RAV4 sharpens its competitive edge

The engine is fine, it's just a pity you can only get manual.

Steadily the likes of Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai IX35 have not only been breathing down the Toyota's back but began overtaking it with newcomer Ford Kuga seemingly set to spin some dust on the RAV4's windscreen.

The RAV4 has been gaining weight, space, specifications and muscle and in current shape it is also competitively priced. Overall the RAV4 remains an excellent option in this segment, particularly in South Africa where the Toyota badge is widely loved and respected.

Perky... but no automatic

To date more than 4,5 million RAV's have been sold in 150 countries, mostly to young families who enjoy an active lifestyle and need a vehicle with space and versatility. In line with market demands the latest RAV is longer, wider, lower and has also introduced a brand-new four-cylinder common-rail diesel in its line-up.

The boot has room for just about anything you might wish to lug around.

I recently spent a week with the new 2.2-litre oil-burner and liked its spacious cabin, smarter looks and perky engine which will produce 110Kw and 340Nm and clock 190km/h at a push. The one disappointment was the fact that unlike two of the petrol models it is only available with a manual six-speed transmission. With families rating comfort, convenience and easy driving fairly highly it does seem rather strange that Toyota opted to go the manual route only for the diesel.

Bags of space; good visibility

The cabin has acres of space and visibility is excellent which would make game park visits a real treat. I particularly enjoyed the high driving position and the comfortable seating. The lay-out of switches, gauges and dials is pleasing on the eye but although Toyota has worked at improving the overall look and feel, the finish remains a tad bargain basement and plasticky.

The latest RAV is longer, wider, lower and has also introduced a brand-new four-cylinder common-rail diesel in its line-up.

With one eye on pricing the RAV as competitively as possible, the entertainment system includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity, but no satnav. Our test also didn't have cruise control or a rear-view camera.

The ride is smooth and comfortable, even when the going becomes a bit uneven, but because it is designed more for comfort than performance it does tend to lean through the corners but not enough to make it feel unsettled.

It's 60 of one and 40 of the other

One of the RAV's strongest points is its flexible Easy Flat seating system. The seats can be split 60:40 and can recline independently. The 570 litres of luggage space is good enough for plenty of toys for both grown-ups and children and really convenient thanks to a press-button tail-gate open and close function, low load-space lip and the generous width of the boot aperture.

The lay-out of switches, gauges and dials is pleasing on the eye.

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Toyota is not known as a trend-setter when it comes to sexy looks but it has certainly dollied up the new RAV4 with some attractive design make-up which include more macho lines to replace its previous whimpish curves, fog lamps, day-time LED running lights, a more aggressive front-on look and cool alloys.

Safe, my mate

The RAV4 is also particularly well kitted-out in the safety department with anti-whiplash seat design, seven airbags, Downhill Assist Control, ABS brakes, and an Integrated Dynamic Drive System which manages the RAV's new Dynamic Torque Control 4WD, Vehicle Stability Control and even its electric power-steering system to enhance safety, handling and performance.

One of the RAV’s strongest points is its flexible Easy Flat seating system.

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Regrettably we didn't have an opportunity to put some mud and dust on the RAV4's elegant silver body-paint but all indications are that this fourth-generation model will cope as well as previous experience has proved.

Overall the smartened RAV4 appeals on a number of fronts - looks, practicality, safety, cabin space and price and while it may lack a few of the goodies some of the competition has, it remains a particularly strong contender in this extremely competitive segment of the market.

Our test vehicle was the 2.2 GX AWD which costs R359,900. The three petrol models costs between R279,900 and R399,900 and all prices include a three-year/100,000km warranty and a five-year/90,000km service plan.

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