Toyota RAV4 Spied Again, This Time on ARAI Test

SUVs have been one of the best performing categories in the Indian auto market over the last few years, with automakers focusing on introducing new SUVs in the market. Toyota, a brand known for making well-liked sedans like the Corolla and the Camry, now gets the majority of its sales in India from the Fortuner and the Innova Crysta. Now, the Japanese automaker is planning to launch its global best-seller, the RAV4, in the Indian market. Recently, a test mule of the RAV4 sans camouflage was spotted on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Highway near Navsari, Gujarat, by Chirag Khatri.

Mr Chirag managed to click the rear-end of the Toyota RAV4 test mule, looking identical to the model sold in overseas markets with the RAV4 badge clearly visible. The spotter also mentioned that the SUV was on test with the ARAI. Going by these pictures, we can assume that the Toyota RAV4 is being readied for an imminent launch. The RAV4 will go on sale under the new import rule that allows an automaker to sell a total of 2,500 units annually without any homologation needed. A similar route is being followed by the VW group for its T-Roc and Karoq SUVs.

The Toyota RAV4 will likely be introduced in the Indian market with just one trim option, being powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will use a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine which will be coupled to an electric motor, making a combined output of 222 PS in the FWD variants. The AWD variants will make a slightly higher peak output of 225 PS while transmission duties will be taken care of by a CVT automatic.

Coming to the Toyota RAV4’s dimensions, it measures 4,600 mm long, 1,686 mm tall, and 1,855 mm wide. In the international markets, the RAV4 comes loaded to the gills with features which are likely to stay the same on the India-spec model. The expected launch date is around mid-2021, with prices to be near the Rs 60 lakh mark, ex-showroom. It will compete with the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, and the Land Rover Discovery Sport upon launch.