Tuesday, February 9, 2010

2011 Toyota Vanguard: Minor Facelift for JDM RAV-4 LWB SUV (sic...)


Before we tell you what's new about the JDM Vanguard, allow us to clarify that the latest generation Toyota RAV-4 is available in two wheelbase versions, with Europe and Japan getting the SWB variant and North America, the LWB model that is also sold in its home market with a different nose job under the name Vanguard.

Now to the updated Vanguard that was launched in Japan today. For 2010, the Vanguard benefits form a few minor cosmetic tweaks that include the restyled grille and front bumper, the new alloy wheel designs and fresh body trim.

Inside, Toyota added new standard features and redesigned the steering wheel together with the paddle shifters that are said to be more ergonomic.

Finally, the Japanese firm's engineers made a few changes to the Vanguard's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.