Toyota Motors South Africa is fiercely protective of the reputation of its products and for years refused to introduce diesel-engined passenger cars to the local market because our diesel fuel contained an enormous amount of sulphur — up to 300 times the amount that is considered acceptable in Europe and the United States. Besides polluting the atmosphere, sulphur degrades engine oil and forms damaging sulphuric acid, leading to premature engine wear. Other car manufacturers and importers tried to overcome these problems by recommending more frequent oil changes, but Toyota stood firm and refused to jeopardise its reputation for reliability.
The latest model RAV4, launched in March this year with petrol engines only, is a more macho vehicle than the previous RAV4, and the diesel-engined versions introduced last month are likely to add to the popular soft-roader’s allure. The engine used for both the base-level GX version and the upmarket VX RAV4 is a high-tech 2,2-litre D4-D common rail turbo diesel that delivers 100kW at 3 600rpm and a useful 310Nm. Although the power output is down about 10% compared to the petrol version, torque is a whopping 60% higher. Because of this, the diesel RAV4 is a great open-road cruiser, wafting along at high speed and low revs, with plenty of overtaking ability in top gear.
The RAV4 is a more than capable soft-roader, despite its lack of a low-range transmission, thanks to its short overhangs, big wheels and healthy ground clearance, and the torque of the diesel engine makes it the pick of the bunch in the dirt. Those who venture into moderately rough country will find the four-wheel-drive lock switch, which helps in low-traction areas and then reverts to normal mode when speeds reach 40kph, particularly useful.
Toyota’s added a new feature to the mix in its integrated active drive system. In most similar vehicles the ABS brakes, traction control, and vehicle stability control all work together to get the driver out of trouble. Toyota’s VSC+ adds computer-aided electronic power steering to the mix, along with the Active Torque Control four-wheel-drive system. This juggles throttle, brake, and steering sensitivity settings when things seem to be getting messy at speed.
Despite being the entry-level diesel model, the GX version of the RAV4 is well-equipped, even at the price of R294 400. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission, front and side air bags, curtain side air bags and a knee air bag for the driver.
The flagship VX (R310 100 manual, R330 000 auto) adds keyless entry and starting, full leather trim, rain-sensing auto windscreen wipers, auto-on headlights, a lockable glovebox with a cooler, front spotlights, climate control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a radio/CD with a six-disc shuttle,and the option of a four-speed auto gearbox.
The new RAV4, whether petrol or diesel powered, is likely to have much more appeal to males than the outgoing model did, but it’s still not a seriously macho 4×4. For proper off-road use most buyers would be better off with the Toyota Fortuner, which is bigger, much more capable in the rough and sells for similar money.