Toyota RAV4 2006 News

Australia’s best-selling SUV is being recalled due to faulty seatbelts, but the fix won't arrive until June.

This will go down in automotive history as one of the weirdest automotive recalls of all time.

Toyota Australia has recalled more than 180,000 vehicles over fears that faulty airbags could spray shrapnel when deployed.

Toyota has issued a global safety recall on 6.58 million vehicles, with the impact hitting the popular Hilux ute, RAV4 SUV and Yaris small car.Statements issued by Toyota Australia today said that 179,000 of the Hiluxes built between April 2004 and December 2009 have been recalled for a defect that could see a cable between the steering wheel and  column sustain damage when the wheel is turned, activating the airbag warning light and preventing the driver's airbag from deployingA separate safety recall on 118,600 of the Yaris hatches and sedans built between June 2005 and May 2010 is to fix a defective seat track spring on the driver's and front passenger's seats. The statement says the spring can break and become stuck, giving the false impression that the seat is properly locked in place.In the meantime, the Yaris can still be driven but if there is any difficulty in locking the seats in position, owners should contact a dealer to arrange an inspection. The repairs will take about 1.5 hours for the five-door hatch and sedan, and about three hours for the three-door hatch in which the front passenger seat will also have to be removed.The number of RAV4s being recalled is not yet confirmed. Toyota says neither of the problems with the Hilux and Yaris have resulted in any accidents or injuries in Australia. Vehicle owners are being contacted by Toyota, but can get more information on the brand's campaign helpline on 1800 643 242. 

The countdown has begun for Toyota's push into Ford and Holden's heartland. The new TRD contenders will be in showrooms within four months and the Aurion V6 and HiLux have been out for final verification work, as they are prepared for battle against SS Commodores and XR Falcons. More signs are also pointing to a V6 RAV4, that shares its 3.5-litre engine with the Aurion, becoming the third TRD model. The two confirmed starters are familiar to anyone who has been to a major motor show this year, but still the HiLux looked impressive when photographed last week. The TRD operation is now moving from test and development into full-scale assembly work being done in Melbourne by Prodrive, which also holds the rights to fast Ford road cars in Australia. The Aurion will be out first and, even though the HiLux is confirmed for November, Toyota Australia is still trying to keep full details secret. The car is likely to be available from September; the press preview drive is scheduled for late August. “The car is coming in the third quarter. At this stage, that's all I can say,” Toyota spokesman Mike Breen says. “It's all done. It's ready to go. You have basically seen it at the motor shows. It's supercharged V6 et cetera.” The first TRD Aurions have already been ordered, Queensland police taking 11 for highway patrol work. They will join a batch of regular Aurion Sportivo V6s already in police paint. The HiLux is more subdued than that unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show in March, but still promises plenty of go with a similar supercharged engine. “The HiLux is in November,” Breen says. “It is undergoing final testing. It's the 4.0-litre petrol engine, supercharged.” Toyota has confirmed the TRD Aurion is quicker than expected, using a new Eaton twin-vortices supercharger packaged in Melbourne by Harrop Engineering. “Total engine performance is one of the key positives of the TRD Aurion package,” TRD Australia chief engineer Stephen Castles says. “The TVS unit has performed really well and definitely helped deliver the engine performance we need.” Work on the engine has also been done by the Orbital Engine Company in Perth, which focused on testing and component development.  

NRMA motoring services has a program, Free2go, dedicated to young people. The three-year program offers free advice to young people and free roadside assistance for 17- and 18-year-olds.NRMA Insurance head of industry research, Robert McDonald, says young people shouldn't rush their purchase and should compare what's on offer after a good look at websites, newspapers and magazines."Buy as new a car as you can, avoid buying an older car to save money," he says.And McDonald urges young people to consider safety as one of the top priorities, claiming new cars are the best way to go."There are some small cars, like the Toyota Yaris, with excellent safety equipment for a low price," he says. "Side curtain airbags are dramatically effective in reducing head injuries, and you have ABS and stability control in many small cars, an added advantage."McDonald says people should also look out for stability control, which prevents the car getting out of control and sliding, particularly when going faster than expected.But if buyers can't afford a new or nearly new car, McDonald says there are some things to look out for in older models."If you are stuck with an older car, medium or larger cars would be a little better, safer than an old small car," he says."Make sure safety equipment is up to date, especially seat belts. There are a lot of cars from the late 1980s and early '90s that have airbags, you should be looking for at least driver and passenger airbags."Plenty of cars from the mid-1990s also feature ABS, McDonald says.And while image may play an important part in the final decision, a recent survey by the youth insurer branch of AAMI, Just Car Insurance, shows young people are more car savvy when it comes to purchasing than they're often given credit for. The national survey of 1053 young people, aged between 18 and 24, shows the look and appearance of a car is not necessarily a top priority. A total of 93 per cent rate value for money as an important factor when purchasing a car.Young people are also aware of the importance of safety and security, with 85 per cent of respondents ranking these as significant factors. More than half say environmental friendliness is also a key factor.Sheree Masters, 17, bought her first car in October last year, five months before she had her provisional licence. She bought a 2000 model Toyota RAV4, a car she's always had her heart set on. Masters purchased her vehicle from a dealership for just over $20,000."I saved up half of it, I have been working since I was 14, and I got a loan for the other half," she says.And while looks and appearance topped her list, she wasn't about to sacrifice safety."I wanted something I would be safe getting around in," she says. "I have to admit, the appearance did come first. But safety features like ABS, electric windows and central locking so I feel safe, and airbags were important."Masters turned to her father for advice when shopping for her first car. "My dad knows a lot about cars so he told me what I should be looking for, but besides that, I pretty much made the decision myself," she says."I always wanted to have my own car, that way I could call it my own, it's something I have earned myself. I'm never out of my car, I'm in it every day," she says. "Friends' places, to work, everywhere." Masters is hoping to slightly modify her vehicle with mag wheels and darker window tinting.McDonald reminds young people to be cautious if purchasing a modified vehicle, as they are often harder to insure."Make sure you check with the insurer that the modification is acceptable to them," he says. "Lower suspension, wide wheels or elaborate paint work can dramatically effect the cost of insurance."He says owners should especially check that engine modifications don't affect its ability to be insured.How to get a good dealNRMA motoring expert, Tim Pomroy, says buying your first car requires researching what to look out for, the bargains and the rip-offs. He's given the CARSguide a few key elements to be on the lookout for.Under $5000Don't be fooled into buying something if it "looks good". It may have mechanical problems, which will cost you more than the initial price to keep it on the road. Make sure the car has a recent or long registration. This indicates that it has at least had a registration inspection and the fundamentals should be okay. Also, if you're unsure, you probably need to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a vehicle inspection.While private sales are popular in this category, Pomroy says that as used car prices have recently decreased, you could also potentially get something from a car yard."It might be cheap for a reason: high miles, or a car that doesn't have a good reputation for reliability."Under $10,000There are some good bargains to be had, Pomroy says. "Some Commodores and Falcons from the 1990s are available for a couple of thousand of dollars upwards." But he warns there are issues with bigger cars, especially the running costs, and people should consider if they really need a large car."Identify what the use of the car will be. If it's for uni or to leave at the station and mainly suburban, short trips, a small four-cylinder car with an engine capacity of 1.6-litre would be ideal," he says."If you're doing a lot of country driving or commuting long distances, a larger car with a slightly bigger capacity engine might be a better choice."European models also come into play in this category as well as prestige cars.Pomroy warns European cars can be quite expensive to service and maintain, but he says if you know what you're looking for, there are some bargains to be had in some older prestige cars. Key safety features to be on the lookout for are ABS and airbags."In and around the $5000 mark will have driver airbags and perhaps passenger airbags," Pomroy says.Above $10,000You're nearly in the territory of buying a new small car. There are many small cars at affordable prices, such as the Kia Rio, Hyundai Getz, with nearly half a dozen models offering a good warranty and new features, according to Pomroy.The disadvantage is that you're buying a car that may be a little more basic than a bigger second-hand model from three or four years ago.Larger second-hand cars also come into play here, with petrol prices contributing to lower price tags.

Well, there's one girl who is sure to turn heads with a makeover that will make her popular.Her name is RAV 4.Finally, the powers that be at Toyota realised that the old RAV just didn't cut it when it came to space. It's always been a great car, just too small.This girl is longer, wider and stronger, and you are not having to fork out much more in the way of dollars than the previous model for the privilege.Of course, Toyota has a lot to answer for – why didn't it beef her up 12 months ago when I was looking for a new car?Jumping into the beefed-up baby, it wasn't long before we made acquaintances and she became one of the family.The new RAV is cleverly designed to adapt to its driver. For example, the boot space can be changed to suit your needs. There is a removable cargo shield and net, and an underfloor storage compartment. The little things in life also make a big difference. No longer do you have to go to the back seat to fold down the rear seat – just one flick from the boot will give you the space you need.It's also no longer just enough to have cup holders, they've got to make a statement. These ones actually light up. What will they think of next?You can choose from six models in the RAV family but for true luxury and style, head all the way to the top – the Cruiser L model. It's got seat warmers, which always come in handy, and leather seating and steering wheel. It's also got electric seat adjustment and, as many will attest, it's important to get the seat in the perfect position for your driving comfort.But I've never quite understood why the front seat passenger is always the poor man's cousin. Okay, so it's not that difficult to manually adjust your seating but, hey, it can't be that hard to give the passenger the same luxuries as the driver.Still, this girl was quite impressed with Ms RAV and we don't need to get too bitchy with her performance. She's all right.LOVE IT LEAVE ITRAV4 Cruiser LPrice: $43,990LOVE ITBigger, bigger, bigger. What else can I say, big is beautiful.Multi-purpose boot. There are no restrictions here, just adjust the space to your needs and away you go.Temperature-control dials at arm's length. The angled centre console means you don't have to fiddle around to adjust the fan or temperature.Illuminated cup holders, what a "bright" idea.LEAVE ITNo electric adjustment on passenger seat.Price, slightly higher than the previous model but you're getting a lot more for your dollar so you can't complain too much.

There has never been more diversity, or better value, in the business.And there are several very significant newcomers at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, from exotics with pricetags of up to $1 million to the all-new Toyota challenger to the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore.New vehicle sales are predicted to run steady at 980,000 through 2006 after reaching a new high of 988,269 last year. It was the fourth straight year of growth, which has seen sales rise by more than 27 per cent since 2000.The four local carmakers - Mitsubishi, Ford, Holden and Toyota - face big challenges in an industry that is more open than ever before but all believe they are set for success.Mitsubishi introduced its all-new 380 in 2005 and increased its sales performance.Ford has the excellent Territory, the baby Fiesta and Focus are the best small cars in the company's history and it is working on an all-new successor to the BF Falcon for 2007.Holden, now in the run-up to its all-new VE Commodore later this year, will also have a full-size four-wheel drive for the first time. It is also pushing ahead strongly with value-priced small cars imported from Korea.Toyota will unveil its new local hero at the motor show and has a new Camry ready for action in the second half of the year as well as such new models for 2006 as the RAV4, Yaris sedan and a new Lexus LS flagship.GM Holden chairman Denny Mooney says: "We are all looking forward to what appears to be another great year to be in the car business."The market will continue to be very active with many new competitive entries launching, as well. In addition, the all-new Commodore will represent the most significant ground-up engineered vehicle we have ever done."Holden has been runner-up to Toyota in the sales race for the past three years but its Commodore has been Australia's favourite car for a straight decade despite the massive rise in fuel prices through 2005.Still, importers led by Mazda, Honda, Hyundai and Nissan have been huge winners in recent years with a wide range of new vehicles at competitive prices. It is a fragmentation which has made it tough to measure the business with traditional yardsticks.Mooney says each company will have a different view on this development.He adds: "In 2006 we're entering the year of the family car, which means new large cars, new SUVs (four-wheel-drives) and a few other surprises as well."The industry is responding in many different ways, which makes it exciting. Everyone is looking for that segment-buster or a twist on an old theme to gain ground."Holden and Ford were both worried by the decline in large-car sales through 2005 but both believe that new products will bring people back to traditional Aussie sixes."There are many factors driving the recent decline in large car sales," says Ford Australia chairman Tom Gorman."Nevertheless, we believe the large-car market in Australia still represents a significant market opportunity for the future."Territory is the perfect example of Ford being flexible enough to respond to changing market conditions. Our ability to read the market and create an all-new vehicle to react to changing trends has proven very successful for our brand."Toyota has done a great job with a hugely varied model line-up, but even it was forced to withdraw the Daihatsu brand from Australia in 2005 because its cars could not compete with Korean price leaders.Now it is aiming for large-car success and another year at No. 1.David Buttner, executive director of sales and marketing for Toyota Australia, says: "We see a market for 2006 between 980,000 and 990,000."He puts this down to 14 years of economic growth, record-low unemployment and a lack of pressure on interest rates."The outlook for 2006 is one of sustained demand in those areas which have remained strong . . . there is an expectation of recovery in markets which did diminish in response to new and different vehicle offerings."Mitsubishi says it had one of the biggest challenges of any firm in 2005 - launching the all-new Mitsubishi 380 at probably the toughest time in the last 20 years.Mitsubishi Motors Australia managing director Rob McEniry says: "This will be another extremely busy and challenging year with many new product offerings."He predicts all categories of car will stabilise in 2006 and that "the large-car segment will bounce back".Returning the market to "normality" will be the year's biggest challenge, he believes."Fuel prices, interest rates and global political instability will all be significant contributing factors to consumer confidence," McEniry says.