Rave about the new RAV4
FIFTH GENERATION: LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN PERFORMANCE, CAPABILITY AND SAFETY
n 1994, Toyota’s launch of the original RAV4 introduced a new kind of car to the world, one that combined the go-anywhere performance and rugged stance of an SUV with compact dimensions and handling more akin to a hatchback.
The same pioneering spirit is witnessed in the fifth-generation RAV4, which takes the model into a new era of performance, capability and safety – advances underpinned by the first use of TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) and a powerful design.
With its low centre of gravity and significantly increased body rigidity, the new RAV4’s GA-K platform directly contributes to superior handling, ride comfort, a spacious interior, class-leading load space and the freedom to produce a strong, eye-catching design with lower roof and bonnet and higher ground clearance.
As well as providing more space, the cabin displays exceptional quality and finish.
At the same time, RAV4’s allwheel drive systems have been improved to achieve a “drive-onany-road” capability.
The inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense features on selected models introduce advanced technologies to help prevent accidents and provide greater driver assistance, including introducing a degree of automated driving.
The foundation of the new RAV4’s dynamic qualities is its TNGA programme.
This gives the car the core strengths of a low centre of gravity, light weight and a strong, rigid and balanced chassis that delivers exceptional handling, stability and driver rewards.
For the owner this makes the car more fun to drive, while at the same time enabling enhanced safety performance that gives greater peace of mind and more comfort for everyone on board.
The lowest possible centre of gravity is achieved by making every component lighter and locating it lower in the vehicle – from the engine to the seats.
The platform also allows for a 57% increase in body rigidity, which contributes to a stable, flat ride with superior handling.
Two petrol engines, a 2.0-litre or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit, are offered.
The 2.0-litre engine delivers power output of 127kW at 6 600rpm and torque of 203Nm between 4 400 and 4 800rpm, while also offering a fuel consumption of between 6.5 to 6.8l/100km.
The flagship 2.5-litre engine produces 152kW of power at 6 600rpm and peak torque of 243Nm between 4 000rpm and 5 000rpm, while offering fuel consumption of 7.3
The choice of a six-speed manual, CVT or an eight-speed automatic transmission, make for smooth driving, no matter your preference.
The 2.0-litre engine is paired with either the rev-matching sixspeed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) or Shiftmatic CVT option and offered in 2WD or AWD guise.
The 2.5-litre is exclusively combined with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission, which offers smooth and crisp shifts and lock-up control in Sport mode.
Befitting Toyota’s occupant safety ethos, it is equipped with a full suite of airbags, including knee and curtain types, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control, hill assist control and trailer sway control.
The VX model introduces Toyota safety sense for the first time on a RAV4, which encompasses adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure alert (LDA) with steering control, blind-spot monitor and pre-crash system.
The ACC and LDA systems lend a level of autonomous driving to the VX models by offering steering assist as well as radar-controlled braking in conjunction with acceleration functions.
The RAV4’s dynamic new design boasts assertive and angular features with a bold bumper, grille, LED headlights and tail lights, creating a broad, athletic build that tapers towards the back to provide an all-round muscular appearance.
The cabin is characterised by high-sensory quality throughout and precision execution.
Soft-touch surfaces abound, including the dashboard and door panels.
Switchgear is new, too, with cleanly integrated buttons and pleasingly tactile controls, such as the soft-touch knurling on the audio and air conditioning controls.
Brushed-aluminium trim adds a premium feel and highlights the interior’s stylish design.
The load space behind the rear seats has been made larger and more user-friendly, notably thanks to a fully flat floor and a length extended by 60mm to secure best-in-class capacity of 580 litres (79 litres more than in the current RAV4).
Flexibility is integrated so the space can easily be adapted to gain more cargo room when required.
With the rear seats folded down, the new RAV4 can accommodate a 29-inch mountain bike without any wheels having to be removed.