New RAV4 will fight to retake its lead

Toyota are hoping their new RAV4 will allow the company to ‘regain ownership’ of the small SUV segment, a position which was overtaken by the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and Suzuki Grand Vitara. The first RAV4 revolutionised the small off-road or sport-utility vehicle segment when it was introduced back in 1994.

Times have changed and Toyota have responded accordingly with the new model, unveiled at the Geneva Auto Salon 2000 and which Irish motor writers had a chance to drive recently on the Curragh of Kildare.

(By the way, they’re also hoping it will improve the sound experience in your traffic jam with the better tones of the sound system they’re making available in this car. And if you want to hear the difference, listen out for their radio advertisement featuring Edith Piaf!)

There are big differences between the first model and the newest RAV4, too. The latest version has been redesigned to appeal to a wider market for both on-road and off-road use. It’s longer, wider, higher and quieter than the original model. And it’s quite a head turner with its very sporty image, especially the 3-door. While many off-road vehicles are designed for rougher work, the RAV4 drives like a car, having been refined to drive on the road as well as heavier ground. This will certainly appeal to a whole new younger audience in the Ireland of today, and to both sexes alike!

The compact 3-door model is aimed at singles and young couples while the 5-door version is aimed at families who may want the extra space and versatility it offers. And Toyota want their customers to have fun driving their models. The three-letter word appears repeatedly in all their sales bumph.

The new RAV4 comes with enhanced suspension, more inside space and styling, as well as improved economy.

Back to the sporty solid look. The new models certainly have a more rounded appearance, with prominent flared wheel arches, the trademark Toyota grille and more prominent front headlamps. The more expensive specifications come with dearer body coloured bumpers - depends on your taste and pocket!

Inside, there’s more head, shoulder and leg room for drivers and passengers, as well as much improved luggage space. The new design comes with multi-function rear seats designed to independently slide backwards, forwards or to fold up. They can also be taken out, depending on what you want of the car.

The RAV4 also comes with VVTi-technology engines. ‘What’s that?’ you may ask. Well, another radio ad on the way features some youngsters bragging about their families’ achievements. Finally, one boasts that his Dad’s car has VVTi. He says it with real style.

“What’s that?” asks the other guy. “Haven’t a clue,” he replies. Didn’t matter that he didn’t understand it - it had the desired effect, in this case of shutting his pal up ...and presumably making it a catchphrase throughout the nation in months to come!

Seriously though, the letters stand for Variable Valve Timing-intelligent and it’s a high-tech way of varying valve timing to suit a wide range of driving parameters and their affect on the load an engine is under. The 2.0-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines in the RAVs have VVTi technology. A diesel engine is due to arrive mid 2001. Powerwise, the RAV4 is quick off the mark too. The 1.8 VVTi can do the 0-62 sprint in 12.2 secs while the 2.0 VVTi version does it in 10.6 secs.

An interesting thing about the new RAV4 is that it will be available in both two- and four-wheel drive, with four versions of each. The 2WD is new to the model, and a response to the success of Honda rival HR-V.

Toyota Ireland are hoping the newcomer will sprint ahead of its main rivals, with a target of achieving 1500 sales in 2001. Michael Howe, sales and marketing director of Toyota Ireland also believes the two-wheel drive version will be the prime seller.

Just as the current model RAV4 became the pioneer of small SUVs when it was introduced, Toyota expect the new RAV4 to become the trend leader of the next generation in its segment in the 21st century.

Prices start at £19,970 for the standard two-wheel drive to £28,020 for the top five-door automatic version.