Having re-introduced themselves to our consciousness by bringing back the classical Hachi-Roku in the form of the modern Toyota 86 and signalling the return of the King, Toyota have now brought sexy back to the family hatch market with the new Auris and this, the all-new Toyota RAV4.
I was still growing ‘adult teeth’ when the first generation RAV4 came to South African shores and was completely in love with it, my mission became to convince my parental unit that what our family desperately needed was one of these RAV4s. The RAV4 was young, fun and so much better than what we had on offer at that point in South Africa, which was old, clunky and shaped like a box, usually accompanied with plumes of black oil burning smoke pouring out of the exhaust. As I grew proper adult teeth, moved into braces and out of them, and into my own home, so too, has the RAV4 evolved. Now in its 4th generation, I had the opportunity to sample the new vehicle at the launch in the Eastern Cape.
First off, ‘RAV’ stands for Recreational Active Vehicle. Since 1994, SA has changed and so has the RAV4. Back then there was no competition for Toyota’s RAV4, they were the mould breaker and pioneers of a segment that now has over 15 competitors, which to name a few, include the new Ford Kuga, Mazda CX-5, Honda CRV and some Korean’s. These however should not be a problem, because since inception in 1994, Toyota has been selling roughly 1 369 units a day, across 150 countries. That’s 9 units a day per country or 4.5 million vehicles! First impressions suggest the latest Toyota RAV4 will not slow down the climb of these figures.
Toyota’s new RAV4 has under gone a complete makeover using the ‘Air Management’ design approach, amounting to better aerodynamics, improved handling, stability and greater fuel efficiency. Gone are the rounded edges and soft lines, in favour of some masculine styling and sharp features, all of which looking better in the flesh than the photos.
Toyota has continued with the feline nuances of the Keen Look headlights, incorporating LED daytime running lights in the show. The Toyota badge bisects the upper grille, whilst the lower grille is noticeably larger and is flanked by the outer, low set fog lights (standard on 2.2-litre and 2.5-litre models) enhancing the 30 mm wider body.
The side profile shows a sleeker looking RAV4 with a 25 mm lower roof line combined with blacked out B- and C-pillars, as well as rising belt line, to create a sportier overall look. Subtly flared wheel arches house a choice of 17-inch alloy wheels. Towards the rear, the belt line flows effortlessly into the taillight clusters that sport sharper lines, whilst the roof seamlessly meets the rear spoiler with its integrated LED brake light and rounds out the new aerodynamically effective design. Aerodynamics are also the reason that the spare wheel no longer hangs off the rear tailgate.
Now sporting a top hinged rear door, which is electrically operated in the VX models, allows for better vehicle dynamics, weight reduction and more interior space. Cargo space is 476-litres despite housing a full sized spare wheel and, should you need to fit more, the rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split.
The Toyota RAV4′s cabin has been decluttered, made more spacious and now offers a more harmonious driving experience. The A-pillars have been repositioned to add 3% more to your field of vision. The dash and console area are vertically oriented with strong horizontal lines emphasising the spacious interior. The centre touch screen console is easy to navigate with the option to upgrade to the satellite navigation for under R9 000. The buttons surrounding it are unobtrusive and meld flawlessly into the interior. The cabin is silent too, thanks to some new additions to styling and silencing covers, hoods and sound proofing throughout the RAV4 to minimise noise from engine, road and as well as vibration.
A 100 mm longer wheelbase and 205 mm overall increase in length has translated into more leg room, so much so that the kids will not be able to kick the front seats. In front, the driving position is adjustable thanks to a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, which has satellite controls for audio, telephone (the RAV4 has Bluetooth functionality), voice commands and trip meter scrolling.
Roof rails, body coloured door handles, integrated turning lights in the side mirrors, electric windows, park distance control, USB and Aux-In connectivity, as well as 4 cup holders and ‘follow me home’ lights are standard fare across the GX line. The higher spec VX adds leather trim, push button start, cruise control, keyless entry, heated seats in the front and retractable side mirrors.
As usual with Toyota, superior quality fabrics and build quality are on offer for the price. Any flaws had plenty of opportunity to show themselves on the rough, rutted bumpy road of the Prince Alfred pass, but no niggling rattles or untoward noises were experience once returning to smooth tar roads.
Even more surprising was the ride quality on the pass, with lots of mud, holes and ruts made worse by the previous day’s rain. The RAV4 has McPherson Strut type suspension to absorb the initial impact in front, with a double wishbone setup keeping it together at the rear.
The RAV4 is available in 4 models, starting with the 2.0-litre petrol-powered GX that is fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission or continuosly variable transmission in the 2.0-litre CVT GX. Both models are front-wheel drive and have 107 kW and 187 Nm of torque, with fuel consumption of 7.7 l/100km and 7.4 l/100km respectively.
The 2.2-litre diesel-powered GX with 6-speed manual transmission, produces 110 kW and 340 Nm of torque between 2 000 – 2 800 r/min. It’s fitted with all-wheel drive and consumes 5.6 l/100km.
At the top of the range is the 2.5-litre VX with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The engine offers 132 kW and 233 Nm of torque whilst consuming 8.5 l/100km.
The new RAV4 benefits from a revised electric power steering system, while the AWD drive models are fitted with Dynamic Torque Control and Vehicle Stability Control. In emergency situations or as soon as any wheel slip is detected, the systems manage the transfer of torque between the front and rear wheels, from the default 50:50 split up to 100 percent to the front. In addition, the RAV4 has earned itself a 5-star rating in the 2013 Euro NCAP crash test programme.
Toyota has taken the proverbial cake with their latest RAV4. Having recently spent a week travelling through Southern Africa with the top-end of SA’s 4×4 offerings, the new RAV4′s value for money appeal is clear. From the entry level 2.0l GX with plenty of ‘go’, to the high end 2.5l AWD VX, the RAV4 has been renewed and reinvigorated to take on the market that it created in 1994.
| Pricing (incl. VAT and C02 Tax) | |
| Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX 2WD M/T | R279 900 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX 2WD CVT | R289 900 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D GX AWD M/T | R359 900 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AWD A/T | R399 900 |
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.
