TOYOTA RAV4
The all-new Toyota RAV4 enters its 5th generation in 2019 and is now exclusively hybrid powered.
Given the current lay of the motoring landscape, it seems incredible to think that a compact ‘crossover’ SUV could have existed prior to the beginning of the 2010’s. Toyota’s RAV4 first appeared in 1994 though, almost a quarter of a century ago.
With this particular model, Toyota was a good 20-years ahead of many other motoring brands, introducing a car that gave SUV styling and all-wheel drive capability in a compact body that didn’t force an engine to gulp down too much fuel.
The model you see here is the all-new 5th generation of RAV4. Its styling is far edgier and more angular, reflecting other new Toyota models as well as offerings from the firm’s luxury brand, Lexus. This new look immediately makes the RAV4 desirable, the current trends dictate a car should be distinctive and eye-catching, and this new shape is definitely that.
Hybrid power is now your only option with a Toyota RAV4. No diesel engines will be offered, nor will turbocharging for the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol unit that powers it. Only electrically enhancement to the tune of 214 or 218bhp is available, with the more powerful output only present in the all-wheel drive models. Both engines use an automatic ‘CVT’ gearbox and both are capable of late 40’s mpg, while CO2 emissions come in just a little over 100g/km.
Credit needs to be given to Toyota for offering a fabulous amount of standard features in even the entry level version of the new RAV4. Air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, Toyota’s ‘Safety Sense’ bundle that includes pre-collision warning, cyclist detection, night-time pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen with DAB digital radio and Bluetooth as well as a reversing camera and rear parking sensors are provided at no extra cost. Few cars at this price point can match that basic specification. In higher specifications, heated leather seating and steering wheels and even more safety equipment and navigation can be found on top of the existing features, making this a brilliantly equipped machine.
Strong, distinctive looks, an efficient yet powerful hybrid powertrain and a hugely generous standard specification is going to make this a very popular car here at Synergy. It’s just one of those cars that’s going to appeal to almost every customer.