Two months after it was launched in Japan, the sixth-generation XA60 Toyota RAV4 is set to complete its domestic line-up with the addition of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version – in Z and GR Sport grades – by next month, with the variant due to make its local market debut on March 9. Design-wise, the Z trim of the PHEV adds on special piano black accents, with the exclusive bits to be found around the front (lower bumper, LED trim), underbody and wheel arches. As for the GR Sport, it gets a unique front lip spoiler and wing-type rear spoiler, items that the automaker say are not just for aesthetics but are functional, in that they help improve vehicle downforce across the speed spectrum. The GR Sport isn’t all dress up though, as it also gets GR performance dampers and GR braces. The former helps reduce body deformation on the move, eliminating unpleasant torsion and instability, while the latter adds on reinforcement to the rear suspension members to enhance steering feel. Speaking of the steering, the EPS on the variant has been specially tuned to offer a responsive steering feel and improved precision. Like the HEV version, the RAV4 PHEV features a A25A-FXS 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but in its AXAP64 guise. Power output is up from the HEV, with up to 329 PS (324 hp, or 242 kW) available on the AWD version compared to the 241 PS (237 hp or 177 kW) on the HEV equivalent. Preliminary specifications list the pure EV driving range at around 150 km on a full charge, up from the 95 km in conventional models, achieved by an increased battery capacity (22.7 kWh) and the adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in the power control unit (PCU) to reduce power loss. As for charging, the maximum rate is 50 kW for DC fast charging and 11 kW for AC. The power supply system can be used as a power source courtesy of the PHEV’s vehicle-to-load system, which allows distribution of power via the car’s charging port or through an a standard household outlet plug in the boot, capable of putting out up to 1500 watts. In terms of application-related numbers, a dedicated HV power supply mode can provide 6.5 days of power at a load of 400 watts on a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, or up to seven days if a power supply time priority mode is chosen. In Japan, the RAV4 PHEV is priced from six million yen (RM151,000) for the Z grade, while that for the range-topping GR Sport variant starts from 6.3 million yen (RM159,000), both inclusive of the country’s consumption tax. The company is projecting a base sales volume of 700 units a month for the domestic market. Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.
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