Road Test: Toyota Rav4 VX2.2 AWD
| by Howard Keeg
I’m a Big Boy Now
The Toyota RAV4 started out as a compact crossover sport utility vehicle in the mid 1990’s. In actual fact, to the
best of my knowledge, it was the first compact crossover SUV, and can thus claim to be the forerunner of what is
now an extremely popular vehicle segment.
A
nd compact it was, designed
to meet the requirements of
consumers who wanted the
benefits of an SUV, combined with the
manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a
compact car. This was revolutionary at
the time, as drivers had a car with higher
visibility, increased cargo and luggage
space, and the option of four wheel
drive. Thus the name RAV, which means
Recreational Active Vehicle. And from day
one, the RAV4 was a runaway success,
which paved the way for other compact
crossover SUVs.
Originally based on the Corolla platform,
the first generation RAV4 was indeed
a compact crossover SUV, and in
South Africa was very popular amongst
females. But as is the wont among motor
manufacturers, the little RAV kept on
getting bigger, and the bells and whistles
were not far behind. I have been watching
this evolution with interest, and the fourth
generation RAV4, which was revealed
at the November 2012 Los Angeles
Auto Show, naturally followed this trend.
The RAV4 is no longer a baby sized SUV,
the short wheel base is a thing of the past,
and now it is a fully fledged mid-size SUV
with enhanced equipment levels.
features to the market now, rather than
waiting for a more typical upgrade timing.”
I agree with his sentiments. And the allwheel drive (AWD) version lives up to its
moniker. I took the RAV4 on some rough
roads and it passed with flying colours.
So when I was given the opportunity to test
drive the RAV4 with its iconic 2.2-litre D-4D
diesel engine and new six-speed auto
box and the higher-spec VX trim, together
with a new touch-screen multimedia
system, I did not hesitate for a second.
Whilst I am definitely not a propeller
head, I have come to appreciate such
things as USB connections, Bluetooth,
a rear-view camera, plus all the bits of
vehicle information, and variable settings.
Glenn Crompton, vice president of
Marketing for Toyota SA Motors, said at
the time of the introduction of this vehicle,
“Toyota’s commitment to make ongoing
improvements coupled with enthusiastic
customer demand, motivated us to bring
this additional model and these latest
In addition, who is going to complain about
the full leather upholstery, the front seat
heaters, the cruise control, the powered
tailgate with memory function, cruise
control and a keyless entry system? As
expected for a car with this pedigree, all
the safety systems are there, as well as the
necessary three year/100,000km warranty
and five-year/ 90 000 km service plan,
plus the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance
Programme.
| words in action
92
october 2014
Take this all into account, and the
price tag of R438 900, which at
first blush may look high, starts to
look reasonable.