Toyota RAV4 is a smooth drive but engine wails like a moped — motor has changed dramatically over 10 years
Toyota's best-selling SUV is a big family motor, with emissions of just 100g/km and a host of new features to impress its loyal fan-base
EVERYONE’S doing the #10YearChallenge at the moment. I haven’t bothered because I’ve had the same floppy haircut since I was in short trousers.
But here’s something that’s changed dramatically in a decade, the Toyota RAV4. Recreational Active Vehicle.
And it’s not just looks, it’s what you can’t see underneath.
This time ten years ago, Toyota was putting up the bunting to celebrate the 100g/km Prius. Now it is knocking out a big family SUV with 100g/km.
It’s a symbol of how far the hybrid pioneer has come while many rivals scurry around working on their first electrified vehicle.
I should perhaps spell out that the new RAV4 only comes as a self-charging petrol hybrid. No plugs. No diesel.
In fact, everything below a Land Cruiser is petrol or petrol hybrid in the Toyota brochure these days. Dieselgate has played right into its hands.
Worried your current motor will soon be taxed and fined until the pips squeak? Buy a Toyota and you’ll be golden.
So what’s the RAV4 like to drive? Smooth and easy and it does good numbers.
It sets off in pure silence in EV mode and the four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine kicks in seamlessly when required.
But I dislike the CVT gearbox. Bad CVT. The engine wails like a moped as it gains speed and you lack control through a turn.
But it’s either that or look elsewhere. Land Rover Discovery Sport. Cough. That’s also more capable when the road ends. And it tows more. But it costs more.
Other niggles. The infotainment system is dated and Apple CarPlay won’t be added until later this year. Smart rear-view mirror. It’s brilliant.
It doubles as an HD screen streaming live footage from a roof camera, which is very handy when the boot is loaded with family debris. But it’s not even an option for UK buyers yet. Sort it, Toyota UK.
Plus points. Adaptive cruise control, night-time pedestrian detection, reversing camera, all standard. Five USB ports.
Big, chunky air-con dials and bucket-sized centre console for drinks and XL-sized phones. The boot is bigger too, up 79 litres to 580 litres.
Nice ride (stiffer body + lower centre of gravity = less body roll). Those squared-off wheel arches.
To conclude, then. The RAV4. The world’s best-selling SUV. Responsible, rugged and best residuals. It has matured well.
KEY FACTS
TOYOTA RAV4
Price: £33,430
Engine: 2.5-litre petrol hybrid
Power: 222hp
0-62mph: 8.1 secs
Top speed: 112mph
Emissions: 49mpg
Road tax: 103g/km
A Niro Oscar
SHOULD I ever meet Robert De Niro, I’d like to think the conversation would go something like this:
Hey, De Niro . . .
“You talkin’ to me?”
Yes, I’m talkin’ to you.
“You talkin’ to me?”
Yes, I’m talkin’ to you.
“You talkin’ to me?”
Well, I’m the only one here.
“Who the f*** do you think you are talking to?”
The bloke off the Kia ads?
“Oh yeah, huh.”
Kia has signed De Niro to promote the e-Niro, the newly-crowned What Car? Car of the Year.
He could be up for Best Supporting Actor.
What Car? winners
IT’S good to see an electric car win What Car?’s top gong.
The e-Niro goes as far as a Jaguar I-Pace (252 miles), for half the price (£33,000), making electric motoring a real choice for millions, not just millionaires.
But I’m stunned two brilliant Fords – the Focus and Fiesta ST – didn’t scoop major awards.
See the main winners.
- Car Of The Year – Kia e-Niro
- City Car – Kia Picanto
- Small Car – VW Polo
- Family Car – Skoda Octavia
- Family SUV – Volvo XC40
- MPV – Citroen Berlingo
- Estate – Skoda Superb
- Hot Hatch – Honda Civic Type R
- Coupe – Audi A5
- Sports Car – Alpine A110
- Sports SUV – Cupra Ateca
- Executive – BMW 3 Series
- Luxury – BMW 5 Series
- Pick-up – VW Amarok
MOST READ IN MOTORS
The Golf made for fast drivers
HERE’S a future classic: The VW Golf GTI TCR.
It’s a run-out special before the current Golf is replaced later this year but it’ll be the fastest front-wheel drive GTI ever.
The numbers are impressive – 290hp, 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, 162mph top speed – just avoid the alloys called “Milton Keynes”. I’m not making this up.
Out March, priced around £34,000. Note. VW axed the standard 230hp Golf GTI last year, making the 245hp GTI Performance the base model.
The 290hp TCR sits just below the 300hp, 4WD Golf R.
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