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Would this come and sell well in Singapore? First Look: With the 2019 RAV4, Toyota gives its best-selling crossover a new rugged look http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/2019-toyota-rav4-preview-article-1.3900050 Considered the first-ever compact crossover, the Toyota RAV4 debuted in 1994. This brings up two thoughts: 1) that CUVs have been around much longer than the current sales craze indicates, and 2) how are there only four generations of RAV4 in 24 years? Well, the first-generation slogged through a 16-year cycle, but as consumer demands increased, vehicle life cycles decreased in retrospect. Which brings us to today’s world debut of the all-new 2019 RAV4. And the grandfather of the crossover segment is looking younger than ever: less cute ‘ute and more brute youth. Finally fashionable At first glance, the only indication that the new RAV4 is indeed a Toyota is its ever-familiar oval emblem. Outside of that, the crossover evokes brawn and strength—words that generally describe true body-on-frame trucks and SUVs rather than car-based, unibody crossovers. But the 2019 RAV4 is full of bold character lines, chiseled features, and a grille that looks just as annoyed to be sitting in traffic as you are. Even its fenders, which now feature squared-off black plastic cladding instead of body-colored metal look (and I can’t believe I’m saying this) appropriate and attractive. The new RAV4 will drop a trim (Platinum) but details for the full lineup are sparse. However, an XSE Hybrid model is all-new and with it comes standard two-tone exterior paint. A black roof is paired with shades of gray, white, silver, and a new blue to give the hybrid a distinctive exterior style but in an atypical hybrid way (i.e., not frumpy looking). Adventure grade models also receive the new double-color scheme but with a white roofline similar to smaller sibling CH-R. This is available only on black, blue, and a new of-the-land greenish hue called Lunar Rock. For 2019, with the Platinum trim gone, the Limited is left as the sole heir to RAV4 luxury. This top-of-the-line model is outfitted with 19-inch wheels and chrome accents to further distinguish its premium-ness. Tech and touchpoints Of course, the Limited receives more than just flashy alloys and shiny bits. Standard features include a power moonroof, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a newly-designed 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a rearview mirror camera, which is a North American-first for Toyota. Similar to what is available on General Motors’ premium brands, Toyota’s Digital Display Rear Mirror looks and acts like a conventional rearview mirror but toggle a switch and it will also display a high-definition, wide-angle view of what’s behind the vehicle. The Limited doesn’t hoard all the fancy gear, though, as all 2019 RAV4 models will be equipped with Entune 3.0, which includes Verizon-powered Wi-Fi connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Apple CarPlay integration. Available Entune upgrades include Plus for a larger 8-inch touchscreen and satellite radio or Premium, which adds navigation. Also available will be up to five USB ports, wireless device charging, and an all-new 11-speaker JBL sound system. Increased performance capabilities The 2019 RAV4 will be powered by two engines: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic, and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder second-generation Toyota Hybrid System II engine mated to a CVT. Horsepower and fuel economy figures are not yet available but the automaker says consumers can expect improved, even best-in-class, numbers with the new model. Driving dynamics are said to have improved as well, particularly with the XSE Hybrid, which Toyota claims is the best-handling of the RAV4 lineup. The new hybrid features a sport-tuned suspension along with improved shock absorbers and springs. There also are three all-wheel-drive systems for the 2019 RAV4. Entry-level models can be optioned with the carryover AWD system, hybrids are available with AWD-i, and a new-to-Toyota dynamic torque vectoring AWD, which will be standard on Limited gasoline models and Adventure grade RAV4s. Featuring a rear driveline disconnect, the new torque-vectoring AWD system can send 50 percent of the engine torque to the rear wheels as well as distribute it to the left or right to improve handling. Additionally, when equipped with AWD, Adventure models are outfitted with Multi-Terrain Select as standard. The new system offers four driver-selectable traction modes (snow, mud, sand, and rocks) that can be adjusted on the fly. But performance isn’t the only priority in the new RAV4. For 2019, the lineup will be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, the automaker’s second generation of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. Standard on all vehicles, the technology package includes: pre-collision with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beam as well as new-for-2019 lane tracing assist (enabled only with ACC) and road sign assist (identifies and alerts to upcoming signage). The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will go on sale at the end of this year while hybrid models will follow suit in early 2019. We expect final specs and pricing closer to its on-sale date, if not sooner. Past RAV4s XA10 XA20 XA30 XA40