Car review (launch report): Toyota RAV4
Toyota internationally launched the first RAV4 way back when in 1994. It hit South African shores in 1995. What a frightening thought that is, not the launch of the RAV4, but rather that I was in Std. 5 and it still feels like I just finished high school (which was in actual fact 15 years ago!). I remember seeing the older kids cruising in their parent’s RAV4 along the Camps Bay ‘strip’ heading to Glen beach for a surf. I was in awe! I don’t know whether it was the car or what the whole picture represented. I wanted to be friends with them, I wanted to be them!
Fast forward 20 years and Toyota has refreshed its 4th generation RAV4 (launched in 2013). I still want to be those kids, now for different reasons though, the main ones being that they have no care in the world and don’t work! The point is that the RAV4 holds a special place in my heart. Now all grown up, this new RAV4 has been unleashed in to a very different landscape, especially within the compact SUV segment. It is more competitive than it has ever been, but the RAV4 holds strong. Back in 2012, Toyota had 3% of the market share, now in 2015 it leads with 12%. The RAV4 is the number one seller in the small SUV market. The reason? Toyota puts it well, “It’s the right product at the right price.”
So what’s new on this model?
The facelifted Toyota RAV4 sports new LED-equipped headlamps, newly designed wheels, a reshaped upper front grille, and revised mud flaps (on the GX models). The simplified front end design reflects the latest Toyota look also seen on new Auris and Yaris. The rear bumper has been revised as well as the fog lamps. LED headlamps and rear combination lamps are standard across the range.
The interior sees new quality materials used and textures that have been redesigned. All models now sport a 7-inch touchscreen audio system which has been tilted to the driver to reduce glare from the windows (other manufacturers take note please!) Spec has been upped on this RAV4 with the likes of a rear camera standard on both models, the VX gains guidelines on the monitor. The range topper VX also gains a sunroof, 18-inch alloys (the GX has 17-inch), leather seats, cruise control, smart entry and dual zone climate control.
The interior is refined and modern, especially in the VX model. Thanks to increased silencers, engine noise is minimal. In fact we weren’t even aware that we were driving the diesel because the engine was so quiet.
The five-model range is unchanged. It’s still offered with three engines (two petrols and a diesel), three transmissions, two trim levels, and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
We drove the 2,2-litre diesel engine which produces 110 kW and 149 N.m of torque which is sent to both the front and rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The AWD, with the traction control off and the diff lock engaged, was particularly handy on the soft sand driving we did just over the South African border in to Mozambique. On tar roads, the gear shifts were smooth, but with such a short power band I felt I was shifting for my life when trying to overtake the many trucks we encountered. Bearing in mind we were in a hurry to get to the border, so let’s just say we were doing some rather “spirited” driving, which may have added some extra “shifting pressure”. With all this “spirited” driving you would think we would have arrived at our destination feeling exhausted, but thanks to very comfortable seating and a smooth ride, I arrived feeling completely fine. It just proved to me that this is the car you want if 1. you are in a rush and 2. you going on a roadtrip.
The only thing that can be somewhat disconcerting is the body roll felt when cornering, but again, I must go back to the “spirited” driving issue. It makes me think of certain saying, “Do not try this at home folks!”
It needs to be mentioned that the RAV4 enters the market with the lowest price of R327 700 for the 2,0 GX MT. None of its competitors can say this, including the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Ford Kuga and the Hyundai ix35 which will soon be replaced by the Tucson. And this base model comes with plenty of spec.
If you want AWD you can expect the pricing to start at R457 000 for the 2,5 VX 6AT. The diesel version tops the range at R487 400. These prices include a three year/100 00 km warranty and a five year/90 000 service plan.
I can’t imagine why this Toyota RAV4 won’t continue to be a best seller. It’s refined, it’s comfortable, it’s quiet and it’s of course, a Toyota! The most important thing that stands out for me; after hiccups on the launch and what felt like an episode of the Amazing Race I wasn’t left feeling like I wanted to tear someone’s head off. I was still smiling (and it wasn’t because of the people I was with I can tell…no offence to any of you who may be reading this), it was because I actually enjoyed my time behind the wheel of this car (don’t let my driving partner take credit for this owed to his great conversation), this car didn’t annoy me…and most things annoy me. This is why I can confidently recommend this car to any of you ladies (and men) out there who just don’t have the time to worry about your car and who don’t need to add another thing to your long list of annoyances!