Toyota's latest iteration of the Rav 4 plug-in is to have a significant increase in battery capacity that the company says will allow it to drive in electric mode for up to 100 kilometres. The revised vehicle should be in Ireland by early next year and will be similar in size to the current model.
The new car’s designers have opted for a more rugged look compared to the softer profile of the current car, with more prominent wheel arches and a boxier, more angular shape overall.
There’s a new 22.7 kWh battery to increase the electric range to 100 kilometres, which Toyota says will be sufficient to meet most drivers’ needs. In addition, a new 50 kWh on-board charger will be able to get the battery from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in about 30 minutes, which will be a welcome development for PHEV drivers used to slower charging times. Non-fast charger times have also been improved.
The 150 kWh motor - an increase of 16 kWh - delivers better acceleration, and a new cooling system has been developed to keep the battery operating at optimum efficiency.
A full hybrid version, with a 2.5 engine, will also be introduced.
In what should be a welcome development, Toyota will introduce a new software package with the new Rav4, and a 12.9" infotainment screen will have better and faster connectivity.
The car’s standard safety package has also been improved, with an enhanced pre-collision system and better lane-changing capacity.
Voice commands will allow the driver to direct navigation, media, in-car temperature, and vehicle control. The driver’s screen will be a 12.3" unit.
On the EV front, Nissan has revealed its electric version of the Micra - one of the world’s enduring city cars. Closely related to the new electric Renault 5, the Micra has some retro touches, such as the front and rear lights, that nod to previous versions of the car, first launched in 1982.
The electric Micra will have two battery options - a 40 kWh unit with a claimed range of 310 kilometres and a 52 kWh unit with a claimed range of 408 kilometres. Nissan says the car should be capable of a fast charge capacity of 15 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. A heat pump, which allows for better efficiency in colder weather, will be standard.
Interestingly, the car weighs in at 1,400 kg, which should help significantly with range. The boot capacity is a practical 326 litres.
From the mid-range up, the Micra will have a Google-powered infotainment system for its 10.1" screen and the interior has been given a significant upgrade. A comprehensive safety system is also included.
