Winning Tradition

It’s been a week of winners, apparently. After boxer extraordinaire Manny Pacquiao united the entire Filipino nation in prayer and intent while bringing the country honor in a thrilling 10-bout demolition job in his much-hyped rematch with El Terrible, and some lucky bloke took home the P150 million lotto jackpot last Sunday, Toyota Motor Philippines launches today what could be another big winner for the Japanese carmaking giant. And, just like our man the Pacman, we do welcome it with open arms!

Apart from following the twin wins, the arrival of the 2006 RAV4 comes at the heels of the swarming demand for Toyota’s own best-selling SUV, the Fortuner. As such, the RAV4’s arrival could be a sign of yet more improved sales figures for the 2005 sales leader. As it is, the commercial vehicle segment of Toyota is already packed with class-leading products, including the Innova Multipurpose vehicle, the Hilux pick-up, the Hiace utility van, the Previa Minivan, and the Fortuner and Prado in the SUV category.

The 2006 Toyota RAV4 debuts with bigger exterior dimensions (4,600mm X 1,855mm X 1720 mm), and, necessarily, more spacious interior capabilities (1,745mm X 1,340mm X 1,180 mm; and a more spacious luggage storage space of 940mm X 1,090mm X 990mm) than its immediate predecessor. This instantly addresses the issue people once had of the RAV4 being one of the least spacious players in the compact SUV segment.

The upgraded version of what is arguably the first compact SUV to be introduced in the country also incorporates a few new styling cues, not the least of which is the new "hunting eye" projector design for its headlamps. A trendy and distinct radiator grille and a round transparent set of front fog lamps complete the RAV4’s imposing new façade. Six-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels, enlarged outer mirrors, brighter light-emitting diode (LED) rear combination lamps, and a rear spoiler also come as standard features.

Packed with features not found in most of its competitors in the subcompact SUV category, the RAV4 promises to raise the bar where customer expectations are concerned. As an example, the RAV4 is equipped with a cruise control function, which enables it to maintain desired speed by automatically adjusting throttle valve position and injection volume without the need to depress the accelerator pedal. With the feature, long distance driving has just been made more pleasant and comfortable — which is something Toyota would want their new RAV4 to be known for.

Furthermore, the RAV4 is equipped with what Toyota calls an Active Torque Control 4WD system that optimally controls torque distribution to the front and rear wheels through the electric control coupling and rear differential. The system serves to stabilize the RAV4 in terms of start-off and accelerating traction performance. It also ought to provide the RAV4 with better fuel economy as it distributes drive torque to the rear wheels only when needed and only in the amount needed.

One the safety front, Toyota’s new SUV has a new platform that minimizes cabin shape changing upon impact and employs the Head Impact Protection (HIP) inside the cabin. It also has an impact absorbing, vertical frame structured hood with a reinforced lock bar for increased pedestrian protection. Front passengers are likewise protected by a combination of dual stage driver and front passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags — features regularly found in much more expensive, not to mention larger SUVs.

Sources at Toyota say that the 2006 RAV4 will be initially offered in two variants — a 4X4 and a 4X2 — which will both come with in 4-speed automatic transmissions equipped with a 2.4-litre VVT-i engine. Both variants will be made available in White Pearl Crystal Shine, Graying Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Beige Metallic and Black shades. Unfortunately, as of press time, the immediate pricing of both variants has yet to be determined. Still, with what we’ve seen and heard so far (The STAR was privy to its unveiling at the Tokyo Motorshow late last year), we can’t help but argue that either way Toyota has another winner in its hands.