The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, using an all-new platform and was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.[11] The new RAV4 uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
The third generation RAV4 is offered in two versions: a short- or a long-wheelbase model. The short-wheelbase model is sold only in Japan, Europe and New Zealand (diesel only in NZ), with the long-wheelbase RAV4 sold in Australia, New Zealand and North America. Since 2007, the extended-length RAV4 is also sold alongside its shorter counterpart in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard, albeit with a revised front-end body work incorporating a revised grille, bumper, bonnet and headlamps.[12][13]
Japanese models went on sale in 2005 at Toyota NETZ dealers.[14] The 3-door was dropped beginning with 2007 model, leaving Toyota without a mini SUV until the 2009 Toyota Urban Cruiser, which is sold in Europe, North America (as Scion xD) and Japan (as Toyota ist).[15] As of April 2014, the XA30 series RAV4 is still sold in Japan, where the XA40 is yet to be offered. Toyota discontinued the Vanguard in November 2013 in favour of the redesigned Harrier XU60.
