2006 Toyota RAV4: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 2/Feb/2006

Toyota's RAV4 has been a consistent bread winner for the Japanese company here in Australia, and for good reason - it's a reliable vehicle.

With the launch of the 2006 model RAV4, its rivals, such as the Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander, will now be facing an even more formidable competitor, as Toyota's compact AWD has not only updated the styling, but has also increased the vehicle's size.

As Toyota points out, the newly launched 2006 model RAV4 brings more versatility, driveability, safety, comfort, fuel economy and feature levels to the compact sports utility vehicle market. And if that's not enough, all models feature Toyota'sDriver Assist Technology (DAT) which works with the AWD system to improve safety in all weather conditions.

"The application of an advanced new drivetrain and systems control technologies has created a RAV4 that has the best of both worlds – more space, versatility and safety combined with less environmental impact in terms of fuel use and emissions," said Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner.

Feature levels have been significantly improved, with the superceded model appearing empty in comparison. All RAV4 models offer Active AWD, 17-inch wheels, modern-looking projector headlamps, steering-wheel audio controls, electric power-assisted steering (EPS), air conditioning with a dust filter, one-touch remote-release rear-seat fold, a hidden 90-litre under-floor storage compartment, illuminated front cup holders, and ABS with EBD and BA as standard equipment.

While the new model RAV4 is not a revolutionary car by any means, it includes a number of practical and well-thought out features that will make day-to-day activities just a little bit easier. 

Built on an all-new platform (with a longer wheelbase and wider track) the new RAV4 has 20% more interior space according to Toyota, which improves rear head and legroom.

Furthermore, interior space flexibility is enhanced with the adoption of one-touch remote-release fold-flat rear seats, and just for the record, the new six-model RAV4 5-door range now has 35 per cent more cargo volume with the rear seats in the normal position, thanks to a more compact rear suspension set-up.

Toyota asserts that the new RAV4 combines modern, rugged styling (though not particularly different from the previous model) with high levels of passive safety and Toyota's Driver Assist Technology (DAT) package that includes a number of firsts for company: active all-wheel drive and vehicle stability control (VSC) with steering assist.

The new active AWD system is lighter and more compact than the systems found in previous RAV4s, helping to improve fuel economy. In normal conditions, the RAV4 is a front-wheel drive vehicle, where the system engages the rear wheels only when necessary for traction or cornering control. This results in reduced mechanical drag, further improving fuel economy and enhancing acceleration.

And when it's time to get a move on, the RAV4's upgraded 4-cylinder twin camshaft engine is more than up to the task. Toyota has kept the 2.4-litre VVT-i engine, refining various aspects and upgrading components (an electronic throttle is now standard) to increase power by 5kW, while at the same time reducing emissions to Euro IV standards and improving fuel consumption to 9.1 litres/100km on manual transmission models and 9.6 litres/100km on automatic transmission models.

All told, the 2.4-litre engine now generates 125kW of power @ an engine speed of 6000rpm, while peak torque is 224Nm @ 4000rpm.

"This is an intelligent vehicle, full of thoughtful design details and cutting-edge technology, which makes it excellent value for money," said David Buttner -- but what kind of value for money we don't know, as Toyota hadn't revealed pricing at the time of writing.

There are three RAV4 equipment grade levels: CV, Cruiser and new hero-grade Cruiser L – the first Australian RAV4 with leather seat trim. In specifying the different grades, Toyota has put particular emphasis on primary and secondary safety.

All models have as standard ABS anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), electric power-assisted steering (EPS) and active AWD, while the Cruiser and Cruiser L models have front side and full-length curtain-shield SRS airbags as standard.

Toyota has revealed that all 2006 RAV4 models will benefit from Driver Assist Technology (DAT), including a new system known as Vehicle Control Management System (VCMS), which uses control area network (CAN) high-speed computer technology so the vehicle's major safety systems can function concurrently.

The Cruiser and Cruiser L models also feature the safety enhancements of VSC, with steering inputs, a new Hill-start Assist Control and, on automatic transmission models, Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

Other first-time features in RAV4 include rear heater ducts under the front seats, outside temperature gauge, and on some models Hill-start Assist Control, DAC and push-button front dual-zone air conditioning.

Pricing for the new RAV4 is expected to be revealed at the Melbourne Motor Show, which commences on the February the 9th.