Toyota sets the tone early with All-New RAV4

The fourth generation RAV4 offers new exterior styling, significant upgrades as well as interior refinements.

It’s emotional, rugged-looking and its Toyota Motor Philippines’ first offering to start the year right.

The fourth-generation RAV4 is set to stir up the country’s compact SUV market with its sleek-sloping roofline, aggressive character line, boldly proportioned taillights, and hefty 177 HP, 2.5-liter, Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent gasoline engine (rated to generate 233 Nm, which is the same as the Camry’s).

“I was able to personally test the All-New RAV4 on a test track and trust me, this is one great vehicle. The ride is definitely improved—quicker, stable and secure in broad, sweeping turns, smoother with better road isolation,” described TMP president Michinobu Sugata during the launch held at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.

The All-New RAV4 is available in three variants: 4X4 priced at P1.963 million, 4X2 “Full Option” priced at P1.581 million, and a 4X2 priced at P1.357 million (available in Silver Metallic, Xtreme Black, Red Mica Metallic, Bronze Mica Metallic and a White Pearl color option for an additional P15,000).

The All-New RAV4 is now equipped with a 6.1-inch Audio Display System with self-illuminating vacuum fluorescent display that offers high contrast ratio and wide-angle view.

Flanking the All-New RAV4 are TMP executives, from left, senior EVP Dr. David Go, president Sugata, EVP for marketing Yohei Murase and SVP for marketing Santos Guerrero.

Its six-speaker AM/FM/CD-ready audio system has a USB/AUX function to accommodate personal music files. It is also Bluetooth capable for hands-free phone calls and music syncing. A three-dial multi-information meter is incorporated with blue illumination lights to create a sophisticated and sporty feel.

For safety, the All-New RAV4 is equipped with front, side and curtain airbags. Moreover, the vehicle also adopted a Smart Entry System that allows one to lock/unlock doors and start the vehicle while carrying the key.

Apart from this feature, parking and driving is much more convenient with the ultrasonic wave sensors that detect obstacles located around the vehicle.

Five average-sized adults won’t have a problem getting comfortable in the RAV4. The rear seat is firm and offers ample legroom that should provide comfortable ride experience even on long drives.

Sugata and other TMP officials lead a toast for Toyota’s banner 2012 at the Media Thanksgiving Party. Joining him are (from left) the evening’s host, Randy Santiago, Go, Murase, Guerrero and the evening’s cohost Rachel Alejandro.

There’s no doubt that the All-New RAV4 will be the model to watch out for, coming on the heels of Toyota’s capture of an 11th Triple Crown last year.

Reports indicate that TMP sold 21,291 units in the PC segment and 44,105 units in the CV segment, or a total of 65,396 units, enabling the company to corner 41.7 percent of the market, its best performance since the start of its operations in 1988.

PHOTOS BY CHARLES E. BUBAN