2006 Toyota RAV4 Reviews

There was no such car as an SUV when Toyota unleashed the RAV4 on the local market in 1994. In the course of the next 19 years it has evolved from a cheeky three-door for the unattached and free-at-heart into a full-sized wagon for the family.NEWOnce alone in the market it now has to compete against a vast number of models from rival carmakers. The third generation RAV4 released in 2006 was a step along the evolutionary path. Gone was the youthful three-door that announced the new model in 1994, and the constant four-wheel drive system was replaced by an on-demand all-wheel drive system in line with most of its rivals.The four-door wagon was one of the roomiest in the class accommodating five adults, although the one forced to sit in the centre of the rear seat would have found it a little cramped. The rear seat slid back and forth, and could be split and folded for versatility in carrying passengers and loads as needed.Power buyers could choose between a smooth 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a lusty 3.5-litre V6. The four-cylinder could be coupled up to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while those ticking the box for the V6 got a five-speed auto.One of the big changes in the third generation RAV4 was the switch to an on-demand all-wheel drive system. In effect it drove like a front-wheel drive car most of the time, only engaging the rear wheels when slip was detected at the front. Hard core four-wheel drive fans might feel cheated by the switch, but most RAV4 buyers wouldn't notice a difference.The RAV4 has a towing rating of 1500kg, but some owners find that the four-cylinder engine struggles when hauling a caravan at around that weight. If you plan to tow with your RAV4 it's perhaps best to look at the V6.NOWFor years Toyota enjoyed a reputation for building cars that gave little or no trouble, but that reputation has been tarnished somewhat in recent years when it had to recall a number of cars, including the RAV4.One recall related to the tightening of the adjustable rear suspension arm following a rear wheel alignment. If not tightened enough the threads on the arm could wear causing the arm to fail. Another concerned the possible fitment of a prototype instrument panel reinforcement, which could fail and affect the steering.A third related to the sliding electrical contact module in the driver's-side power window master switch, which could feel sticky when operated and could stop working or over-heat and melt. Other than those potential issues the RAV4 is a solid car that really does give little trouble.As it is with all cars it's important that the RAV4 is serviced according to Toyota's recommended schedule, which calls for servicing at 10,000km or six-month intervals. That's more frequently than some other carmakers recommend, but it's worthwhile sticking to the schedule to underpin the longevity of the car.Although few RAV4s hit the dirt like their bigger brothers, they are quite capable off-road and could be used in the bush. With that in mind it's worth taking a careful look over any potential purchase, checking underneath for damage to the underbody, suspension or driveline, and also take a close look at the bodywork for damage that might have been sustained off-road.SMITHY SAYSSafe, solid and reliable wagon for the family.Toyota RAV4 - 2006-2010Price new: $31,990 to $41,990Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 125 kW/224 Nm; 3.5-litre V6, 201 kW/333 NmTransmission: 5-speed man, 4-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 9.1 L/100 km (2.4), 10.5 L/100 km (V6)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: CV, CV6, Cruiser, Cruiser LSafety: 4-star ANCAP

When launched in October 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was a cute and cheeky 4WD. Over the years it expanded in size and from the latest model in February 2006 has become positively staid – sounds like the typical human life cycle doesn’t it!In the ‘teenage’ years of its life cycle, the funkiest of all RAV4s arrived in January 1998, but barely lasted two years on the market. Though called Cabriolet by Toyota, it is in fact an old-style soft-top. The roof is reasonably easy to pull down and erect, but we still recommend a bit of practice at home before you set out on a topless trip on a cloudy dayThe great majority of Toyota RAV4s have a two or four-door station wagon body. The former is on a shorter wheelbase than the latter, so misses out on both rear-seat space and luggage carrying capacity.The RAV4 isn't designed to conquer the great Aussie outback, Toyota has plenty of other 4WDs and SUVs capable of dong just that, but it is a lot more competent than you might expect. Good ground clearance, big wheels and handy approach, departure and ramp angles mean it can take on rocks, ruts and rough stuff with plenty of verve. The short-wheelbase is, naturally, better than the LWB if you want to get serious off-road.These little Toyota SUVs use what are virtually car tyres and don’t have a low-range transfer case. Better tyres can make it just perfect on the beach.The RAV4’s first engine was a modern 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that gives better than average performance for its class. The engine was extensively modified at the beginning of 1998 to give it a broader spread of torque. The four-cylinder engine was increased in size to 2.4 litres in 2003.From October 2007 a V6 engine option with the capacity of 3.5 litres joined the fray. It goes without saying the V6 has plenty of grunt, but it can be on the thirsty side at times.You have a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission in most models. The V6 comes only with a five-speed auto. The four-speed automatic is a modern unit that works well and doesn’t take too much edge off the performance, but many computers now provide five or six forward ratios.Toyota has been number one in the Australian automotive market for a number of years. So it has dealers in almost all areas of Australia, even those which are ignored by other big players in our market. So getting spares and repairs isn't likely to be a hassle.Dealers in the most remote zones are more likely to carry spare parts for LandCruisers than for the RAV4s. Nonetheless, you aren’t likely to have to wait for more than a few days for parts to be shipped to the bush from one of the major cities.Insurance is generally in the low to moderate range and there doesn't seem to be a huge variance in premium prices between them.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe Toyota RAV4 is built to a high standard but it’s still wise to have a full inspection after doing your own check up. Most RAV4s never go off road, but look closely for panel and underbody damage, just in case.Scratches in the paint and and/or the door sills and lower body corners are tell-tale signs a RAV4 has come into contact with solid objects, perhaps only bushes and similar shrubbery. But it all costs money to have rectified.If you come across sand in the underbody, try it for a salty taste. RAV4s appear to be well rust proofed but salt water really rips into steel if it gets half a chance. Check the condition of the trim, especially in a soft-top as the latter may have been caught out in the rain or even driven in the surf - again check for that salty smell or taste.Listen and feel for loose components in the transmission system that have been abused in off-road driving. The engine should start first time every time, and idle smoothly even when completely cold. If there is smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration the engine may be in a bad way.If a manual gearbox is reluctant to go down from third to second when the change is hurried, trouble could be brewing. Automatic transmissions which have had a hard life may be reluctant to change and could be slow at engaging a drive gear from Neutral or Park.CAR BUYING TIPSilly as it may sound, beware the 4WD that has been off-road. So few do any real work these days that it’s easy to find one that’s never been off sealed surfaces.

On a tight budget, you had four options: unsafe cars, unreliable cars, really boring cars or cars that combined all three characteristics.  In the past decade, though, it's become easier to find a tidy, safe, cheap used car, for several reasons.Firstly, used cars don't hold their value like they once did. New cars have become cheaper in real terms, and sales have boomed, so there's a lot more used cars on the market.Cars are also much safer than they used to be. Government legislation and independent crash test programmes like NCAP, (which publicises the results of its tests, much to the annoyance of the industry) have forced car makers to improve safety. A 2005 car, no matter what make it is, will be safer than a 1995 car. At the minimum, you want two front airbags and anti-lock (ABS) brakes.Unless it's French or Italian, in which case a weekly dummy spit is part of the "ownership experience," most cars from the last 10 years will be pretty reliable, as long as servicing has been done by the book.We are talking about ordinary, everyday cars here, that haven't been thrashed. If you're looking at some dude's slammed, chipped Subaru WRX and the price seems too good to be true, chances are it will self-destruct before you make it home. You pay your money and you take your chances.Immaculate, low kilometre cars owned by little old ladies do exist, and they are gold. So is a complete service record, especially if it's from the dealer who sold the car new.  Let's see if we can find a few to recommend. Bottom dollar in our search is $5000.There's not much joy at this money, but the last of the Mitsubishi Magnas, from 2004-2005, are great value and reasonably plentiful. Many will be ex-renters. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because serving will have been done to schedule. The 3.5-litre V6-four speed auto ES has four airbags and ABS.Another Mitsubishi, the Lancer, is the best small car we can find at this price. Toyota Corollas are fine too, though they're more expensive.  The Lancer's as sexy as a can of baked beans and completely bulletproof. Pay about $7000-$8000 or so for a 2005 model. Find one with optional ABS and six airbags.If you've got around $10,000 to spend, you have much more choice.  In 2004, Mazda made six airbags and ABS available across its entire range, as options or standard, so any Mazda2 or Mazda3 from 2004 on will be worth checking out. Mazda does blue chip quality, and if you find a good one, with a service book, buy it. You'll pick up a 2 for less than $10,000; a 3 will be $10,000-$12,000.If you need something bigger, this sort of money will also get you into a 2004-2005 Subaru Liberty, another top car from Japan's A league. All wheel drive, excellent handling and Subaru's class leading NCAP scores are pluses. The 2.0-litre four won't rip your arms off, but it will do the job. Wagons cost a little more.You might prefer a small SUV wagon instead, so look for a 2004-2005 Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, at $12,000-$15,000.  If you need a big car for a big country, the Aussie six is hard to go past.You'll pay $10,000-$13,000 for the first of the VE Commodores from 2006. The 3.6-litre V6 sounds like 1000 leaf blowers on maximum thrust, however it's durable enough. Holden got serious about safety with VE, so you get stability control as standard.  It might take a while to find the right car, but in the end, it pays to be fussy. Second hand doesn't have to mean second best.WHERE TO BUY?DealerPros: On cars under 10 years old, most states require a warranty, typically 3 months or 5000 kilometres. You also get guaranteed title. Franchised dealers (ie those who also sell new cars) usually have the best selection of used cars; the trade-ins they don't want are unloaded to non franchised dealers or auctions.Cons: Can be more expensive than a similar car bought privately. Beware of non-franchised dealers selling flood damaged or rebirthed (ie cars written off by insurance companies but then repaired) from Queensland.PrivatePros: The best way to find a bargain.Cons: You have to do plenty of legwork, and finding the right car, in a place that's close to where you live, can be a time consuming process. There's no guarantee of title or provenance, and no comebacks if it drops its guts on the way home. Buyer beware.AuctionsPros: Ex-government or fleet cars, usually properly serviced, with low kilometres. Guaranteed title. Many dealers buy cars at auction, take them to their car yard, and jack the price up by thousands of dollars. Buy it yourself, and pocket the difference.Cons: You can't test drive the car before you bid. It's also easy for an amateur to pay too much, so go to a couple before you buy to get an idea of prices and how it all works.

While your average SUV looks like it could handle the bush few owners really believe deep down that they would if they were put to the test.  Most SUVs are bought as family wagons and used to transport the kids to school and pick up the shopping from the supermarket.  Rarely, if ever, do they venture beyond the city limits, and when they do it's usually only as far as a local beach or a nearby camping ground.But Toyota was keen to show that its new RAV4 really could handle the rough going when it decided to launch its 2006 model in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.  It was a deliberate attempt by Toyota to prove its smallest off-roader was little more than a soft townie at heart.MODEL WATCHThe all-new 2006 RAV4 was a far cry from the cute little fun wagon launched back in the 1990s.  It was bigger in almost every dimension than its predecessor, it was also heavier by 180 kg, and it had grown into a full-sized family wagon with a much roomier interior.  There were six models in the range with three levels of equipment: CV, Cruiser and Cruiser L.All models came with the same 2.4-litre twin cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing boasting peak power of 125 kW at 6000 revs, that's up 5 kW, with the maximum torque unchanged at 224 Nm at 4000 revs.There was a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed auto, with part-time four-wheel drive.  The RAV4 was essentially a front driver with drive sent to the rear wheels when the car's electronics deemed it necessary for safe traction.Tested on gravel roads at the time of launch the system switched seamlessly from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, with the only indication a light on the dash to inform the driver the switch had taken place.There was no low range for more serious offroad driving, but Toyota  felt its on-demand system was sufficient for what most RAV4s would be used for.  Underneath, the RAV4 had fully independent suspension at both ends, with MacPherson Strut at the front and wishbones at the rear.  All models came with 17-inch alloy wheels, CD sound, tilt-and-reach steering wheel, heaps of storage compartments, and cup holders.If you stepped up to the Cruiser mid-ranger from the base CV you got dual-zone air, traction control, hill-start assistance, and stability control.  Climb further up the ladder to the Cruiser L and you also got leather, a power driver's seat, and both front seats were heated.IN THE SHOPToyota enjoys a well earned reputation for quality and reliability, and although recent reports to Cars Guide suggest it has perhaps slipped a little from its lofty perch it is still right up there with   the best.Cars Guide readers rarely complain about the RAV4, which suggests they are happy with their choice of car.  Build quality is of a good level, the interior plastics and other hardware stands up well to normal use.With any SUV, including the RAV4, it's important to check for signs, not so much of use off-road, but of off-road abuse.  It's possible to drive off the black top without beating your car to death, so check for underbody damage, damage to suspension and driveshafts that suggest an uncaring driver.  Also look for evidence that regular maintenance has been carried out, particularly of oil and filter changes.IN A CRASHAll models had ABS anti-skid brakes with brake-force distribution, along with active four-wheel drive, which endowed the RAV4 with decent active safety.  For more, the Cruiser and Cruiser L offered traction control and stability control systems.Add the passive protection of twin airbags on the CV, plus side and curtain airbags on the Cruiser and Cruiser L, and the RAV4 scrubbed up pretty well for safety, well enough to be awarded four out of a possible five stars by ANCAP.AT THE PUMPToyota claimed it had squeezed a little more economy out of the RAV4, with the manual model down to 9.1 L/100 km.  The figures provided by reader reporter David Simos suggest that Toyota's claim is pretty much on the money.OWNER'S SAYDavid Simos switched from a 2001 Volvo Cross Country to a 2009 RAV4 CV manual about 15 months ago in the hope of a more reliable run. He has since done almost 39,000 km and says there have been no problems and he is really pleased with it. Simos chose the cheapest Japanese/  Australian car that fitted four, a pram, stroller and port-a-cot, and that was the RAV4 CV manual. He says the sliding rear seat, which increases boot space, is great for work, the underfloor storage in the boot is excellent for storing a toolbox and foldaway trolley, but the swinging rear door can be a problem if you're parked in a tight spot or on an incline. The only issue of concern he has had is a whirring noise that seems to come from the front right of the vehicle at 70 km/h in higher gears, and he says it's revving a little higher than he would like at 100 km/h.LOOK FOR. Family-sized wagon. Roomy interior. Competent all-wheel driver. Four-cylinder economy. Quality buildTHE BOTTOM LINENo longer just for the young or young-at-heart the bigger, better   RAV4 is a competent family all-rounder.COMING UPWhat do you think of your Hyundai i30? Send your comments to Graham   Smith at Cars Guide or e-mail to grah.smith@bigpond.com.

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 be20 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.

As such, Toyota believes it will attract a wider audience including user-chooser fleet buyers replacing more traditional sedans and wagons.And early impressions suggest this RAV4 offers greater appeal to a young family — more space and comfort, less edgy styling. For the all-new, all-wheel-drive RAV4 has moved closer to Toyota's Kluger in size and style.Yet, despite the more subdued style and maturation, the RAV4 remains the most sporting of Toyota's mob of SUVs.It is a little heavier this time around and engine power is only up 5kW but the 2006 RAV4's road grip, balance and general road manners allow the wagon (five-door only this time) to be pushed along with smiles and surety.Underneath there's Toyota's Active All-Wheel-Drive system.After years of pushing the benefits of constant all-wheel-drive, Toyota switches here to a "pro-active" drive system which runs in front-wheel-drive when all is well. If wheels begin to lose traction, a series of sensors and monitors and mechanical bits start sharing the drive around to keep it all on the move.This works quickly and quite unobtrusively, whether hurtling down a tarred mountain road or climbing a rock-strewn track.There are no indications of the drive being worked from one end or side to the other, rather the RAV4 can be belted along with some confidence, plenty of grip and balance. Some earlier "on-demand" all-wheel-drive systems (on rival machines) were often too slow to react, leading to machines stuck on hillsides, and in the sand, the Toyota system would appear to offer far more security.On RAV4 Cruiser and Cruiser L models there is the added benefit of a yaw rate sensor chipping in to determine how best to handle a vehicle drifting off line. Automatic models gain a downhill assist for automatic retardation on descents. And there is a differential lock for equal drive distribution under 40km/h.While a nice, easy and soft machine for around town work, the new RAV4 is best appreciated on a country run, moving on over indifferent surfaces.Here the Toyota offers a decent compromise between all-out SUV and mid-sized passenger car. It is quick and comfortable, has positive steering and excellent road manners; the only let down is a shortness to the wagon's suspension travel which leads to some crash-thump through potholes. (There is also, around the town, a little too much suspension noise over odd lumps and bumps.)Yet the RAV4 feels that bit more solid, bit more substantial, than its predecessors. There is, of course, an extra 140kg in this longer, wider and bigger third-generation RAV4.The resulting package makes for a fine family tourer, a medium-sized wagon ready to run around the country. How it handles a full family load is unknown, it certainly runs smartly with two passengers and a light load. North American versions score a V6 to help the power-weight equationIt does need some care and patience to have the RAV4, with 195cm of ground clearance, tackling real tough spots off road. There is no low ratio and the 2.4-litre engine is a touch peaky for slow and steady work.But with the right approach the Toyota RAV4 will get a lot further than may be expected.This is a fine SUV, loaded with all the usual gear. By the time you get to the Cruiser L at the top of the line there's leather seats and a moon roof to go with the six-stacker CD player, airconditioning, electric windows and mirrors.The steering wheel still sits a bit low for taller drivers, the centre console treatment is a bit try-hard but there is plenty of cabin space and general safety.RAV4 prices have crept up a little, in line with the bigger body, new technology. But the all-wheel-drive wagon remains good value as an all-rounder for the young family.

This third generation of Toyota's smallest (for now) SUV does away with permanent all-wheel-drive in favour of a "pro-active" package of electronics to control slips and slides plus tackle rougher back roads.It has grown, this RAV4, to a wider, longer body (now 4.6m in length) that offers more people and cargo space. Along the way the bigger RAV4 picks up an extra 140kg and leaves the door open for the possibility of a smaller, more junior soft-roader from Toyota down the track.The RAV4's 2.4 litre, four-cylinder engine gains an extra 5kW (to 125kW) and there are no more three-door versions of the Toyota.Instead, the six 2006 RAV4 models are all five-door wagons with the choice of two transmissions, three trim levels and prices starting at $31,990 for a five-speed manual CV model.Moving up the line, the RAV4 Cruiser is $37,490 and a premium Cruiser L starts at $41,990. The four-speed automatic option adds $2000.All new RAV4s sit on 17-inch wheels (sexy steel for the CV, alloys for Cruiser models) and arrive with dual airbags, airconditioning, power windows and mirrors, MP3 compatible CD stereo, steering wheel-mounted audio controls plus cruise control.All have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and electric-assisted power steering plus Toyota's "Active AWD" which uses a number of sensors to determine when drive should be diverted to help out the back wheels.Toyota claims this system is "pre-emptive", working through steering, throttle and speed sensors to have the drive shifted immediately (if not sooner) to keep the RAV4 moving in tricky spots and cornering; "pre-emptive" may be stretching the technology concept but the system appears to react with more speed and subtleness than most, a seamless transition from front to all-wheel-drive. The Toyota system, as with others, can be locked into 50:50 drive under 40km/h.And there are hints that these "active four-wheel-drive" systems may find a place in bigger Toyota four-wheel-drives, such as the next generation LandCruiser now under development.Over the base model RAV4 CV, the Cruiser version adds further interior refinements and extra safety with side plus curtain airbags and six-stacker CD. Outside there are mudguard flares, alloy wheels, roof rails and fog lamps. The Cruiser L gets lashings of leather and a moon roof.More importantly, the Cruiser twins score stability control, traction control and hill-start assist. Downhill assist — automatic retardation on steeper slopes — is available on automatic Cruisers. The Vehicle Stability Control can straighten out understeer or oversteer, reducing engine rpm and braking individual wheels to correct slides; all these electronic-mechanical aids are tied together through a Vehicle Control Management System.Despite all these gizmos, the RAV4 Cruiser remains an entertaining, engaging drive on a back country road, best appreciated in the five-speed manual to make the most of those 125kW. These bigger, more comfortable RAV4s look the part, offering a more mature body style than predecessors and in some parts looking like a junior Kluger. (Indeed the V6 engine offered in some markets will not be headed here, helping keep a price and performance differentiation between RAV4 and Kluger. Nor is a diesel option on the cards.)The 2006 RAV4, say Toyota heavies, will help reshape the compact SUV market and offer a real alternative to family sedans.While most buyers of compact SUVs have been active, 30-something singles, Toyota's sales and marketing director David Buttner says these bigger, new generational machines will also attract interest from slightly older buyers, including more couples with young children.Toyota sees the compact SUV market (headed by Subaru's venerable Forester in 2005) further maturing and diversifying. So the top-shelf Cruiser L is a move to claim a "new, premium sub-segment" of the SUV niche.

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.Gone is the three-door version, but six variants of the five-door RAV4 will offer plenty of choice and a stack of features to tempt the sleeping adventurer out of many.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 TORQUEToyota RAV4Price: CV manual $31,990, Cruiser manual $37,490, Cruiser L manual $41,990. Add $2000 for auto transmissionEngine: 2.4-litre VVTi four cylinderPower: 125kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 224Nm @ 4000rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual or electronically controlled four-speed auto with sporty gated shift, active All-Wheel DriveStandard 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