Toyota's RAV4 Soft Top Offers Convertible Style, SUV Flexibility
7 November 1997
Toyota's RAV4 Soft Top Offers Convertible Style, SUV Flexibility
MIAMI, Nov. 7 -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS),
today introduced the all-new RAV4 Soft Top at the Miami Auto Show. The RAV4
Soft Top is based on the two-door RAV4 and features a combination front hard
top/rear convertible soft top. Soft Top models will reach Toyota dealerships
in February 1998.
"The RAV4 Soft Top offers the open-air freedom and excitement of a
convertible, combined with the RAV4's unique SUV flexibility," said Alan
De Carr, TMS vice president, sales team. "The new RAV4 Soft Top fits right in
with our philosophy of limitless adventure, and we are certain that the new
RAV4 will capture the attention of the young and the `young at heart.'"
Building the best soft top small SUV starts with the best small SUV.
Toyota's RAV4 is the leader in compact SUVs with more standard features than
any other vehicle in its class. Separating it from the rest of the pack are
independent four-wheel suspension, unibody construction, easy ingress/egress,
high ground clearance and a high level of overall refinement -- backed by
Toyota's rock-solid reputation for quality. Toyota's newest entry in the SUV
market is an exciting concept, with an affordable price tag, designed
specifically for convenience and ease of use.
The RAV4 Soft Top is built entirely on the assembly line at Toyota's
Motomachi plant in Toyota City, Japan. Structural braces in the rocker panels
and rear fenders are added to the body of the vehicle for extra support and
rigidity.
The factory-installed top is designed specifically for this application
and provides an airtight, weatherproof seal from the elements. Toyota
engineers placed special importance in designing a top that would not only
protect from inclement weather but also from noise. The top acts as a dynamic
shield to reduce large amounts of noise, vibration and harshness, and
consequently the RAV4 offers a quieter cabin than any other soft top vehicle
in its class.
The U.S.-made soft top is constructed of double-layered, vinyl-coated
polyester with a two-ply substrate and features durable, lightweight plastic
windows. The heavy-duty top is reinforced at all key stress points and is
also kink and wrinkle resistant. In the event of inclement weather, the top
offers a water management system that funnels moisture away from the cabin.
The Soft Top utilizes a manually operated roof with three removable
windows. To lower the top, simply unzip the heavy-duty vinyl, remove the
windows and two quick release latches. From there, the top easily folds down
for open-air driving. The retractable soft top does not invade into cabin or
cargo space and maintains hardtop cabin dimensions.
All Soft Top models come with a standard removable sunroof. The pop-up
sunroof can easily be removed from the hard top portion of the roof and can be
conveniently stored in a thoughtfully designed holder, located in the rear
door.
Like all 1998 RAV4 models, the Soft Top benefits from a new grille and
front fascia design that emphasize its rugged and aggressive style. Quad
multi-reflector headlamps and a redesigned rear combination lamp configuration
give the RAV4 added prominence. All-new standard 16-inch steel wheel
treatments provide the right finishing touches to the RAV4's rugged good
looks.
The RAV4 Soft Top is powered by an improved 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam,
four-cylinder engine that's quieter and more powerful. Horsepower is now
rated at 127 at 5,400 rpm, while torque is 132 lb./ft. at 4,600 rpm
(California Emissions: 125 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 130 lb./ft. of torque
at 4,600 rpm).
Much of RAV4's success can be attributed to its engineering and design.
RAV4 combines passenger-car elements with the features of a light-duty
off-highway vehicle. Ease of entry and exit, a light, secure feel to the
steering and brakes and excellent handling are as important to Toyota
engineers as a high driving position, off-road ability and plenty of interior
space -- all hallmarks of the RAV4.
The RAV4 Soft Top is available with a five-speed manual transmission as
standard equipment, or with an optional four-speed electronically controlled
automatic. Both transmissions include transmission coolers; an air-cooled
system supplements the five-speed manual while a water-cooled system
accompanies the four-speed automatic.
The RAV4's sophisticated full-time four-wheel drive system is the ultimate
in light off-road performance. Models equipped with a five-speed manual
transmission also feature a center differential lock for improved four-wheel
drive performance in adverse conditions. Four-wheel independent suspension
with a front stabilizer bar keeps the ride smooth while power assisted
rack-and-pinion steering offers optimum road handling and control.
The RAV4 makes safety a priority and features enhanced seatbelt
pretensioners and force-limiters. Pretensioners reduce seatbelt slack at
impact while force-limiters allow the belt to "give" a certain amount after
impact to reduce the risk of shock to the body. This technology is enhanced
by a dual front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS), which meets the
latest federal safety standards. Additional safety equipment includes side-
door impact beams, three-point seat belts in all outboard positions, and
automatic locking retractors on all seat belts except the driver's.
The RAV4 Soft Top's well-thought-out interior is both attractive and easy
to use. A user-friendly instrument cluster incorporates a digital odometer
and dual-trip meter for easy reference, while dual cup holders are integrated
into the lower instrument panel.
The RAV4 Soft Top makes good use of its available interior space and can
seat up to four passengers. Passengers in the front seat can enjoy
39.5 inches of legroom, while those in the rear seat have 33.9 inches. All
RAV4 Soft Top models include 50/50 split rear seats. The reclining back rests
can be folded forward or backward, or the entire seat can be folded forward,
leaving 34.7 cubic feet of storage space. Storage space with the seats
upright is 9.3 cubic feet. Removing the front seat headrests and folding both
the front and rear seat backs down converts the seats into a bed, adding
another dimension to RAV4's versatility.
Thanks to an all-new audio lineup, including revised faceplate designs and
upgraded deluxe radio features, the RAV4 Soft Top's cabin is even more
welcoming. It also comes equipped with front fabric bucket seats, rear fabric
reclining split bench seats, full cut-pile carpeting with driver's side
footrest, full door trim with a cloth insert, dual door pockets and
intermittent front wipers. Optional equipment includes air conditioning, tilt
wheel and cruise control.
A bright and aggressive exterior paint color selection complements the
RAV4's youthful look, all complemented by gray interiors with bright-patterned
fabric trim.
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 components for
60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota
dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.
SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.