about all thats left to talk about is how it looks... Nyeh (sorry, thats the best I could do for the phonetic spelling of a disinterested grunt)... Toyota seems to be heading for a more streamlined, less clunky

After carrying on with minor revisions for about five years, the Toyota RAV4 has been completely retooled for the 2006 model year. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

appearance, but in so doing the new compact SUV looks decidedly less chiseled and rugged. Gone are the tacked-on wheel arches in favor of bulging fenders that appear sheared off by a giant band saw, to go along with sculpted door sills instead of funky mid-door mouldings.

The way the bulging, curved shoulders meet the rear D-pillar as they approach the taillights slightly resembles to the latest Subaru crossover, one of the more appealing aspects of the B9 Tribeca.

Toyota seems to be heading for a more streamlined, less clunky appearance, but in so doing the new compact SUV looks decidedly less chiseled and rugged than the current model (shown). (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Thankfully, Toyota hasnt attempted anything like Subarus drastic nose job to dissuade customers from returning to Toyota showrooms. Though it shares the latest two-bar grille and big bold stylized "T" logo, it forgoes the all-attitude big chrome surrounds of the latest Toyota pickups in favor of the more civilized flush-with-the-hood look of the Highlander, and its very own flush mounted bumper for a curvy modern look.

And Im guessing civilized is what Toyota will stress regarding its newfound dynamics and accommodations.

Inside the cute ute looks progressively upscale with a more stylish steering wheel featuring satin aluminum-look accents, and leather grip for the hands. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

When the marketing campaign hits, expect lots of talk about sporty dynamics without sacrificing a comfortable ride. Surely Toyota will not be afraid to recognize that small, but growing RAV4 families will appreciate more rear legroom over 30-inch approach and departure angles.

Aside from a civilized ride, expect big announcements about a new range of engines. The current base engine, a 2.4-liter four making 161-horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, is respectable and fuel efficient, so dont look for too much at the lower end. However, sources indicate that the new RAV4 is built on a larger platform, so a variety of possible V6s could be wedged under the hood, the most likely candidates being the Camrys

Its hardly a surprise that ECHO sedan sales suffered as they did after Toyota released the fashionable Scion line amongst much fanfare and an aggressive marketing campaign. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

3.0-liter unit tuned for over 200-horsepower or the same models top-level 3.3-liter mill downgraded to more pedestrian numbers.

Inside the cute ute things look progressively upscale with a more stylish steering black-faced with blue illuminated numbers. The center wheel featuring satin aluminum-look accents, leather grip for the hands and a hub that appears to be covered in material left over from a Batman suit-nice, soft suede-like rubber. In a total reversal, the gauges are black-faced with blue illuminated numbers. The center console is bordered with more of the satiny aluminum-ish material, plus slightly revised audio interface and automatic climate control buttons replacing the three standard HVAC knobs.

Worth noting here is that the European press site features pictures depicting an interior

Alongside the RAV4 will be another redesigned model, the Yaris, due to replace the ECHO Hatchback next year. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

with a navigation screen, a start-stop button (indicating some sort of keyless ignition system) and buttons for hands-free integrated phone compatibility, so we here in North America are likely to get these amenities as stand-alone options, if at all.

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