E-XCITING ADDITIONS

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received widespread acclaim when it launched last year. Now, the line-up has been revised with E-Four variants. Here’s what’s new. L aunched in 2021, the RAV4 Hybrid was widely commended for its combination of practicality, fuel efficiency and performance. This year, the RAV4 Hybrid lineup has been revised, with a new two-grade strategy comprising the familiar GX-R and VX. With the adoption of the new higher-tier grades (versus the outgoing GX), both the specification levels and visual drama have been amped up.

THE LOOK

In terms of character, the GX-R delivers a stylish yet rugged exterior with prominent black cladding, black overfenders and a silver bumper protector. A large trapezoidal grille – with two parallel crossbars – and wide-set fog lamps frame the blue-hued Toyota insignia – a hybrid exclusive.

The GX-R interior features leather trim, which extends to the steering wheel and shift lever, as well as orange detailing on the stitching, seatback and console area – adding a dash of flair to the cabin.

The VX variant adopts a stylish and sophisticated exterior package with a unique front grille treatment, deeper apron and vertically mounted fog lamp bezels. The leather interior is accompanied by blue interior illumination.

SPECIFICATION AND FEATURES

The GX-R has LED headlights and daytime running lights, fog lamps, roof rails, a rear spoiler and smoked 18-inch alloy wheels. Convenience specification is ample: auto air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, smart entry, a touchscreen infotainment system (with CarPlay and Android Auto functionality), five USB ports, a wireless charger, reverse camera, rear park-distance control (PDC) and cruise control. Both seat heating and ventilation are on offer, as well as power seat adjustment for the driver. VX variants are further bolstered with power seat adjustment for the front passenger and driver memory function (while foregoing seat ventilation), front and rear park-distance control, auto high-beam functionality and auto-fold operation for the exterior mirrors. A highlight of the VX model is the panoramic view monitor, which is joined by a digital rear-view mirror. This mirror uses rearfacing cameras to project a wide-angle image onto the mirror’s surface. This function is user selectable, allowing the driver to toggle between traditional and camera views at the touch of a button. Both models feature a semi-digital instrument cluster, which incorporates a multi-information display (MID). Alongside the usual MID parameters, dedicated screens are provided to monitor eco-driving performance (including an electric vehicle-mode usage infographic) and E-Four operation. All RAV4 models, including petrol ones, now boast LED interior illumination, five USB ports and two

12V accessory connectors.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The GX-R models come equipped with a full suite of driver aids: anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist, vehicle stability control, trailer sway control (TSC), hill start assist and downhill assist control (DAC).

The VX grade adds Toyota Safety Sense ( TSS), which encompasses pre-crash, radar cruise control, lane trace assist, blind spot monitoring (BSM) and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA).

A full complement of airbags is present, including side and curtain variants, as well as an anti-theft system.

HYBRID E-FOUR POWER

All RAV4 Hybrid models employ Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system, which in the RAV4 E-Four combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor (on the front axle) while adding a rear-mounted electric motor (MGR).

The power units are coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to seamlessly integrate power sources and deliver smooth acceleration. This not only provides the vehicle with new energy credentials but adds on-demand all-wheel drive to the powertrain matrix. The electric motor is connected to a two-stage gear reduction mechanism, which utilises a parallel shaft to reduce gear engagement losses. This results in highly responsive power distribution between the front and rear wheels.

The electric E-Four system automatically optimises the torque distribution ratio according to driving conditions, which can vary between 100% in the front to a 20/80 front-rear split. When turning, the power distribution is controlled to be more “rear-wheel drivelike”, which helps inspire driver confidence and adds to a superb steering feel. And if the road is slippery, an auto trail-assist mode can be used to improve traction. Drive mode select allows the driver to tailor vehicle dynamics to usage conditions (eco/normal/power), which in turn are joined by EV-mode and trail-assist switches for condition-specific operation.

In terms of performance figures, the A25A-FXS (the internal combustion engine) delivers 131 kW and 221 Nm of torque. The electric motors pitch in 88 and 40 kW respectively (front/rear) with the complementary torque numbers registering at 202 and 121 Nm. The total system is rated at 163 kW, while top speed is 180 km/h.

When it comes to hybrids, fuel efficiency is crucial, and with a combined cycle figure of 4.8 ℓ/100 km, the RAV4 E-Four Hybrid is no exception. With its 55-litre fuel tank, it should in theory be able to cover 1 145 km on a single tank.

TOWING CAPACITY

E-Four models can tow up to 1 000 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked.

COLOURS AND TRIM

GX-R models are offered in five exterior colours: graphite grey, cinnabar red, urban khaki, tidal blue (new) and attitude black.

VX models in turn can be ordered in a total of nine hues, including pearl white, chromium silver and moonlight ocean metallic.

Both grades are equipped with leathertrimmed interiors, with a choice between black and orchid brown on the GX-R and an option of black or beige in the VX.

PEACE OF MIND

Included is a six services or 90 000 km service plan, with service intervals pegged at 15 000 km/12 months. Toyota’s three-year/100 000 km warranty comes standard, and hybrid customers have the additional peace of mind of an eightyear/195 000 km hybrid battery warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from one of Toyota’s 220 dealers countrywide.