The RAV 4 converted thousands of people away from the traditional family wagon, by combining space, comfort, off road abilities and ease of driving. Overnight, it was the "must have" vehicle for families.
The latest generation of RAV 4 has grown physically in size from the previous iterations, and it still holds its own in the company of almost 30 new models from other manufacturers, in the crowded medium sized SUV market.
VFACTS numbers show It remains the second most popular buy in its class.
The RAV 4 on test here is the top of the range AWD Cruiser, equipped with most things you'd find at the upper end in this segment, including auto wipers and headlights, heated leather front seats, and power operated tailgate.(Although it doesn't have the sensor under the rear bumper that opens the tailgate for shoppers juggling purchases,with a swipe of a foot , like the new Ford Kuga to be tested next week.)
Cargo space is generous, although the floor in the rear is raised a few centimetres when the car is specified with a full sized spare, giving an uneven surface. The problem is resolved if a space saver wheel is used.
Other features include integrated reversing camera,audio/navigation/and bluetooth functions in a central screen as well as a sunroof and roof bars.
The RAV here has a manual six speed gearbox, an unusual choice in this market as most buyers will choose the auto.
Toyota says only 20 percent of customers favour the manual gearbox.
The 2.2 litre engine in this car loves to rev and it will leap forward urgently when you're in a hurry.
Economy averaged around eight and a half litres per hundred kilometres which is reasonable. Sixth gear is really for the highway only.
Around town it's a tad too tall, but fifth is fine at 60kmh.
There's plenty of torque when unladen, but a full complement of passengers and luggage blunts the performance.
There's only so much you can do style-wise in these vehicles, and the RAV looks the part with a pleasing shape, that's trying not to look "boxy."
Others in the class such as the KIA Sportage and Range Rover Evoque, push the envelope in this area, resulting in poor rear and side visibility from a low sweeping roofline and narrow windows.
No such issues with the RAV, there's plenty of vision all round.
My black RAV test car had a light caramel coloured interior, on seats and fascia, which I didn't mind.
Research has shown that the lighter cream/butterscotch/ interior shades imply luxury,even if they are more difficult to clean than darker colours.
No issues either with the ride and general comfort..the seats are well shaped and comfortable, and the car rode well over most surfaces.
Compared to others in its segment, the interior could best be described as plain.
The central instrument cluster/screen,lifted from the new Corolla, is functional, but rather austere.
While the RAV Cruiser is good at what it does, it's a big ask for the privilege at the premium end of the range, priced at almost 50 thousand dollars.
If you can do without the extra gadgets, the cheaper RAV 4s are also worthy of an extended test drive, and will provide just as much enjoyment.
Peter Sellen
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