Basically, the UK 4x4 market hasn't been the same since Toyota RAV4 was started (Recreational Activity Vehicle - four-wheel drive) in 1994.

What the people saw was comparatively easy, light and powerful 'urban 4x4' of monocoque design (a building method usually reserved for passenger vehicles and not 4x4s) with three doorways, driven by 2.0litre 16v petrol-engine with long-term fourwheel drive and either manual or automatic transmissions. Toyota had taken its time in examining the UK and European markets before establishing the Toyota RAV4. It had averted providing a 'me too' product of the 'eighties and instead created a genuinely unique product for the 'nineties. You just have to examine the plethora of copying sports/lifestyle 4x4s that have followed in the Toyota RAV4's chunky wheel paths. Perhaps imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery?

Testimony to the 'rightness' of the Toyota RAV4's first layout is proven by how small the automobile has changed since its launch in 1994. Yes, a five door model was released in March 1995 and a Soft-top variant of the three door in January 1998, but updates have just enhanced what was already appropriate and naturally, Toyota has added value to the automobile as the Toyota RAV4's marketplace section has gotten much more competitive.

Toyota released the Toyota RAV4 in the United Kingdom in June 1994 in three-door form just.

In March 1995 the entrylevel three door Toyota RAV4 was rebadged as the RAV4 GS and a fresh five door GX version was released. The five door was 16-inches longer overall than the three door with chairs for five individuals.

Front seatbelt pretensioners were also launched in the launching of the five door which program was likewise provided to the Toyota RAV4 three door versions from September 1995.

Oct 1996 found numerous improvements to all Toyota RAV4 models which contained the fitting of twin front airbags as standard, a high mount rear stop lamp and the 2.0litre 16v engine was retuned for cleaner emissions, less noise and much more torque. While peak power fell marginally 126bhp at 5400-rpm peak torque increased to 131 pound ft at 4600rpm.

In March 1997, a fresh luxurious VX variant of five-door is included with the number.

In December 1997, the Toyota RAV4 is provided its first modest facelift since launching. Together with the facelifted RAV4 range, Toyota also launched a Soft-Top version of the RAV4 three-door. The launch of the Soft-Top model and also the comprehensive changes which were made for the number are introduced in more detail the following:

The outside door mirrors and door handles now are color keyed for an even more coherent look along with a fresh design was picked for the metal wheels fitted as standard to GX and EX versions.

A lot of detail changes keep the new Toyota RAV4's inside an entertaining but practical location to be. All versions are treated to material door trims and material headrests, a finish for the instrument panel surround, and also the conventional air-bag steering-wheel becomes a three spoke layout.

The instrument dials finally get a carbon-fibre design as well as on automatic transmission vehicles a gear selector screen is currently contained. The twin manual is now replaced by a single electric sunroof / removable sunroofs formerly accessible in the three-door GX version. Two new seat trims are launched in the five door versions.

Better sounds come courtesy of the recent four-speaker sound system with detachable front handle protection panel and an automated 'one touch' facility is added to the driver's electric window perform. For comfort, the locking and unlocking of doors are now able to be controlled in the passenger side front door lock and also the driver's side front door lock.

1996 Toyota RAV4 L 3-door (Hardtop) Start-Up, Full Vehicle Tour and Quick Drive