ONCE UPON A TIME, COMPACT SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES (SUVS) were the preferred transportation of choice by spinsters and hairdressers. These vehicles were slow, unsexy and frankly, a disappointment to drive. All of that changed in 1996 when Toyota unveiled the RAV4. Since then, compact SUVs changed from mere styling statements to a mainstream part of car-dom—a fact that’s accentuated by their presence in both school parking lots and posh country clubs. Soon, other car makers followed; and now, there are more than 8 compact SUVs eyeing market leadership, making this one of the most competitive market segment in the Philippines. Realizing the increasing public interest and picky customer tastes, Toyota upgraded the RAV4 in 2003 focusing on sporty characteristics and sleek design. Three years onward, an all-new RAV4 moves forward with a blend of attitude, design and handling packaged into one great compact SUV.
From the outside, it’s clear that the all-new 3rd generation RAV4 takes it styling cues from its immediate predecessor. A passing glance reveals that Toyota used the same basic silhouette and just smoothened it out, maintaining the hunched down and muscular profile which are its distinctive styling elements. The front headlight is aggressively raked with projector-type reflectors for the low-beam cluster. The fog lamp has been recessed further into the rear bumper giving the impression of an animal that’s about to pounce. Hunkered into the wheel arches are 6-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels (largest in its class). The exterior mirrors have been enlarged and contain heaters for better visibility. Adding even more distinction is the Light Emitting Diode (LED) tail lamps and standard rear spoiler with high-mount stoplight.
The new RAV4 looks as ravish and sporty as before, but it’s now larger and roomier as well. The dimensions have grown giving the RAV4 a more comfortable cabin with space for five and their luggage. The dashboard features a two-tier “wing” design that frees up front leg room. The two-tone black/gray color splits the dash with the 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 on top and the dual-zone climate control at the bottom. The gauges feature Optitron lighting for better legibility and the small-diameter steering wheel has built-in audio controls and tilt/telescopic adjustment. The door trims are given a touch of avant-garde with its boomerang-shaped handles and illuminated switches. All five passengers are treated to their own separate headrests and 3-point ELR seatbelts. Heated leather seats (with a 10-way powered adjust on the driver’s side) are standard on the 4WD model. Improving on the versatility further, the new RAV4 features a 60/40 split-fold-sliding rear bench with a one-touch fold lever from the cargo hold. In addition, there’s a sizeable deck floor storage box as well as a cargo net and cover.
Of course, with the RAV4’s improved cargo hauling capabilities, it’s just about right that it receive a more powerful heart. Cue in the 2AZ-FE 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4. With Toyota’s trademark VVTi system, it generates 170 horsepower and a hefty 224 Nm torque figure. This powerful and smooth engine is mated to Toyota’s highly responsive 4-speed Super ECT automatic transmission with a gated selector and cruise control. Even with the larger displacement under the hood of the RAV4, Toyota promises class-leading fuel efficiency thanks to changes done with the all-wheel drive system. Toyota shuns old-school permanent all-wheel drive in favor of its new Active Torque Control 4WD system. This system allows the RAV4’s onboard computer to drive just the front wheels and send drive torque to the rear system only when needed. When the going gets tough though, Toyota allows the torque split to be locked at 50:50 (up to 40 km/h) via a dash-mounted switch.
With compact SUVs fast becoming favored family vehicles, the new RAV4 has unparalleled safety features. All RAV4 models receive all-around independent suspension (MacPherson Struts / Double Wishbone) and electric power steering for good handling and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD for surefooted braking. 2WD models receive dual SRS airbags while the range-topping 4WD gets an additional 4 airbags (for a total of 8).
The 2006 RAV4 is now available at all Toyota dealerships in two variants, 2WD and 4WD with five color choices (White Pearl Crystal Shine, Grayish Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Beige Metallic and Black). The 2WD model retails for P 1,425,000 (1,440,000 for the White Pearl) while the 4WD model is pegged at P 1,785,000 (P 1,800,000 for the White Pearl).
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang
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