7 February 2011
The latest example 2006 Rav4 is an all new model, but still follows typical RAV4 (and Toyota) formula.
While ongoing reliability is a given, emissions, economy and safety equipment have been improved; don't expect the vehicle to excite in terms of instant appeal.
Reserved linage maybe, but when meeting the new RAV4 in the metal, one distinct difference over RAV's of old becomes glaringly obvious...it's big.
Previously, the nameplates patronage consisted highly of women, thanks to the RAV's combination of 'up high' SUV visibility in a cute compact size that's easy to drive around town.
That's changed for 2006, and the beefier size may see a few kiwi blokes looking at the RAV as a suitable tow or recreational vehicle.
The Rav4 now comes in one body style only, a five door. Choices from there vary with a standard and Limited option being offered, both available with a four-speed auto or five speed manual transmission. For fans of the three-door the news is not good; Toyota has decided to stop production worldwide due to declining demand. Three-door sales accounted for twenty percent of the total Rav4 New Zealand sales.
Sitting on an all-new chassis the vehicle has been given a "muscled-up" look in addition to being longer in the wheel base and wider in the track over its predecessor. Interior space has been increased by some twenty percent providing more overall head and legroom.
To compliment the interior improvements, cargo volume has also been increased by a healthy thirty five percent. A clever piece of designing allows for an easy one-touch remote-release in the luggage compartment which will fold the rear seats to form a flat floor.
All models come with anti locking brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist and air bags for both driver and passenger. The airbags are of an advanced type which means sensors can determine if the passenger seat is occupied, verify the occupant's weight and deploy the airbag to a specific rate if required.
The Limited comes standard with front, seat side and front/rear curtain shield airbags, and a host of interior and exterior accessories including leather steering wheel, leather gear lever, climate air, six disc in-dash MP3 CD changer, front fog lights, roof rails, alloy wheels and rear glass with UV reduction.
Also fitted, as standard on all Limited versions is vehicle stability control, traction control, and hill-start assist control. Downhill assist, which uses the anti lock brakes to control vehicle speed when descending hills is also standard on automatic Limited models.
There are lap and diagonal seat belts in all five seating positions as well as three tether points and two ISO fixing points available for child restraint systems.
The cabin is spacious and comfortable, offering good all-round visibility and ingress/egress thanks to the hip height of the vehicle. The only niggles are, the interior, like the vehicle's external appearance lacked flair. It is practical and easy to use, but could have been vastly improved with less sombre plastics and colour treatments.
The engine is a refinement of the existing 2.4 litre power unit with a 5% increase in power (now rated at 125kW at 6000 rpm, 224Nm @ 4000rpm), reduction in emissions to meet Euro 4 standards and improved fuel economy being the big enhancements.
The RAV4's power and torque outputs are less than two of its closest competitors; the Mitsubishi Outlander and Suzuki Grand Vitara V6; however it offers comparable performance to its rivals on the road. The RAV pulls well up hills whether it with the four-speed automatic, or our preference, the five-speed manual. Towing weight remains unchanged at 750kg-unbraked 1500kg braked.
Helping improve the claimed fuel savings of 3.2% is the new Active Torque Control 4WD system, which replaces the previous full-time 4WD viscous coupling. In effect the vehicle drives in two-wheel drive unless front wheel slippage is detected. An electronically operated differential mounted clutch system will automatically supply up to 50% of drive torque to the rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions.
In slippery conditions a manually operated 4WD-locking switch mounted on the dash can provide maximum torque distribution (50/50) to the rear wheels if required. Upon reaching 40 kph the auto lock will disengage automatically and revert the system back to auto mode.
Both front and rear suspension has been redesigned to complement the all-new electric power steering set-up. We felt the driving experience over a variety of different terrain is the highlight of the new RAV4.
The latest RAV is the most refined yet. Toyota have recognised that the vehicle will be used more on road than off, and occupant comfort and safety are more important than producing a more robust dirt tracker.
The result is an all round pleasant well thought out and capable drive, typical Toyota build quality is excellent and the vehicle is well equipped. Pity though, that in our opinion, the car blends in to the crowd all too easily for a new model.
Front side airbags and front and rear curtain shield airbags are available as options for the standard models, it's an option worth taking and these models are well worth looking for in the used market.