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AD&P; > March 2013 > FEATURE > RAV4: 4 Things About the Fourth Generation > Gary S. Vasilash > gsv@auto���eldguide.com FEATURE (In addition to which, the Limited model features a power liftgate with a memory function: the owner can set the height that the door opens so as to provide the ability to readily reach up and shut it.) The front end is more raked and pulled back, providing something of an aggressive look (remember: this is an SUV, not a sports car). It is in keeping, as Bill Fay pointed out, with ���Akio Toyoda���s direction for more emotionally engaging products.��� The 2013 model is lower than its predecessor (at 65.4 in. high, -0.9 in.) and has reduced ground clearance (6.3 in., down 1.2 in.). The roo���ine is tapered and it is resolved in the back with an integrated spoiler. The beltline kicks up at the back. And then there are the little details, like ���vortex generators��� near the base of the A-pillars and molded into the rear taillight cases. There are undertrays beneath the vehicle and fender liners 16 ��� An example of the ���Color Block��� interior design approach. In addition to having distinctive color contrasts, they���re also tailoring material use so that, for example, there is a soft-touch surface where people are likely to make contact and harder surfaces where it is an issue of functionality. used for aero. This helps reduce the coefcient of drag for the RAV4 4, bringing it to 0.329 from 0.334. One of the big changes is on the inside. Calty Design Research, the Newport Beach, California-based Toyota studio, contributed to the new look. Two big diferences: (1) The ���Color Block��� concept. Here there are color and material changes within the vehicle, not only providing visual separation, but textural as well: Jef Halsey of the University of Toyota, describes it as ���separating the comfort from the functional areas.��� Soft/hard, grippy/smooth, for example. (2) The instrument panel design. Yes, like all new vehicles, the dash is described as being ���driver-centric.��� But what���s notable about the design of the RAV4 interior is that whereas there is a tendency for the upper surface of an IP to resemble a set of French curves, this one is more horizontal in layout (there is a sculpted section in front of the passenger so as to provide more space), with the controls laid out in a rational arrangement. Because this is a vehicle type that has ���Utility��� as its middle name, the vehicle has increased cargo capacity, with 38.4-ft3 behind the second row and 73.4-ft3 with the second row folded ���at, which is said to be the largest in the competitive class. (One thing that is absent in the rear cargo area is a lever to fold the second row seats ���at; this must be done from the second row. When asked why this is the case, Saeki said that when he asked people during his cross-country tour, they didn���t express an interest in having that capability.)