In the press release which announces the debut of the new RAV4, Toyota claims to be proud of the fact it created the compact SUV market with the launch of the original RAV4 back in 1994.
Except it didn't, not really. Suzuki has been building small SUVs since the 1960s and the godawful Vauxhall Frontera was eating its diffs and belching out black smoke when the RAV4 was still a glint in Toyota's eye.
Anyway, leaving Toyota's dubious innovation claims aside for a moment, a new RAV4 has just been unveiled at the Los Angeles Moor Show and Toyota claims that the new model is more luxurious, stronger and more rewarding to drive than ever before.
A cursory glance at the new RAV4 reveals styling which is heavily influenced by the new Auris; it's more angular and muscular than the old model, featuring a lower front grille, new headlamp units and a more pronounced belt-line.
On the inside, Toyota claims that the new RAV4 features higher quality plastics, more leather and a lower, sportier driving position. The new car is also substantially more spacious than its predecessor, boasting a 547-litre boot and improved rear legroom.
Safety has also been a priority for Toyota's designers, and the new RAV4 comes with seven airbags, an optional Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Departure Alert.
UK buyers will have a choice of three new engines: a 149bhp 2.0-litre petrol and two 2.0-litre diesels producing either 122bhp or 148bhp. The most frugal of these engines, the less powerful oil-burner, emits just 127g/km of CO2, which Toyota claims makes it a class-leader.
Toyota has yet to release any details on the prices for the new RAV4, but expect it cost from around £22,000 when it goes on sale in early 2013.
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