RAV4 makes a splash

The new-generation RAV4 is smarter, bigger, more stylish and more refined than those which paved the way for the compact SUV segment, and is more than capable of reigniting passion in the class and to reverse a slight popularity slide in recent years.

Toyota boasts the RAV4 began the compact SUV juggernaut when it hit Australian roads in 1994, although Subaru would have a claim as well. It was, and has mostly been, the car for thirtysomething singles but this new "trendsetter" is a matured version and, in line with that, is expected to appeal to a more mature customer. Think young mums and dads who want from their car affordable versatility and improved efficiencies ... it's not the only demographic this car will appeal to, as young fun is very much achievable in a RAV4, but it is a big part of how Toyota will sell an estimated 1200-plus RAVs each month when it hits showrooms next week.

A five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sporty gated shift is available in the CV, Cruiser and Cruiser L variants, all of which are powered by a 2.4-litre VVTi engine, which produces 125kW of power and 224Nm of torque. All models boast two Toyota Australia firsts – Active All-Wheel Drive and Vehicle Stability Control with steering assist. RAV4's Active All-Wheel Drive is lighter and more compact than the constant all-wheel drive on previous models – although total weight of the vehicle comes out about 140kg heavier than its predecessor.

The system engages the rear wheels only when necessary for traction or cornering control. This results in reduced mechanical drag, improving fuel economy and enhanced acceleration.

Toyota quotes fuel consumption figures on the new RAV4 of 9.1 litres/100km for manual versions and 9.6 litres/100km for the autos.

The RAV4 has a modern, rugged styling – its larger dimensions and superb manners on bitumen suggesting it may be an appropriate alternative to larger SUVs so popular with the wanna-be-seen school-mum set. Yes, mums, you can have the look without having to haul yourselves into a monster truck. The absolute beauty of this compact SUV – which, by the way, mums, has 20 different interior storage spaces so there's no shortage of places to put the sunnies, lipsticks and whatever else it is that's needed to maintain "the look" – is its versatility.

An outback trekker it is not, granted. But the RAV4 is more than capable of chewing up some of the rough stuff, as proved along private tracks to Wilpena Pound where Toyota this week launched the car.

It has improved clearance over the old model – now up to 200mm – and, somewhat unexpectedly, coped well with some seriously sharp approach angles along the tracks in the Flinders Ranges. A couple of hiccups along the route had the RAV4 back to a crawl up a steep incline and through a lengthy water crossing, but it made it through.

There is plenty of kit available as standard across the range or as options to make the RAV4 more than capable for the weekend warrior who wants to do a bit of fun four-wheel-driving.

As standard, RAV4 has Active All-Wheel Drive, EPS, airconditioning with a dust filter, 17in wheels, projector-type low-beam headlamps, steering wheel audio controls, telescopic as well as tilt steering adjustment, one-touch remote release rear-seat fold, a hidden 90-litre under-floor storage compartment, illuminated front cup holders and ABS anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist.

Automatic models also can have the added assistance features of downhill and hill-start assist, the latter perhaps a bit gimmicky and too much trouble to really concern yourself with when there is a perfectly good handbrake available. The downhill assist can be a bit intrusive, the vehicle abruptly taking all braking and accelerating control from the driver when descending, but a worthy feature for those getting a feel for slightly more extreme off-road driving.

The CV grade models come in at a price of $31,990 for the manual ($550 more than the old model) and $33,990 for the auto. Toyota claims customers get $2000 of extra specifications with the new models opposed to the old.

The Cruiser grade is priced at $37,490 for manual (plus $2000 for the auto).

It has additional features over the CV grade, including front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags (available on CV for an additional $750), vehicle stability control, traction control, hill start and downhill assist on automatic transmission models, push-button front dual climate-control airconditioning, MP3-compatible six-CD multi-changer, leather-bound steering wheel and gear knob, privacy glass, six-spoke alloys, front fog lamps, wheelarch flares and roof rails. It also has optional moonroof. RAV4 Cruiser L is the hero grade and is the first RAV in Australia with leather seat trim. It also gets leather door inserts, power driver's seat adjustment, front seat heaters and a moonroof, and is priced at $41,990 for the manual.

The RAV4 is built on an all-new platform with a longer wheelbase and wider track, offering 20 per cent more interior space, including improved rear head and leg room. A compact rear suspension setup provides for 35 per cent more cargo volume than the old model, while rigidity has been improved by 76 per cent and power up by 5kW.

"The application of an advanced new drivetrain and system control technologies has created a RAV4 that has the best of both worlds – more space, versatility and safety combined with less environmental impact in terms of fuel use and emissions," Toyota Australia sales and marketing director David Buttner says.

Toyota Australia executive chairman John Conomos says the third-generation RAV4 – a car which has sold 100,000 units since released here in 1994 – is the vehicle which will reclaim domination of the SUV segment for Australia's best-selling marque.

"There's never ever one moment when we're not looking over our shoulder at our competitors – they are extremely competent manufacturers we compete against," he says. "But we're expecting RAV4 to return us to market leaderships in the segment. Market leadership is what we're about."

SMALL TORQUE

Toyota RAV4

Price: CV manual $31,990, Cruiser manual $37,490, Cruiser L manual $41,990. Add $2000 for auto transmission
Engine: 2.4-litre VVTi four cylinder
Power: 125kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 224Nm @ 4000rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual or electronically controlled four-speed auto with sporty gated shift, active All-Wheel Drive
Standard features: Anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, factory air conditioning with dust filter, rear heater ducts, cruise control, power mirrors and windows, 17in steel wheels, dual headlamps with projector-type low beam, body-coloured rear spoiler, electric power assisted steering, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment, six-speaker MP3-compatible single CD audio, steering wheel mounted controls, three rear-seat head restraints, external temperature gauge