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By
EWAN KENNEDY
6 February 2006
No longer the cheeky young thing it once was, the
Toyota RAV4 or ‘Recreational Allroad Vehicle’ has matured into a
mid-size model that can be used as a family car, not simply as a cheeky
runabout.
Though there are certainly styling cues of the
original two generations of RAV4s, the new model has a shape of
its own, particularly around the interesting rear end styling. It
is more conservative in its shape than previously, which makes
sense given its intended market.
Toyota RAV4 is now larger in every dimension.
The extra interior size not only means that four adults can get
comfortable in the cabin, but there's a good sized boot as well. A
handy security feature is a hidden 90-litre area under the floor
of the luggage area. The RAV4 carries a full-size spare tyre
mounted on the rear door to increase its suitability to
medium-duty off-road use.
Interestingly, Toyota no longer uses a fulltime
4WD system on the new RAV4, rather a sophisticated electronic
part-time setup. The company says this sort of system has now
matured to the stage where it’s every bit as good as a fulltime
one. Our initial test drives in the Flinders Range in South
Australia confirmed this. On dirt roads there was no sensation of
wheel slippage before the rear wheels kicked in to assist the
fronts when conditions demanded.
A further benefit of using a part-time AWD
system is that fuel consumption is reduced. Toyota's measurements
say the new RAV4 is as economical as the previous one. An
impressive feat in a car that’s significantly larger and more
refined and one that should be applauded in these times of
uncertain fuel prices.
As Australia is such an important market for
Australia, prototypes were flown to this country during the
development stage. Changes were then made to suit our local
driving conditions.
Power comes from an uprated version of the
2.4-litre four-cylinder engine introduced in the RAV4 a couple of
years ago. It now puts out 125kW, against the 120kW of the
superseded model. It powers through either a four-speed automatic
transmission or a five-speed manual.
Though weight is up by about 140kg, depending on
model, the new Toyota RAV4 still feels lively on the road and is
most pleasant to drive.
RAV4 will be sold in three models; the RAV4 CV
is priced at $31,990 and is well equipped, with air conditioning,
power windows and door mirrors, a single-disc CD player, cruise
control, ABS and dual airbags. Next comes the $37,490 RAV4
Cruiser, which adds alloy wheels, dual air conditioning, front
foglights and four more airbags. Topping the RAV4 range is a new
model based on the Cruiser and called the RAV4 Cruiser L. It has a
recommended retail price of $41,990. The L’s big selling
features are leather trim and a moonroof, it also comes with a
power-adjustable driver’s seat and heating for the two front
seats.
Automatic transmission is offered on all models
and adds $2000 to the price. On-road costs have to be built into
the cost equation.
Having pushed the RAV4 up in size, Toyota may be
planning a smaller model to come in under it. We would speculate
on a vehicle of a similar size to the original RAV4. Though
Toyota, naturally, won’t reveal its plans for future models, it
has said that if there was a new smaller AWD it could be designed
in conjunction with small-4WD specialist Daihatsu. Toyota controls
Daihatsu these days.
The new Toyota RAV4 goes on February 23rd, just
after the close of the Melbourne Motor Show following its public
debut at the show.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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