Toyota is preparing a new petrol version of the RAV4, but with a different name - Wildlander
GAC Toyota is preparing to bring a new generation of the Wildlander crossover to the Chinese market. Unlike its predecessor, the novelty almost completely repeats the design of the global Toyota RAV4. The powertrain lineup includes a 2.0-litre petrol motor and two hybrid versions.
Here's What We Know
In one of the largest car markets in the world, Toyota sells two varieties of its best-selling vehicle at once. The Wildlander is produced by a joint venture with GAC, while the RAV4 is produced in partnership with FAW. As the sixth-generation RAV4 hits global markets, Chinese joint ventures are preparing their own interpretations of the crossover for debut.
The first images of the new GAC Toyota Wildlander have been published by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). If the previous generation was characterised by the original design of the front and stern, now Wildlander looks almost like the international RAV4, but differs from it technically.
Externally, the crossover can be distinguished only by the inscription "Wildlander" on the boot door. Otherwise, it corresponds to the RAV4 Core version with body-coloured front grille and decorative bumper plates.
According to the certification documents, the model measures 4,600 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and 1,680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. These dimensions are close to the RAV4 for Europe and North America.
The main differences from the global RAV4 are hidden under the bonnet. While the international version switches entirely to hybrid set-ups, the Chinese Wildlander retains the 2.0 petrol engine with 171bhp, which can be combined with either front or all-wheel drive.
Two self-driving hybrids will also be available. One uses a 2.0-litre 152bhp engine, while the other uses a 2.5-litre engine with 185bhp. Both are complemented by electric motors, with front-wheel drive versions and an all-wheel drive E-Four scheme available for the hybrids.
The premiere of the updated GAC Toyota Wildlander is expected in the coming months. An analogue from FAW Toyota is also likely to be released next.
Source: Carscoops
