Toyota RAV4 2006 review

Back in 1994, the first diminutive Rav4 created a niche — that of the small SUV pseudo-offroader, one that could fit in an inner-city garage. You'd be hard-pressed to squeeze the new Rav4 into the driveway.

Times are changing at Toyota. Still afflicted with a cardigan image, the company has plunged millions into its Formula 1 campaign and TRD performance arm, even though its last vaguely sporting cars — the MR2 and Celica — have ceased production.

And while we wait for Toyota's big-six Aurion sedan and a supposedly sans-cardigan Camry, Toyota has stuck sports kits on its tiny Yaris, given the big Tarago van a bolder facelift, and — of course — made a bigger Rav4.

Today, the once-compact 4x4 that used to sit alongside the likes of Suzuki's Vitara stands tall with the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi's Outlander and Nissan X-Trail.

Australia gets an even bigger Rav4 than the version released in Japan and Europe. (The supersize-me Americans get a V6 with three rows of seats.)

Indeed, the Rav4 has attained the dimensions of what used to be Toyota's big SUV, the Kluger. Its price has also bloated to $43,990 for the top model.

But you do get your money's worth in features. And the Rav4 is now a decent drive.

The same 2.4-litre engine remains, with a slight 5kW lift in power, but a new drive train with an active AWD system makes a big difference.

The Rav4 will typically operate in front-wheel-drive only, with drive automatically splitting to the rear wheels on low-traction surfaces or locking in on command at under 40km/h.

While running in front-drive saves fuel (consumption is down half a litre to 9.1/100km), the active AWD ensures safer handling through changing road conditions. And ABS is standard across the range, finally.

It makes for an easy, comfortable drive, helped along by the extra luxuries in the cabin, which is now claimed to be

20 per cent bigger.

The $31,990 base CV model gets standard air-con, cruise, wheel-mounted audio controls, a massive under-floor storage area and cup-holders galore with little lights in them tomake sure you don't spill your latte.

A four-speed auto costs $2000 over the manual five-speeder, and side and curtain airbags are optional. The base model misses out on downhill assist and hill start assist (which is necessary for the tall auto), and the worthy stability control and traction control programs.

At $37,490, the mid-spec Cruiser gets a flasher, flared bodykit with spoked 17-inch alloy wheels, six-stacker CD, roof rails, dual-zone climate control, leather touches and the extra safety gear.

The pricey $41,990 Cruiser L gains more leather trim on the seats and doors, seat heaters, power-adjustable driver's seat and an electric moon roof.

While all the extra goodies do not affect fuel economy, they do affect the performance of the 125kW engine to some extent. While handling is much improved and the chassis is stiffer, the car feels bulkier and heavier, particularly in the long, low gears.

But it is not light on safety and features, and can carry the family in comfort over tarmac and dirt, which makes it an SUV for the current market.

Hmmm. Perhaps we did ask for a bigger Rav4 after all.