Test drive Toyota RAV4: successor

In the fourth generation, the Toyota RAV4 has not only grown, but has matured significantly compared to its predecessors. First impressions of the new edition of the Japanese SUV.

When it debuted in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 stood out as something brand new and different from anything on the market up to that point. Due to its compact dimensions (the short version of the first generation model is only about 3,70 meters long), the RAV4 fit perfectly into any urban landscape, but at the same time offered a very impressive combination of qualities for its time. The high seating position, excellent visibility in all directions and the youthful spirit of the car managed to win the hearts of the public in an era when the presence of independent suspension in a model with off-road performance was still considered exotic. Having an all-wheel drive system provided greater safety when driving on asphalt with poor traction, and thanks to the high ground clearance, buyers also received serious advantages when driving on rough terrain or on bad roads. Becoming a cornerstone for the development of compact SUVs at the time, the RAV4 has changed almost beyond recognition over the years – with the ever-increasing importance of the SUV segment for the entire automotive market, customer requirements are constantly changing as well. turned their model into a full-fledged family car transporter.

Today, the Toyota RAV4 is 20 centimeters longer, three centimeters wider and six centimeters shorter than its predecessor. These figures promise more space for passengers and their luggage, as well as a more dynamic body silhouette. Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel and intensive wind tunnel operation, the new RAV4, despite its increased size, is lighter and has better flow characteristics than the previous model.

Excellent road behavior

When developing the chassis, the main goal was to achieve as close as possible to the behavior of dynamically oriented cars on the road. However, the innovations in the dual transmission system are more interesting. In this regard, it is worth mentioning first that the technical project manager of the new RAV4 is the person responsible for the creation of the Land Cruiser 150, and this fact, I think you will agree with me, sounds quite promising. Even in standard mode, the RAV4 impresses with its direct steering response, precise cornering, low lateral body tilt and stable straight-line driving. However, the situation becomes even more curious when you press the button that is unambiguously labeled "Sports". Activating this mode changes the operation of the dual transmission - while under normal conditions, the electronically controlled four-wheel drive sends all the torque to the front axle, and only when insufficient traction is detected, redistributes some of the traction to the rear wheels in sport mode every time you turn the steering wheel (even with one degree and therefore minimal change in direction of travel) automatically transfers at least 10 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. Depending on the situation, up to 50 percent of the transmission can go to the rear axle. In fact, the effect of this technology is even greater than it appears on paper - the RAV4's controlled rear end skid is extremely useful in fast corners and allows the driver to effortlessly drive the car much more dynamically than is typical for most. of the SUV models on the market.

Currently, the role of the top engine is performed by a 2,2-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 150 hp. – Toyota has decided to suspend deliveries of the current top-end version with 177 hp. In fact, this decision is not devoid of logic, since the 150-horsepower unit has a much more harmonious power distribution compared to its more powerful derivative, and its pulling power is sufficient for the needs of a car like the RAV4.

More interior space

The extended wheelbase is especially noticeable when sitting in the rear seats (equipped with reclining backrests) – passenger legroom has been significantly increased, which promises significantly more comfort on long journeys. The front seats boast a large range of adjustment, making it easy to find the perfect position behind the comfortable-grip sports steering wheel. If you're a Toyota fan, you'll feel right at home in the RAV4 within minutes. If you're a fan of a brand that has a different philosophy when designing your car's interiors, you'll probably be a little surprised by two things (which you'll probably get used to, but that doesn't mean you'll automatically like them). The first of the noted features is the presence of a rather impressive number of buttons, some of which, for inexplicable reasons, are hidden under the protruding part of the center console - this is where the previously mentioned Sport mode button is located. Another specific element is a definite difference observed in the furniture - for example, in some places you can see decorative elements in black lacquer, in others - in silvery polymer, and in others - in carbon imitation; the colors of multiple displays also do not match. This in no way diminishes the impression of solid craftsmanship or the attractiveness of the instrument panel layout, but it is hardly the pinnacle of elegance. Apparently, they heeded the recommendations of their customers regarding the most frequently reported disadvantages - the side-opening tailgate - from now on, the RAV4 will have a conventional lid, which, at more expensive performance levels, is driven by an electromechanism. The nominal volume of the trunk is 547 liters (plus another 100-liter niche under the double bottom, and when the rear seats are folded it reaches 1847 liters.

Traditionally for Toyota, the RAV4 has good equipment in the basic version, which has a Bluetooth audio system and the ability to connect to an i-Pod, and more luxurious versions are equipped with a Toyota Touch multimedia system with a touch screen as standard. Prices start at 49 leva (for a diesel model with front wheel drive or a petrol model with a dual drive), and the most expensive version sells for 950 leva.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov