The New RAV4: Perfection Just Got an Upgrade

Toyota is known to turn unbelievable concepts into logical evolutions, and then to perfection. The remodelled Toyota RAV4 is the prime effect of this sweeping cause.

Early in 1996, Toyota revolutionized the bland design of the compact SUV when it introduced the first pint-sized sports utility vehicle. The RAV4 instantly became the favourite of a market that defined their lifestyle by what they drive. Since then Toyota has been perfecting the RAV4 through constant upgrades to satisfy the demands of an independent and stable, yet self-pampering generation. Toyota’s new RAV4 enters 2004 with the most distinct feature of perfection: an attitude to go with its driver’s standards.

The RAV4’s new eye-catching front exterior ensures this compact SUV is no wallflower. The radical design of the front grille and the colour-keyed bumper exude an air of handsome toughness or chic poise for those who work hard during the weekdays, but crave for a different level of excitement during weekends. Adding up to these head-turning features are well-designed multi-reflector halogen lamps and the large front and rear fog lamps that make it usable and reliable for night time driving. For the Toyota RAV4, a pretty face and smart design definitely go together.

The RAV4’s interior is accented with a two-tone black and grey colour scheme that matches the vehicle’s robust interior. Lean back into its sporty bucket full moquette seats and relax with a commanding driving stance to relish clear views all around, thanks to vertical height adjustments in the front seats. The new sporty white-faced, silver-lined meter gauges provide less distraction and better visibility for the driver. Learn to have fun in a two-hour traffic jam with the RAV4’s audio system with four adrenaline-pumping speakers. And considering the exterior dimensions, the RAV4’s roomy interior can fit four adults comfortably inside, and has enough space for cargo.

This small SUV delivers convenience for its owner’s forceful, vigorous lifestyle. The newly remodelled sports package of the all-wheel drive RAV4 is powered by a 1AZ-FE 2.0-liter Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) electronically fuel injected (EFI) engine with Toyota’s vaunted Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) system. This new generation engine provides a balanced performance that combines power, smoothness, economy and clean emissions. This high performance engine produces an abundant amount of power with the maximum output pegged at 148Hp at 6,000rpm while boasting of a maximum torque of 192Nm at 4,000rpm.

Not a big truck and definitely not a small car, the RAV4 combines the best of both worlds. It delivers smoother, more-submissive rides as well as more-responsive steering than truck-based SUVs. It has the balance and stability of a small car but the big truck’s mastery on swift corner turns, and confident sturdiness when traversing rough roads.

The RAV4 is enhanced in distinct shades of Freedom White, Surf Blue, Thermalyte, and Graphite for the RAV4 4x4 automatic transmission and Raven Black, Thermalyte, and Sand Dune for the RAV4 4x2 manual transmission. Screaming "value" with a tag of P1,198,000.00 for the all-wheel drive with automatic transmission and P998,000.00 for the front-wheel drive with manual transmission, Toyota’s new head-turning RAV4 is out to be claimed.

Toyota started the compact SUV revolution with the RAV4. Start your driving revolution by turning the keys. Visit the nearest authorized Toyota dealers, or log on to www.toyota.com.ph for more details.