New Toyota RAV4 unveiled
The fifth-generation RAV4, launched in 2019, introduced the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform and a refined driving experience. The new sixth-generation RAV4 takes this further. Under the concept of 'Life is an Adventure,' the new Toyota RAV4 debuts a redesigned hybrid system that delivers stronger acceleration. Toyota will introduce the new RAV4 in over 180 countries and regions globally, with its arrival in New Zealand expected in the first half of 2026. Specifications for the New Zealand market will be confirmed closer to launch. New Toyota RAV4 Adventure
The new RAV4 will have both PHEV and HEV variants on offer. The PHEV model boasts a newly developed plug-in system, featuring a high-capacity battery and high-output charger, making it the first Toyota to utilise the brand's sixth-generation hybrid system. This setup offers an improved electric-only range of 150km (up from the previous 95km) and benefits from silicon carbide power semiconductors to improve efficiency.
Read more 2022 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid review New Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
The new RAV4 PHEV delivers 12 per cent more motor output. A newly integrated DC fast-charging system adds further practicality, allowing an 80 per cent charge in approximately 30 minutes. The model also includes vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality, giving it the ability to act as a backup power supply in a range of domestic scenarios.
Meanwhile, Toyota says the HEV version sees substantial improvements in motor output and responsiveness, thanks to enhancements in the transaxle, power control unit, and battery components. The Japanese maker says the result is seamless acceleration and direct driving performance that adds confidence behind the wheel.
Visually, the new Toyota RAV4 has an updated design. The exterior has been refined across three main variants: Core : A more urban-focused design that exudes sophistication while maintaining the RAV4's unmistakable rugged stance.
: A more urban-focused design that exudes sophistication while maintaining the RAV4's unmistakable rugged stance. Adventure: Built for the outdoors, this version features a widened tread, pronounced grille, and wheel arch mouldings that emphasise its off-road spirit.
GR SPORT: Inspired by Toyota's motorsport expertise, this model blends aggressive styling with enhanced suspension and wider tracks, delivering a sportier, more connected drive.
At the rear, boot capacity has increased to 749 litres, and when the rear seats are folded flat, the vehicle offers improved storage for longer items.
The cabin is said to balance functionality and comfort with a tech-savvy edge. The 'Island Architecture' interior design groups key functions such as displays and gear selectors into visually cohesive zones, reducing driver distraction and increasing usability.
Smartphone connectivity has been enhanced with fast-charging USB ports and dedicated wireless charging pads. A new, reversible centre console box doubles as a tray and armrest.
Toyota also introduces its next-generation multimedia system in the RAV4, built on the Arene software platform developed by Woven by Toyota. Arene marks Toyota's leap into software-defined vehicles (SDVs), promising to bring zero-accident mobility and more personalised driving experiences. Features include a customisable home screen and improved voice recognition, setting the stage for a more intelligent, responsive driving experience.
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1News
14-07-2025
- 1News
NASCAR: Kiwi Shane Van Gisbergen wins again
Shane van Gisbergen extended his winning streak to two straight and three victories in the last five weeks with yet another dominating run on a road course. The New Zealander once again showed he's in a completely different class on road and street courses than his rivals as he led 97 of 110 laps to win from pole at Sonoma Raceway. All three of his wins this year have been from pole — which tied him with Jeff Gordon for a NASCAR record of three consecutive road course victories from the top starting spot. Gordon did it between the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Victory number four for van Gisbergen — who stunned NASCAR in 2023 when he popped into the debut Chicago street course race from Australian V8 Supercars and won — seemed a given before teams even arrived at the picturesque course in California wine country. His rivals have lamented that "SVG" has a unique braking technique he mastered Down Under that none of them — all oval specialists — can ever learn. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a fire at an Auckland chapel, new plan for international students, and a first time Wimbledon winner. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT That win in Chicago two years ago led van Gisbergen to move to the United States for a career change driving stock cars for Trackhouse Racing. He and Ross Chastain have pumped energy into the team over this summer stretch with Chastain kicking it off with a Memorial Day weekend victory at the Coca-Cola 600. Van Gisbergen is the fastest driver to win four Cup Series races — in his 34th start — since Parnelli Jones in 1969. "It means everything. That's why I race cars. I had an amazing time in Australia, and then to come here and the last couple weeks, or years, actually, has been a dream come true," said van Gisbergen. "I've really enjoyed my time in NASCAR. Thanks, everyone, for making me feel so welcome. I hope I'm here for a long time to come." The Sonoma win made it four victories for Trackhouse in eight weeks. Van Gisbergen was second from pole in Saturday's Xfinity Series race. Although he dominated again Sunday, van Gisbergen pitted from the lead with 27 laps remaining and then had to drive his way back to the front. He got it with a pass of Michael McDowell with 19 laps remaining, but two late cautions made van Gisbergen win restarts to close out the victory in his Chevrolet. Chase Briscoe was second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. "I've never played against Michael Jordan, but I imagine this was very similar," Briscoe said after not being able to pass van Gisbergen on the two late restarts — the last with five laps remaining. ADVERTISEMENT Briscoe was followed by Chase Elliott in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. McDowell in a Chevy for Spire Motorsports was fourth and Christopher Bell in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing was fifth. Shane van Gisbergen (88) competes during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Source: Associated Press) In-Season challenge The mid-season tournament that pays US$1 million (NZ$1.6 million) to the winner is down to four drivers. Alex Bowman finished 25th and eliminated Ty Dillon, who finished 26th. Tyler Reddick (11th) knocked out Ryan Preece (16th), John Hunter Nemechek knocked out teammate Erik Jones as they finished 21st and 22nd, and Zane Smith, with a seventh-place finish, eliminated Ty Gibbs. Bowman, at eighth, is the highest-seeded driver still in the challenge, which debuted this year. Crew fight ADVERTISEMENT NASCAR officials had to separate the crews for Brad Keselowski and Ty Gibbs when members from the two teams scrapped on pit road during the race. Keselowski's crew confronted Gibbs' crew after Gibbs drove through their pit stall and narrowly missed hitting some of Keselowski's crew members already in place waiting for him. The confrontation appeared to be contained to pushing and shoving and NASCAR quickly stepped between them. Both crews were given an official warning for fighting but NASCAR said Gibbs did nothing wrong. Clean race — for awhile It took 61 of the 110 laps for the first caution for an on-track incident — when Ryan Blaney was knocked off the course and into the dirt early in the third stage. The contact from Chris Buescher left Blaney stranded, and right before NASCAR could throw the yellow, Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin both spun. It was technically the third caution of the race, but the first two were for natural stage breaks. The race ended with six cautions — two in the final stretch. Up next The Cup Series races Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware, where Denny Hamlin won last year.
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Scoop
Nexen Tyre NZ Mazda Racing Series Celebrates Achievement
Press Release – Nexen Tyre NZ Mazda Racing Series The recently completed season of Nexen Tyre NZ Mazda Racing Series action was celebrated at their annual prizegiving at Blackwells Mazda in Christchurch recently. Champions and placegetters in the respective series were acknowledged along with other milestones and achievements from the 2024/2025 season. Will Kitching of Timaru scooped the major prize when he was presented with the trophy for winning the National Series ahead of Stu Lawton of Paraparaumu and Jesse Gould of Raumati Beach. Kitching also took the South Island Trophy after winning that series from Matt Dodd of Christchurch and Mac Berkett of Nelson. It was Lawton who wrote his name on the North Island Series trophy while Aucklanders, Karl Gaines and Callum Pratt were second and third respectively. Mac Templeton of Prebbleton in Canterbury secured the North Island Rookie of the Year title while Berkett achieved that honour in the South Island. Meanwhile Gaines was the Masters Champion (Over 50) in the North Island Series and Anthony Tork of Auckland was the South Island Series Masters Champion. The drivers adjudged the Most Improved in each island were Alex Canty of Auckland (North) and Matt Dodd (South). The Premier Insulation team of Pratt and fellow Aucklander Sam Dashfield were presented with the North Island Series Team Award and Torks Precision Engineering (Tork and Dalan Price of Swannanoa in Canterbury) the South Island Teams Award. There were several other presentations made on the night with Callum Pratt receiving the award for the Best Presented Car and Steven Spear of Auckland the Sportsman of the Year Trophy. Phil Clemas of Auckland was named Supporter of the Year, Andrew French of Rolleston, Personality of the Year, and Lindsay Dodd of Christchurch, Volunteer of the Year. Nigel Edger of Hamilton took the Craig Casey Memorial Trophy for his contribution throughout the season. Two of the series brightest young talents, Kitching and Berkett, received the opportunity courtesy of Toyota Gazoo Racing to test the GR86 Toyota at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park recently. Both enjoyed the experience, Kitching describing it as 'awesome'. In his view the Mazda and Toyota were both very similar – 'rear wheel drive with similar power and similar characteristics. They are different in some details but the Nexen Tyre NZ Racing Mazda Series is a good platform to step into Toyota as we saw with graduates Chris White and Arthur Brougham this season.' Berkett described the test as, 'good fun and a good experience. I enjoyed the data side of it.' Kitching is moving on from the Nexen Tyre Mazda Racing Series after his successful season while Berkett will be back on the grid for another year. Planning is well underway for next season that will ensure the continuation of the exciting racing the series is known for while more plans are underway to expand the series. While some of the traditional names will be seen in other classes next season, some new names are on the horizon along with the core of drivers from the past season. Expect plenty of close, hard racing from this spectacular series once again in the 2025/2026 season. The series thanks its sponsors and supporters, Nexen Tyre NZ, Sovereign Insulated Garage Doors, Racetech NZ, LUMO, Flex Fitness New Zealand, MRP LTD – 4age Specialists, Omnigraphics New Zealand, PAK'nSAVE and DBA Disc Brakes Australia. Notes: NEXEN TYRE NZ MAZDA RACING SERIES AWARDS 2024/2025 National Series 1st Will Kitching 2nd Stu Lawton 3rd Jesse Gould North Island Series 1st Stu Lawton 2nd Karl Gaines 3rd Callum Pratt South Island Series 1st Will Kitching 2nd Matt Dodd 3rd Mac Berkett North Island Team of the Year – Team Premier Insulation South Island Team of the Year – Team Torks Precision Engineering North Island Master – Karl Gaines South Island Master – Anthony Tork North Island Rookie – Mac Templeton South Island Rookie – Mac Berkett Special Awards Best Presented Car – Callum Pratt Sportsman of the Year – Steven Spear Supporter of the Year – Phil Clemas Personality of the Year – Andrew French Volunteer of the Year – Lindsay Dodd Craig Casey Memorial recipient – Nigel Edger Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Scoop
Nexen Tyre NZ Mazda Racing Series Celebrates Achievement
The recently completed season of Nexen Tyre NZ Mazda Racing Series action was celebrated at their annual prizegiving at Blackwells Mazda in Christchurch recently. Champions and placegetters in the respective series were acknowledged along with other milestones and achievements from the 2024/2025 season. Will Kitching of Timaru scooped the major prize when he was presented with the trophy for winning the National Series ahead of Stu Lawton of Paraparaumu and Jesse Gould of Raumati Beach. Kitching also took the South Island Trophy after winning that series from Matt Dodd of Christchurch and Mac Berkett of Nelson. It was Lawton who wrote his name on the North Island Series trophy while Aucklanders, Karl Gaines and Callum Pratt were second and third respectively. Mac Templeton of Prebbleton in Canterbury secured the North Island Rookie of the Year title while Berkett achieved that honour in the South Island. Meanwhile Gaines was the Masters Champion (Over 50) in the North Island Series and Anthony Tork of Auckland was the South Island Series Masters Champion. The drivers adjudged the Most Improved in each island were Alex Canty of Auckland (North) and Matt Dodd (South). Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The Premier Insulation team of Pratt and fellow Aucklander Sam Dashfield were presented with the North Island Series Team Award and Torks Precision Engineering (Tork and Dalan Price of Swannanoa in Canterbury) the South Island Teams Award. There were several other presentations made on the night with Callum Pratt receiving the award for the Best Presented Car and Steven Spear of Auckland the Sportsman of the Year Trophy. Phil Clemas of Auckland was named Supporter of the Year, Andrew French of Rolleston, Personality of the Year, and Lindsay Dodd of Christchurch, Volunteer of the Year. Nigel Edger of Hamilton took the Craig Casey Memorial Trophy for his contribution throughout the season. Two of the series brightest young talents, Kitching and Berkett, received the opportunity courtesy of Toyota Gazoo Racing to test the GR86 Toyota at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park recently. Both enjoyed the experience, Kitching describing it as 'awesome'. In his view the Mazda and Toyota were both very similar – 'rear wheel drive with similar power and similar characteristics. They are different in some details but the Nexen Tyre NZ Racing Mazda Series is a good platform to step into Toyota as we saw with graduates Chris White and Arthur Brougham this season.' Berkett described the test as, 'good fun and a good experience. I enjoyed the data side of it.' Kitching is moving on from the Nexen Tyre Mazda Racing Series after his successful season while Berkett will be back on the grid for another year. Planning is well underway for next season that will ensure the continuation of the exciting racing the series is known for while more plans are underway to expand the series. While some of the traditional names will be seen in other classes next season, some new names are on the horizon along with the core of drivers from the past season. Expect plenty of close, hard racing from this spectacular series once again in the 2025/2026 season. The series thanks its sponsors and supporters, Nexen Tyre NZ, Sovereign Insulated Garage Doors, Racetech NZ, LUMO, Flex Fitness New Zealand, MRP LTD - 4age Specialists, Omnigraphics New Zealand, PAK'nSAVE and DBA Disc Brakes Australia. Notes: NEXEN TYRE NZ MAZDA RACING SERIES AWARDS 2024/2025 National Series 1st Will Kitching 2nd Stu Lawton 3rd Jesse Gould North Island Series 1st Stu Lawton 2nd Karl Gaines 3rd Callum Pratt South Island Series 1st Will Kitching 2nd Matt Dodd 3rd Mac Berkett North Island Team of the Year - Team Premier Insulation South Island Team of the Year - Team Torks Precision Engineering North Island Master - Karl Gaines South Island Master - Anthony Tork North Island Rookie - Mac Templeton South Island Rookie - Mac Berkett Special Awards Best Presented Car - Callum Pratt Sportsman of the Year - Steven Spear Supporter of the Year - Phil Clemas Personality of the Year - Andrew French Volunteer of the Year - Lindsay Dodd Craig Casey Memorial recipient - Nigel Edger
