Mario James, Gleaner Writer
RAV4 pioneered the crossover compact SUV class in 1994. Since then it has been the bane of competitor manufacturers, 'cause Toyota sells a bunch of them without trying very hard. It is also difficult to argue with this company's progress; it is now the most prolific automotive producer in the world, and has set benchmarks in quality that are recognised the world over. RAV4 (Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-Wheel Drive) has been a big part of that success, selling millions of units since its inception.
All new since 2006, the new model has not yet been given a facelift, but Automotives have never tested it before, and for the sake of completeness, we needed to put this Asian dune buggy through its paces. However, this was not to be, as circumstances conspired against us, and Automotives was only allowed 45 chaperoned minutes with the car. The experience was not enough to establish the vehicle's place in the market's grand scheme of things, but it was good enough for us to collar a first impression
Exceptional on-centre feel
The nature of the car dictated that we take it off road. But with less than an hour of test time, the opportunity was just not there. RAV4 instead made a beeline for Queens Hill from Spanish Town road and back. That's all she wrote, folks. The vehicle has exceptional on-centre feel, with no trace of play about the straight ahead. The interior has the most space in class, besting Honda's CRV (American models have an option for a third row of seats).
The interior is resplendent with ergonomic touches, like the dash mounted cubby box that opens and closes with the touch of a single, mechanised button (not a power option). Front seats were powered, and the interior of our tester was wrapped in leather. There is ample storage space, and the sound system is made by JBL, a brand noted for sonic excellence. A six CD changer was included in our test package, as well as Hill Descent control.
The two-litre 1AZ-FE engine responded well to the throttle, producing approximately 150 hp at 6,000rpm and 145 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. She ain't no 'bahn-burner', but it's not a slouch, either. RAV4 romped to 60 in a little over 10 seconds, and with its four-wheel disc brakes was confidence-inspiring when the binders were called in to halt the fun. RAV4 weighs about 3,600 lb, and it showed in acceleration tests over Man Bump, Red Hills, the weight blunting the engine's power.
Limited slip differential
Based on the Corolla platform, RAV4 could not be considered a true off-road contender. There are bits underneath that are exposed and in harm's way. The fuel tank, for example, is exposed and in a precarious position. Filters and hoses are placed where they are sure to be snagged if taken through the brush. But the ride through the rough stuff is exceptional. It is said that the RAV4 is equipped with a limited slip differential at the rear, but this could not be verified at press time. If this is so, though, it would move it up a notch on its All Wheel Drive competitors. Clearance is also world class, as RAV4 is mounted on a 135-75-17-inch wheel and tyre combo.
But it has an electronic AWD system, which brings in the system as it sees fit, something that hasn't worked well in the past in our section of the world. It has been Automotives' experience that these electronic subsystems tend to get in the way of the power production of the engine at the worst possible time, causing the car to sink in whatever it is trying to get out of. However, all this is speculation as Automotives did not go off road.
The '08 RAV4 seems to have followed its manufacturer's mantra of 'moving forward'. Toyota's relentless pursuit of perfection has produced a vehicle that satisfies enough of the market for it to become one of Jamaica's success stories. It has enough compromises built in to please almost anybody, and while the RAV4 in this configuration is pricey ($3.9 million), it is sold in a $3.2 million configuration as well. So it is possible to tune the compromises that you don't want out of the package and end up with a product that some will consider bland, but cannot be bested in terms of reliability and value. It becomes a logical choice.
