Toyota RAV4: V6 out

There will be no “200 killer wasps” ads for the next-generation Toyota RAV4 SUV due in early 2013, with the Japanese brand axing the more powerful, V6 variant in favour of a new four-cylinder diesel.

Toyota has yet to announce details or reveal images of its all-new RAV4, though CarAdvice understands the V6 will not form part of the engine line-up as Toyota instead opts for two four-cylinder engines.

Sources say there will be a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, replacing the current 125kW/224Nm 2.4-litre four, with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel effectively replacing the V6 as the engine option with more torque, but crucially better fuel efficiency.

Toyota launched the V6 in the current RAV4 in 2007 despite six-cylinder sales in the compact SUV segment – now labelled mid-size SUV – falling from 29 to 16 per cent of the market over five years, from 2001 to 2006.

The Toyota RAV4 3.5-litre V6, used in other Toyota models such as the Aurion large car, Tarago people-mover and Kluger large SUV, produces 201kW of power exactly

The Toyota RAV4 V6, which was all-wheel drive only, was aimed at buyers looking for extra performance, as well as extra towing capacity in the outgoing model.

Courtesy:Jez Spinks