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02/09/2010
By MURRAY HUBBARD
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Toyota's popular RAV4 has lost a part of it's hardware ... the bits that make the small SUV an all wheel drive. For buyers this means a $3000 saving up front compared to the AWD, plus reduced running costs through improved economy. It's also a return to the old-fashioned, compact station-wagon.
The 2010 RAV4 2WD (shouldn't it be called a RAV2?) is a front-wheel-drive-only variant that is virtually identical to the AWD models. There is nothing new in downgrading these SUV-style vehicles: Hyundai did the same with the Tucson calling it the Tucson City while over at Nissan the Dualis also comes as a front wheel drive only, should you require it. Also challenging RAV4 is the new Hyundai ix35, which also offers 2WD and AWD models.
The asking price is $28,990 for the entry-level RAV4 2WD CV model, with manual gear shifter. From a practical view, the move by Toyota makes sense. Giving the RAV4 some off-road ability adds to the bottom line, which is becoming more and more important as families strive to make ends meet. The bottom line is most of these `soft roaders' rarely go off-road in any case. Having said that the RAV4 was actually pretty good and in the hands of an experienced offroader , some years ago a RAV4 was driven to to the tip of Cape York. As they say on TV, don't try this at home. Because the AWD system is no longer in place doesn't mean this cannot be used on bush tracks. The RAV4 2WD still has excellent clearance, a basic for some gentle off-roading.
The benefits of all-wheel-drive have been `sold' to consumers as not only being the ability to go off-road, but also the safety aspect. What has enabled these cars to drop the AWD system for front wheel drive only has been the introduction of ESP – Electronic Stability Program and the various names this system comes under. This crash-avoidance technology has the ability to save drivers from themselves, particularly in these high-centre-of-gravity, vehicles that don't have quite the same handling ability as standard cars.
The RAV4 range has ESP across the range of both AWD and 2WD models. The RAV4 2WD comes in two models, the CV and the Cruiser grades, both priced at $3000 less than their equivalent AWD models. We spent a week in the CV 2WD and found if difficult to tell the car from the AWD model. It's perhaps a little lighter in feel and more nimble in handling. Because the AWD model uses an `active' AWD system, this means in most cases the AWD models are in front wheel drive only mode for most of the time. It's only if the car detects slippage that the electronic system enables AWD. So, the driving experience on dry roads is much the same.
The entry-level RAV4s are powered by a 2.4 litre in-line four cylinder engine and hooked up to a five speed manual as standard, or if you fork out another $2000 you can get the automatic. The engine produces 125 kW of power. Toyota claim 8.4 litres/100 km economy from the manual, a reduction of .7 litre/100 over the AWD. The auto is down from 9.6 litres/100 km to 9.1 litres/100, so the economy gains are reasonable. Slight changes have been made to the internal and final drive gear ratios to suit the 2WD models. The RAV4 2WD's standard equipment list includes stability control, traction control, ABS brakes, dual front SRS airbags, 17 inch wheels, air conditioning,, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, rear spoiler, and USB/Bluetooth compatible audio.
Toyota is also offering a $1250 option pack for the CV model that adds front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and drivers' knee airbag and front dual-zone air-conditioning. The Cruiser model gets the five extra airbags as standard, and in addition gains five-spoke alloy wheels, over-fender flares, roof rails, foglamps and rear and rear side quarter privacy glass. The interior also gains extra goodies including 6-CD audio system with colour LCD screen, dual zone climate control, with push-type heater control and footwell lighting.RAV4 2WD
CV 2WD 2.4 litre $28,990*
Cruiser 2WD 2.4 litre $33,990
RAV4 AWD
CV 2.4 litre $31,990
Cruiser 2.4 litre $36,990
Cruiser L 2.4 litre $41,990
CV6 3.5 litre V6 $39,990
SX6 3.5 litre V6 $44,990
ZR6 3.5 litre V6 $49,990
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard
Air Conditioning: Standard
Automatic Transmission: Standard
CD Player: Standard
Central Locking: Standard
Cruise Control: Standard
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Option
Stability Control: Standard
Traction Control: Standard
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.362 litres
Configuration: In-line four
Head Design: DOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio:
Bore/Stroke: mm x mm
Maximum Power: 125 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 224 Nm @ 4000 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Front
Manual Transmission: Five speed
Automatic Transmission: Four speed
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4600 mm
Wheelbase: 2660 mm
Width: 1815 – 1855 mm
Height: 1695 – 1730 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 1550 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
Towing Ability: 1500 kg (kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension: Independent trailing arm
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Solid disc
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: 91RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 8.4 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 6.5 /10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5 /10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
3 years/ 100,000 km
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