Toyota celebrates 11th consecutive Triple Crown, launches 2013 RAV 4

MANILA, Philippines - Truly a great force in the automotive industry, TMP (Toyota Motor Philippines) continues to make history as it ushers in 2013 with more big news to share. At a Thanksgiving party held last week at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, the company celebrated its 11th Triple Crown achievement. Yes, Toyota has now claimed the number 1 position in the Passenger Car segment (Vios), Commercial Vehicle segment (Innova) and in overall vehicle sales—for 11 straight years.

Selling a total of 65,396 units—and thus capturing an amazing 41.7 percent of the local market in 2012—TMP has struck an all-time record high in sales since the start of its operations back in 1988. Furthermore, many other Toyota vehicles owned the number 1 position in their respective segments as well: the Camry in the medium passenger car segment; the Altis in the compact passenger car segment; the Hilux in the pickup segment and the Hiace in the utility van segment. And it was also on the same night of this celebration that TMP also introduced the latest model of its popular compact SUV—the 2013 RAV 4.

In case you always found the name to be peculiar, RAV 4 actually stands for Recreational Active Vehicle 4x4. Cool name. And equally cool is that the all-new 2013 model promises an array of new, innovative features and enhancements for the fun and active lifestyle.

Flaunting a bold and curvaceous new design, the latest RAV 4 makes fuel efficiency a major consideration in the vehicle’s new package. Aerodynamically enhanced, the 2013 RAV 4 now also has Aero Stabilizing Fins on its outer mirrors and rear combination lamps to improve driving stability, and comes with nifty 17-inch aluminum wheels that are matched with low-rolling resistance 225/65R-17 tires.

This lifestyle-driven compact SUV is powered by a 179-ps/233-Nm 2.5-liter Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing -intelligent) 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission designed to reduce your carbon footprint, but not at the expense of engine performance.

Inside the spacious cabin, the feeling is premium, with the provision of carbon fiber trimmings and an ergonomically organized cockpit. Complementing its 6-speaker audio system is a 6.1-inch screen with self-illuminating VFD (vacuum fluorescent display), that provides high contrast ratio and a wide-angle view. The vehicle is Bluetooth-ready and compatible with your usual auxiliary devices. The rear seats are split-foldable 60/40 to ensure cargo versatility for your varied activities.

To make life easier, this vehicle makes use of Toyota’s Smart Entry System that conveniently allows you to lock and unlock the doors, without having to fumble for the keys; all you have to do is carry the keys with you, say in your bag or pockets. Parking and backing up is also made easy thanks to ultrasonic wave sensors that detect and alert you for obstructions around the vehicle. Safety is up to par with its front, side and curtain airbags.

The head-turning 2013 RAV 4 is available in three variants over a huge P600,000 price spread (top-of-the-line 4x4 priced at P1,963,000; entry-level 4x2 at P1,357,000; and 4x2 Full Option at P1,581,000) and come in five colors: Silver Metallic, Xtreme Black, Red Mica Metallic, Bronze Mica Metallic and White Pearl (an extra P15,000 for this color).

The line starts here.