Popular Toyota still something to RAV about
The popularity of the RAV4 is such that Toyota has only just been able to make one available for us to test.
February auto industry data shows the RAV4 as being the most registered SUV in the country year-to-date with a 22.5 percent market share and 986 units in play. That’s a whole lot of RAV4’s!
Naturally, the auto industry stats don’t always give the full story, but even taking this into consideration – well, dealers will only order what they think they can ultimately sell after all.
We suspect the most popular models of the RAV4s would be the hybrid-engine models – especially given our interview with Plumbing World and their delays in getting their fleet through vehicle supply.
Add to this the fact that when we requested a hybrid to test, we were advised that one was not available – which is why we are reviewing the GXL AWD model with a conventional 2.5 litre petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This is the RAV4 that fits right in the middle of the range, making it a good example for us to review.
All RAV4’s are five star safety rated vehicles and have an extensive array of active and passive protection systems, not least of which is the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems and active safety equipment including – but not limited to – trailer sway control, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, secondary collision braking and active cornering assist (for understeer reduction), as well as the more familiar ABS brakes, traction and vehicle stability control, hill start assist, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Safety is at the heart of Toyota’s current design ethos, which is why the only safety difference between the entry level model GX and the two GXL models is that of static guidelines for the reversing camera in the base model as opposed to dynamic ones in the GXL’s.
Other differences then, come in the engine options and outputs, towing capacities, transmission types, drivetrains, wheel and tyre choices, interior specifications and mass, though all of these could be considered minor between the variants – until you get to the hybrids, of course.
RAV4 has never had any on-road comfort level issues. Even from the first-generation (1995-ish) models – and we are at generation five now – Toyota NZ has taken great pains to prove the four-wheel-drive validity of the RAV4, though most would agree this was unnecessary.
RAV4s that went off-road, went off-road very well, those that stayed on tarmac proved extremely popular with the nine-to-fivers and weekend road warriors.
And it’s the same with what we found with the current AWD GLX model which coped with our mild off-road excursion with the same aplomb as it handled our rush hour commutes.
The key characteristics of the fifth generation RAV4 is the apparent increase in physical size – something which is commensurate with most modern vehicles – and the Americanisation of the wheel arches, which are now pronouncedly square.
The RAV4 has retained its basic conceptual shape and, while it may be a little larger than we are used to, it is spectacularly equipped, has seen significant improvements over the outgoing model as a result, and clearly has retained its appeal to private and professional buyers alike.
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota RAV4
DRIVE Front/AWD
TRANSMISSION CVT/8 speed auto/E-CVT
ENGINE TYPEPetrol/Hybrid
ENGINE CAPACITY 2-litre(P), 2.5 litre(P) 2-litre(H)
MAX POWER 127kW, 152kW, 136kW
MAX TORQUE 203Nm, 243Nm, 400Nm
L/100KM (COMBINED) 6(P), 6.7(P), 4.8(H)
CO2 EMISSIONS137(P), 153(P), 107(H)
BOOT CAPACITY 542 litres
ANCAP RATING 5 Star
PRICE $36,490 --$52,990
Spotlight on Sportage
Arguably one of the stand-out performers in the SUV segment, the Kia Sportage is one of those vehicles which keeps pretty much to itself and is often thought of as something of an also-ran.
Its not the first SUV that springs to mind in a market segment which has 23 competitors, most of which are brands you’d easily remember.
Despite this, Sportage trucks along very nicely thank you and with a nine-strong range offering, it certainly has all bases covered. Indeed, such range flexibility may be the key to the Sportage’s ongoing success.
At one time of course, it was price. Kia could be counted on to deliver a robust runabout SUV with impressive off-road credentials for silly dollars.
Well, the market and customer expectation has moved on and Kia has moved right along at pace.
Sportage runs a two-litre engine in both a diesel and more common petrol form. There are two 2.4-litre engines in the mix (both petrol) and there as a healthy split between AWD and 2WD models. Kia doesn’t yet offer a hybrid nor an electric Sportage, though it does have the slightly smaller Niro to offer instead.
The engines themselves are grunty little units providing rapid and smooth acceleration which doesn’t get ‘puffy’ at the top end.
They are very willing powerplants and run reasonably economically with power outputs between 114, 135 and 136kW and torque outputs from 192, 237 and 400Nm for the
two-litre, 2.4-litre and the two-litre diesels.
Transmissions are eight-speed across the board, unless you opt for diesel, which gives you an extra two cogs.
While comprehensive and therefore prone to complexity, the Sportage range is very logical and well considered, making it easy to find the fit-for-purpose Sportage which best suits your requirements. All are five-star ANCAP rated, making the Sportage an even more attractive proposition.
But how well do they drive? A very limited time in a Sportage LX Urban 2WD entry level proved how wrong some descriptions can be. If this is “entry,’’ a top-ender must be pretty darned impressive.
The quiet aspects of this model show how far the Koreans have come in terms of refinement. Noise, vibration and harshness have been well dialled out to the point in-cabin noise intrusion is all but gone.
While the engine is sprightly in its power delivery, its only when pushed to extremes that noise becomes a consideration and the transmission is smooth in every gear.
The suspension is noteworthy too. Kia has invested a small fortune in tuning the Sportage for Australasian conditions, which means suspension specialists have come to New Zealand to ensure the Sportage is well sorted for our conditions.
As far as a fleet buyer is concerned, the LX Plus might be a slightly better bet to tick off that Health and Safety box with a flourish, but the LX doesn’t fall short as far as ANCAP is concerned, it’s just other Sportages have a bit more.
Even at LX level, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard fare as is Bluetooth connectivity. What’s really being said here is you’re not being short-changed with the entry level model.
Kia has managed to keep its pricing right down, but still deliver an extremely comfortable, all mod-cons supplied and contemporarily styled SUV.
It’s come a long way from the first iteration which would never in anyone’s wildest imaginings, become the vehicle to challenge top tier brands, and yet, here is the Sportage, quietly eating into the Lion’s share of the segment.
Will the once underdog become top dog? Time will tell.
SPECIFICATIONS
KIA Sportage
DRIVE Front/AWD
TRANSMISSION6/8 speed auto
ENGINE TYPEPetrol/Diesel
ENGINE CAPACITY 2-litre(P), 2.4 litre(P) 2-litre(D)
MAX POWER 114kW, 135kW, 136kW
MAX TORQUE 192Nm, 237Nm, 400Nm
L/100KM (COMBINED) 8.2(P), 8.5(P), 6.4(D)
CO2 EMISSIONS190(P), 199(P), 168(D)
BOOT CAPACITY 468 – 1428 litres
ANCAP RATING 5 Star
PRICE $35,990 --$54,990
