The original RAV was hardly designed to ‘titillate’ the senses of prospective buyers. The five door version was somewhat better but it was only when the mark two and three version arrived – along with diesel power – that it became desirable. Now we take a look at the Toyota RAV4.
According to Toyota, the RAV4 remains one of South Africa’s favourite SUVs. They sell over 400 units on a monthly which is no doubt enviable in this highly contested sector. It is one of the segment leaders in this competitive marketplace.
Below the surface
The test unit, a 2.0-litre petrol model, is the entry unit. It prices a few thousand under the 400K mark. While it ticks all the boxes for space, safety and value for money, the performance department is seriously lacking.
Given that it intends to carry a family (and in all probability luggage etc.) it is somewhat disappointing to have to make the RAV work really hard to get moving which, when running, keeps pace quite adequately with the traffic.
Being the 2WD model also results in some ‘chirping’ from the front tyres before the traction control kicks in. Accelerating hard, with a load, contributes in no small way toward to maximising the revs in each gear. A little disappointing.
The safety measure
From a safety perspective there is no fault and no doubt justifies its popularity. Notably these address both active and passive components.
- 9 Airbags incl. driver knee
- ABS + EBD + BA
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Hill Assist Control (HAC)
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC) on 4WD models
- ISOFIX
What’s inside counts
The RAV is big and its ‘boot’ is cavernous capable of swallowing huge amounts of luggage and peripheral equipment for long trips. It is fully equipped comfortable leather upholstered seats, making the interior is a pleasant place to be. Only one gripe mars the inside – the central communication station. The need to engage with it is distracting and certainly when tuning the radio compromises safety.
The complete RAV4 range is backed by a 5 year/90 000km service plan and 3 year/100 000km warranty.
Specifications:
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
Power: 107 kW, 187 Nm torque
Gears: 6 speed manual
Doors: 5
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