Model Update

Loads of possibilities make the new Toyota RAV4 good buying. Its go anywhere ability and superb refinement is packaged with excellent build quality. This is a roomy SUV that you won’t turn down easily.

A drive in a Toyota RAV4 very quickly reveals how competent the small SUV is. Power comes from a 125 kW four-cylinder – which in this vehicle is all you really need. The car’s four-speed automatics are great, however the five-speed manuals are a touch more frugal. There is a V6 model that can go like the clappers in a smooth Toyota kind-of-way.

Front wheel drive models and AWD models give the buyer plenty of choice. Features like VVT-i petrol engine technology; Active AWD; Downhill Assist Control (DAC); Hill-start Assist Control; Active Braking that includes ABS, EBD, and BA; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC); a Safe-T-Cell; Dual front SRS airbags; air-conditioning with a dust filter; cruise control; tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment; central locking and keyless entry; a CD sound system with USB and audio input; Bluetooth compatibility and an engine immobiliser all work together to create a desirable small SUV.

The interior of the new Toyota RAV4 is very stylish.

The Toyota RAV4 is in its third generation now, and is only getting better and better as each generation goes by. The first generation was from 1994 to 2000. The second was from 2001 to 2005. And the third, and current generation, started in 2006.

The third-generation RAV4 has loads of style, and it always looks solid and pleasant on the eye from any position you care to gaze at the vehicle from. The nose is nicely sculptured and the headlights are wide-eyed and purposeful. A high waistline gives the RAV4 a robust and muscley look that is accentuated with its wide 17 inch wheels and flared wheel arches. I like a vehicle that has hot looks and a sporty appearance.

The Rav 4 is a vehicle that not only looks tough; it has has the credentials to tackle slippery conditions and plenty of off-roading jaunts. The electronically controlled AWD system is designed to help prevent the vehicle slipping sideways during steep off-road hill descents. It provides “feet off” driving down a steep incline. The latest AWD system was developed by Toyota to provide enhanced control and improved fuel economy. Toyota Active AWD is a compact system that controls torque distribution between the front and rear axles. It achieves this by using a newly developed electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential housing. The electronically controlled Active AWD system saves engine power and fuel by only driving the front wheels. It switches automatically to all-wheel drive when needed. This fantastic technology is complimented with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) – standard on all models except the CV, Active Braking with intelligence (AB-i) – incorporating an Anti-skid Braking System (ABS) with EBD & BA, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) – standard on all models except the CV. With this level of AWD traction, the Toyota Rav4 is a class leader.

All Toyota RAV4 models are blessed with dual front SRS airbags, air conditioning that boasts a dust filter, 17″ wheels, cruise control, a tilt & telescopic steering column adjustment, central locking & keyless entry, a 6 speaker MP3-compatible CD sound system with an audio input jack, an engine immobiliser and a Toyota Safe-T Cell. These are top rate features that make the RAV4 the leader of the light 4WD, soft roader bracket.

Toyota has provided many RAV 4 models over the years. The Cruiser versions add a little more features and luxury. The Cruiser L is the luxury packed model. The CV6, SX6 and ZR6 models are all well endowed with luxury items, and they boast the very powerful 3.5 litre V6 petrol motor that pumps out 201 kW and a whopping 333 Nm of torque. The CV, Cruiser and Cruiser L models have the responsive 2.4 litre petrol engine which has a maximum power output of 125 kW and 224 Nm. The CV model provides affordable comfort and performance. It comes with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. The RAV4 Cruiser provides quality & handling beyond its class. It comes with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. Along with the standard features, the Cruiser also contains some extra features such as: front fog lamps, 17″ six-spoke alloy wheels, roof rails, overfender flares, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) [Automatic transmission models only], Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and an electric moonroof (optional). The Cruiser L is the model in the Toyota RAV4 range that provides the ultimate blend of versatility and quality. It comes with a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox. The Cruiser L also contains the standard RAV4 features while also containing the following: power driver’s seat adjustment including lumbar support, and a heated driver and front-passenger seat. The CV6, SX6 and ZR6 not only boast the V6 engine, but they are all superbly equipped vehicles. Leather seats are available; so to is a Sat-Nav system and a premium sound system.

You will be comfortable in any Toyota RAV4 model. The seats provide good support for long journeys. The space inside the cabin is excellent, and there are lots of storage compartments throughout the cabin.

To drive, the Toyota RAV 4 is a very composed vehicle whatever the terrain. You will enjoy the solid feel, engine response and refinement – not to mention Toyota’s bullet-proof reliability.

The extremely well engineered Toyota RAV4 is just the right size to get the chores done around town. It remains rugged enough to have plenty of outdoor fun off the beaten track so head on down and take a look. This car should be on the top of your test drive lists.

Current model series include:

• Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2.4
• Toyota RAV4 Cruiser L 2.4
• Toyota RAV4 CV 2.4
• Toyota RAV4 CV6
• Toyota RAV4 SX6
• Toyota RAV4 ZR6

For any more information on the Toyota Rav4, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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