The Toyota RAV4 has been one of the world’s most successful compact SUV’s since it was launched way back in 1994. Now the RAV4 has re-generated for the third time breaking all boundaries in terms of enhanced driving performance, increased passenger comfort and upgraded equipment as standard.
Four trims are available XT3, XT4, XT5 and the flagship T180 but Toyota have just launched another variant the XT-R that was my test car for the week mated to Toyota’s new generation 2.2 litre D-4D common rail diesel engine which is being offered on the RAV4 for the first time.
The RAV4 XT-R has better equipment than the XT4 yet costs less, in fact £1,540 less if you add up the extra specification this model has over the XT4. Distinguishing the XT-R from its siblings is the new designed six spoke 17 inch alloy wheels, a tasty chrome finished grille, front under bumper protection plate, dark tinted rear privacy glass to which I am becoming a great fan knowing that any disturbances my children may be making in the car will not distract other drivers, and bespoke XT-R badging. The spare wheel has been binned in favour of an easy to use tyre repair kit and the extra space saved means a wide opening tailgate. But remember this does not open upwards but sideways so don’t park too close to the wall in the parking bays or you won’t have enough room to open the tailgate to load up the shopping.
Stepping up into the XT-R and a host of drivers little helpers meets you from leather upholstery, Bluetooth for hands free telephone use, height adjustable steering wheel with remote audio controls for the six CD autochanger player, duel zone climate control keeping you cool calm and collected, cruise control keeping your licence in tact, front fog lights, electrically heated, folding door mirrors, electric windows all round, a sunroof and rear parking sensors ensuring perfect parking every day. This is just as well, as with 585 litres of luggage area when all seats are in place, increasing to 1,469 litres when the seats are very easily folded down thanks to Toyota’s Easy Flat rear seat folding system, its just as well those sales are going on longer than normal. Any sneaky purchases can be kept out of sight in the 50-litre storage space under the flat boot floor. In addition, are many storage areas scattered around the cabin including door pockets, a large central console with a mobile phone holder, and larger illuminated cup holders, a cooled glove box and for the children, cup holders in the centre armrest.
chucking her into bends knowing the all-new front suspension will keep you glued to the road
Powering up the RAV4 XT-R is the 2.2 litre D-4D 140 diesel engine that has so far been the best selling engine in the RAV4 range achieving a top speed of 112 mph, racing to 62mph in 10.5 seconds, sees CO2 emissions at a respectable 173g/km, yet saves valuable pennies at the petrol pumps thanks to a combined cycle of 42.8 mpg fuel consumption. But the engine is surprisingly loud especially idling aimlessly say at traffic lights. With diesels becoming quieter and quieter yes, this did surprise me. A six speed manual transmission is standard producing smooth, quick gear changes and has the added benefits of Hill Start Assist Control that prevents the RAV4 from slipping backwards ensuing no rolling back whatever the gradient, and automatic Downhill Assist Control. This is really useful when tackling large descents off roading, as extra pressure is applied to the brakes to maintain a constant low speed without the wheels locking, thus increasing the control.
Then of course, you have Toyota’s Integrated Active Drive handling system that provides the driver with better stability and vehicle control whatever the conditions, that eliminates any over or under steer the driver may have made. Believe me, it’s a very clever device as well as a great safety feature and can make even the dodgiest of drivers look good. This increases the drivers confidence as you really start to test the attributes of the RAV4 chucking her into bends knowing the all-new front suspension will keep you glued to the road and thanks to the improved ride, the passengers will not feel too sea sick at the same time.
But in case the confidence goes slightly over board, the safety features that adorn the RAV4 are quite remarkable proven by being awarded four stars in the Euro NCAP ratings for adult protection, four stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian protection. It’s amazing what can happen when the old ’bull bars’ are taken away. Nine airbags are standard including, for the first time in the compact SUV class, a drivers kneebag, in addition to driver and passenger, front, front side and curtain airbags. The passenger airbags has a de-activation switch if your darling wishes to travel in the front with you, while three point seatbelts and headrests are fitted to all five seats. The front seatbelts have pretensioners with force limiters and the front seats have the Whiplash Injury Lessening concept that move forwards in the event of a rear collision. The two outer rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX brackets for the child seats.
But in reality, crashing the RAV4 will be an arduous job as apart from ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is on hand as well as Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Active Torque Control being a permanent 4- wheel drive and Limited Slip Differential. So this car is staying put regardless, meaning there is no excuse for not getting the children to school citing bad whether as the ATC transfers torque between the front and rear wheels to achieve the optimum grip and handling.
Securing the RAV4 is remote central locking with double locks, and a perimeter alarm thus falling into insurance group 12E.
So what is this going to set you back? Well, this particular model, £21,425 that is not too horrendous considering the fantastic ride and handling, amazing safety features but more importantly the street cred this RAV4 provides. The only flaw, in my mind, is the noisy engine but just think of price of fuel these days then think of the fuel consumption figures this engine delivers.
‘Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’, as they say.
FemaleFirst Jackie Violet
The Toyota RAV4 has been one of the world’s most successful compact SUV’s since it was launched way back in 1994. Now the RAV4 has re-generated for the third time breaking all boundaries in terms of enhanced driving performance, increased passenger comfort and upgraded equipment as standard.
Four trims are available XT3, XT4, XT5 and the flagship T180 but Toyota have just launched another variant the XT-R that was my test car for the week mated to Toyota’s new generation 2.2 litre D-4D common rail diesel engine which is being offered on the RAV4 for the first time.
The RAV4 XT-R has better equipment than the XT4 yet costs less, in fact £1,540 less if you add up the extra specification this model has over the XT4. Distinguishing the XT-R from its siblings is the new designed six spoke 17 inch alloy wheels, a tasty chrome finished grille, front under bumper protection plate, dark tinted rear privacy glass to which I am becoming a great fan knowing that any disturbances my children may be making in the car will not distract other drivers, and bespoke XT-R badging. The spare wheel has been binned in favour of an easy to use tyre repair kit and the extra space saved means a wide opening tailgate. But remember this does not open upwards but sideways so don’t park too close to the wall in the parking bays or you won’t have enough room to open the tailgate to load up the shopping.
Stepping up into the XT-R and a host of drivers little helpers meets you from leather upholstery, Bluetooth for hands free telephone use, height adjustable steering wheel with remote audio controls for the six CD autochanger player, duel zone climate control keeping you cool calm and collected, cruise control keeping your licence in tact, front fog lights, electrically heated, folding door mirrors, electric windows all round, a sunroof and rear parking sensors ensuring perfect parking every day. This is just as well, as with 585 litres of luggage area when all seats are in place, increasing to 1,469 litres when the seats are very easily folded down thanks to Toyota’s Easy Flat rear seat folding system, its just as well those sales are going on longer than normal. Any sneaky purchases can be kept out of sight in the 50-litre storage space under the flat boot floor. In addition, are many storage areas scattered around the cabin including door pockets, a large central console with a mobile phone holder, and larger illuminated cup holders, a cooled glove box and for the children, cup holders in the centre armrest.
Powering up the RAV4 XT-R is the 2.2 litre D-4D 140 diesel engine that has so far been the best selling engine in the RAV4 range achieving a top speed of 112 mph, racing to 62mph in 10.5 seconds, sees CO2 emissions at a respectable 173g/km, yet saves valuable pennies at the petrol pumps thanks to a combined cycle of 42.8 mpg fuel consumption. But the engine is surprisingly loud especially idling aimlessly say at traffic lights. With diesels becoming quieter and quieter yes, this did surprise me. A six speed manual transmission is standard producing smooth, quick gear changes and has the added benefits of Hill Start Assist Control that prevents the RAV4 from slipping backwards ensuing no rolling back whatever the gradient, and automatic Downhill Assist Control. This is really useful when tackling large descents off roading, as extra pressure is applied to the brakes to maintain a constant low speed without the wheels locking, thus increasing the control.
Then of course, you have Toyota’s Integrated Active Drive handling system that provides the driver with better stability and vehicle control whatever the conditions, that eliminates any over or under steer the driver may have made. Believe me, it’s a very clever device as well as a great safety feature and can make even the dodgiest of drivers look good. This increases the drivers confidence as you really start to test the attributes of the RAV4 chucking her into bends knowing the all-new front suspension will keep you glued to the road and thanks to the improved ride, the passengers will not feel too sea sick at the same time.
But in case the confidence goes slightly over board, the safety features that adorn the RAV4 are quite remarkable proven by being awarded four stars in the Euro NCAP ratings for adult protection, four stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian protection. It’s amazing what can happen when the old ’bull bars’ are taken away. Nine airbags are standard including, for the first time in the compact SUV class, a drivers kneebag, in addition to driver and passenger, front, front side and curtain airbags. The passenger airbags has a de-activation switch if your darling wishes to travel in the front with you, while three point seatbelts and headrests are fitted to all five seats. The front seatbelts have pretensioners with force limiters and the front seats have the Whiplash Injury Lessening concept that move forwards in the event of a rear collision. The two outer rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX brackets for the child seats.
But in reality, crashing the RAV4 will be an arduous job as apart from ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is on hand as well as Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Active Torque Control being a permanent 4- wheel drive and Limited Slip Differential. So this car is staying put regardless, meaning there is no excuse for not getting the children to school citing bad whether as the ATC transfers torque between the front and rear wheels to achieve the optimum grip and handling.