Hard Shoulder: Toyota has released prices for its new RAV4 that are between €2,250 and €3,880 less than the equivalent versions of the previous model. That's pretty impressive in a time when most other companies are recording price rises with new models.
The engine line-up has a 152bhp 2-litre petrol and the 2.2-litre D-4D diesel with 135bhp. The new model prices start at €33,750 for the 2-litre petrol with Luna specification, rising to €43,600 for the diesel in range-topping Sol specification.
The new model, which arrives in showrooms this month, features plenty of changes compared to the second-generation version which made its debut in 2000. The biggest difference is in size: the new vehicle is 145mm longer with a significantly increased wheelbase (over 70mm) and rear overhang.
FIAT FLIES OLYMPIC FLAG
Fiat's home city of Turin is the venue of the Olympic Winter Games and the Italian car maker, now back in modest profit, is showing its muscle and confidence. As main sponsor of the games, it is supplying 3,000 cars and 1,200 Iveco buses as exclusive means of transport for athletes, journalists, spectators and volunteers. During the spectacular opening ceremony in Turin, Fiat had a star performer on stage; a Formula One Ferrari that roared around in a haze of dry ice, creating through its tyre marks, the Olympic five rings logo. Fiat claims its contribution to the games is worth €40 million.
BATTLE OF THE SEXES
Misogynists are alive and well in the motoring world, according to a new survey. Men who get lost while driving are happy to ask for directions, but not from their female partner, according to a survey published in Britain this week.
Just 12 per cent of men would turn to their female companion for direction advice, while 13 per cent of males would not even get in a car with a female driver, the survey found.