2010 Toyota RAV-4 Facelift: First Official Photo Released Ahead of Geneva Show Debut

This year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show will see Toyota lifting the wraps off the refreshed RAV-4 compact SUV. According to the Japanese automaker, for the 2010 model year, the European specification RAV-4 receives a new front-end design and a more refined interior, plus engineering tweaks to further nudge CO2 emissions downwards.

In what concerns the exterior updates, the single photo released by Toyota suggests that the automaker's designers simply copied the front fascia of the recently revised Japanese market Vanguard (a.k.a. the long-wheelbase version of the RAV-4) to the short-wheelbase European model.

The styling changes include different head lights, a new front grille with more chrome bars, reshaped front bumper with different fog lights and a restyled hood.

Toyota did not say whether or not these cosmetic tweaks will also apply on the North American spec RAV-4.

2010 TOYOTA RAV-4 FACELIFT (EURO-SPEC)

_________________________________________________________________

2009 TOYOTA RAV-4 (EURO SPEC)

___________________________________________________________________

2010 TOYOTA VANGUARD (JAPANESE-SPEC)

2011 Toyota Vanguard: Minor Facelift for JDM RAV-4 LWB SUV (sic...)

Before we tell you what's new about the JDM Vanguard, allow us to clarify that the latest generation Toyota RAV-4 is available in two wheelbase versions, with Europe and Japan getting the SWB variant and North America, the LWB model that is also sold in its home market with a different nose job under the name Vanguard.

Now to the updated Vanguard that was launched in Japan today. For 2010, the Vanguard benefits form a few minor cosmetic tweaks that include the restyled grille and front bumper, the new alloy wheel designs and fresh body trim.

Inside, Toyota added new standard features and redesigned the steering wheel together with the paddle shifters that are said to be more ergonomic.

Finally, the Japanese firm's engineers made a few changes to the Vanguard's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Toyota Announces Details on Recalled European Models, Says up to 1.8 Million Vehicles May Be Affected by Sticky Accelerator

Less than 24 hours after Toyota Motor Europe announced that it would be investigating potential accelerator pedal issues on its European models, the Japanese automaker released details on the affected vehicles. The recall involves a total of eight models. These are listed below:

-AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
-iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
-Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
-Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
-Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
-RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)

The company said that precise number of involved units is still under investigation, but may reach up to a total of 1.8 million vehicles in the Old Continent, adding that no Lexus or other Toyota models are affected by the recall to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue.

"Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances", said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it. We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances. The announced action is a preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers."

According to Toyota, there is a chance that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms on the affected models may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position

Toyota said that the issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn.

The Japanese automaker added that only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and that the company is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.

Earlier this week, Toyota suspended sales of eight vehicles in the U.S. due to the sticky accelerator problem while the firm also added another 1.1 million vehicles to last fall's recall of 4.3 million vehicles in the USA.

Toyota Suspends U.S. Sales of Eight Models Including Camry, Corolla and RAV4 to Deal with Accelerator Pedal Issues

Only a few days after announcing that it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models, the Japanese automaker said today that it will temporarily suspend sales of eight Toyota vehicles that are on the recall list in the USA. No Lexus or Scion models are included in the sales suspension. The affected Toyota models are listed below:

• 2009-2010 RAV4
  
• 2009-2010 Corolla
  
• 2009-2010 Matrix
  
• 2005-2010 Avalon
  
• Certain 2007-2010 Camry
  
• 2010 Highlander
  
• 2007-2010 Tundra
  
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
  

For the record, the Toyota models not affected by the temporary sales halt are the Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

According to the company, the new sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of around 1.7 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats.

In this latest recall, the Japanese automaker said that it has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles even without the presence of floor mats.

According to Toyota, there's a possibility that certain accelerators may, "in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position."

"Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," commented Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.

"This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."

Because of the sales halt, the company said that it will stop producing vehicles on certain production lines for the week of February 1. The affected factories are listed below:

--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)

--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)

--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)

--Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)

--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)

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

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...