A pair of RAV4S of totally different colour

Toyota RAV4S come in all shapes and sizes these days, with petrol and diesel, 2WD and 4WD, and three different trim levels, all available in mix ‘n match. John Oxley does a back-to-back on two very different models in the same line-up.

It’s amazing how the Toyota RAV4 has developed over the years, First up, it’s grown from a little three-door available in 4WD only with a 2-litre petrol engine and in one trim level, to a much bigger five-door. Most important, it’s now available with three Toyota chose the end of last year to quietly launch its new RAV4 range, and although it’s pretty much a “mild facelift”, there are a couple of stand-out features which make the whole line-up more interesting. Most important for those who have to keep an eye on tailpipe emissions – which means most of us these days – is the upliftment of all RAV4 versions now sold here to Euro5 standards, and that includes the diesels, too, which get a new NOX reduction system. At the same time the whole line-up got quieter inside, with improved floor silencer pads, rear deck, and revised door seals, while a whole raft of new features enhance all models, including the entry level GX. These include a reversing camera with static guidelines (as well as parking sensors), hill start assistance, and Downhill Assist Control on the 4WD version tested here, giving the ability to venture off-road despite not having a low range in the gearbox. And for those using the RAV4 as mum’s taxi, two Isofix child seat anchor points and three tether anchors. different engine options, and both front and all-wheel drive, in three trim levels, for a total of nine variants Obviously it would have been difficult to test and compare the whole range with such a wide variety of offerings, so what we did “Train spotters” will notice some changes to the front end, including a new bumper, grille, and self-levelling LED headlamps, combined with daytime running lights, while at the back there’s a partially-painted bumper with new LED tail lights. There are also power adjustable heated outside mirrors with side indicator repeaters, and a fold flat function, and silver roof rails complete the l look. The fleet-oriented GX comes with practical steel 17-inch steel wheels with full-sized wheel covers which look for all the world like alloys! And that’s pretty much it for the GX. Nononsense and practical. Inside there’s black fabric seat material and new soft-touch padding on the door trims, there’s manuallycontrolled aircon, cruise control, a three-spoke urethane steering wheel, and a multi-information display in the instrument panel which gives trip info, outside temperature, range, etc., panel which also doubles as the rear camera monitor. was to look at two totally different options, but with only $1,000 between them on price – the 2.2-litre GX diesel AWD, at $46,990, and the 2-litre petrol Limited model in frontwheel drive at $47,990. The audio system is controlled from the 6.1 inch touch screen in the centre of the dash which also doubles as the reversing camera monitor, includes Bluetooth for both telephony and music streaming, and there’s also an AUX input for music devices. When you buy the AWD diesel, you also get the benefit of an advanced torque converter gearbox with artificial intelligence and three modes S, ECO and Sport, plus a Dynamin Torque Control (that’s Toyota-speak for an on-demand system) that also includes a button to lock the centre diff when you go off-road. Having more weight over the rear wheels and an on-demand all-wheel drive system also helps no end with the handling, and although the GX diesel won’t win any awards for performance, it’s certainly no sluggard in a point to point journey. The extra weight of the rear diff also helps with ride quality, too, and the GX feels firmly planted, although throwing it wildly into corners will get you a clip around the metaphorical ear as body roll kicks in and upsets the balance. One of the things we like about the whole latest range of RAV4S is the vast improvement that’s been made to build quality, and certainly to the presentation of the interior. The RAV no longer feels like a metal maiden aunt – instead it’s shed a few years and gone back to offering some of the excitement the original engendered.