A new, more affordable 1,8-litre two-wheel drive Toyota RAV4, a derivative of the three-door model, has been added to the current line-up of the popular sport-utility vehicle series.
A new, more affordable 1,8-litre two-wheel drive Toyota RAV4, a derivative of the three-door model, has been added to the current line-up of the popular sport-utility series.
The RAV 180 shares the same “cheeky” styling of the three-door model, with wraparound quarter panels and concealed ‘C’ pillars. Colour coded mirrors, styled 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 215/70 R16 tyres and a front spoiler with integrated fog lights add to the visual appeal of the RAV4 180.
The new addition provides all the style and functionality of the RAV4 4X4 models, but at a more affordable price courtesy of its two-wheel drive configuration. It is priced at R220 000 (including VAT).
Toyota says the new model will be particularly appealing to the younger status and style-conscious female buyer.
The existing range consists of the RAV4 thee-door, five-door, and five-door automatic 4X4 models. All share the same advanced mechanical specifications (with the exception of full time four-wheel drive on the RAV4 180), spacious and flexible interior, and advanced safety and security features.
The drive on the new model is through a five-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. Toyota says its research has identified that, while the full-time 4X4 capabilities of the RAV4 feature strongly in buyers’ wish lists, a reasonably large proportion of sales in this market segment are style-driven, with use confined mainly to urban areas.
The 4X4 capability is generally only required occasionally and in extreme circumstances. Toyota’s answer to this is the RAV4 180, virtually indistinguishable from its 4X4 sibling and kitted out with an extensive list of comfort and convenience features. The customer, however, benefits from cost savings associated with the two-wheel drive system.
The interior design of the RAV4 offers both space and versatility with numerous configurations available to vary seating and load space. Designers focused on creating an interior that would provide visual and tactile appeal.
Seats are optimised for size, comfort, and quality. The driver’s seat has height adjustment, which, together with the tilt steering adjustment, allows for the optimum driving position to be achieved.
The seats incorporate the Toyota WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept that assists in holding the body in a position that will dampen the effects of a low speed rear end collision on seat occupants and limit neck injuries.
The innovative design of the rear seats offers a high level of flexibility. These seats can be reclined and have a seat-slide facility that allows the cargo space to be increased by up to 150mm in length.
The rear seats are also designed to tumble forwards. The rear seats can be removed completely to dramatically expand the load area and accommodate large luggage volumes.
Standard features are: Driver and passenger airbags; centre console storage; remote fuel flap opener; air conditioner; power steering; four-speaker radio/CD system; central locking; power windows; power/remote exterior rear view mirrors; high-mounted stop light; headlight on warning buzzer; rear window demist, wash and wipe; front foglamps; towbar wiring point.
