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23/05/2010
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Toyota has finally begun to import two-wheel drive versions of its RAV4 to Australia. This is due to a reduction in import duty on cars, which mean they now come here at the same rate as commercial vehicles. Previously an anomaly in the system saw passenger SUVs being classed as commercials, thereby attraction a lower tariff. But they needed to have 4WD to be classed as commercials.
Toyota's RAV4 2WD models are priced $3000 below their equivalent 4WD versions. This is due to the greater simplicity of the transmission system, which now drives only the front wheels.
Not only is the price more attractive, there are also reductions in weight. This makes for lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. Not to forget better acceleration and better handling.
So, if you don’t need the added traction of all-wheel-drive then one of these Toyotas may be exactly what you need. By the way, if you do want to explore forest trails, moderate bush tracks and the like then the extra ground clearance of the RAV4 compared to a conventional car means it's quite competent.
Fuel consumption is officially measured as being half a litre lower per hundred kilometres in the 4WD RAV4 with an automatic transmission, and a significant 0.7 litres less with a manual gearbox. Actual numbers on the combined fuel cycle are 9.1 litres per hundred kilometres with the auto, and 8.4 litres on the manual.
Part of the fuel saving is due to revised ratios in the transmissions to take advantage of the lighter weight by giving the vehicle higher gearing.
Powering RAV4 2WD is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 125kW of power and the choice of manual or automatic transmissions. At this stage there are no plans to import the V6 models with front-wheel drive.
The 2010 Toyota RAV4 is available in CV and Cruiser variants. The manufacturer's list prices start at $28,990 for the 2WD CV model with manual transmission.
The 2WD Toyota RAV4 has virtually identical specification levels to the all-wheel-drive 2.4-litre models.
Standard equipment in both 2WD models includes air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and a USB/Bluetooth compatible audio system. On the safety side there's vehicle stability control, traction control, ABS brakes and dual front airbags.
The 2WD RAV4 CV is offered with an option pack that adds dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags and driver's knee airbag,
The RAV4 2WD Cruiser gains five-spoke alloy wheels, over-fender flares, roof rails, foglamps and rear and rear side quarter privacy glass. Inside, the Cruiser has additional features including a 6-CD audio system with colour LCD screen, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning with push-type heater control panel and footwell illumination. It has the five additional airbags as standard.
At this stage we haven’t had a chance to drive one of the new RAV4s, but will do so as soon as possible and come back with a full road test. |
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