Toyota is about to make a comeback in the compact SUV segment, as the RAV4 has grown up a lot since the first-gen model. Toyota has been left with a gap at the moment, and the same applies for Suzuki with the Escudo (aka Vitara). It's only Nissan that has an SUV for every need and Toyota wants to catch up with that.
The new compact SUV will be powered by a 2.0 L engine, and it will be also available as a hybrid with the powertrain being based on the 2AR type. Since it's not going to be a hybrid only, I suspect that it will not carry the Prius badge.
The images published by Mag-X are coming from Toyota (!) and they were shown during a design review. The specific design proposal has a panoramic sunroof and overall, it looks very aggressive with all those edges and slim headlights. To be honest, the side view reminds me Audi's Q5.
Of course, pricing will be crucial for the success of the model and the entry level version, powered by the 2.0 L petrol engine, could cost as little as ¥ 1,600,000. The hybrid version will cost more, probably around ¥ 2,400,000. Of course, don't get ready to place an order yet, since it will take a while until it goes into production, which will happen in the summer 2012. The design is still under development and the final decision is expected to be taken later this year. Toyota may show a concept version at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this year.
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