UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is adding the latest fifth generation of Toyota’s highly successful RAV4 to its range of imported offerings.
The Toyota RAV4 is a historically significant model in Toyota’s line-up. Introduced in 1994, the RAV4 came at a time when motorists were beginning to appreciate SUVs and sales kept increasing each year. It was the pioneer of the modern compact SUV and created a new segment in the car market almost overnight. More than 10 Million Toyota RAV4s have been sold globally since 1994.
While the earlier SUVs (which were also rather big) were traditionally based on chassis-on-frame construction, Toyota designed the RAV4 with a monocoque bodyshell. This is the same as a passenger car, so it handled like a car and was also almost as comfortable. For many making the switch to the RAV4, the transition was easy as it felt like a passenger when driven.
The first RAV4 had a simple and practical design, utilising parts and systems from other Toyota models to keep costs low and therefore it could be affordably priced. As each new generation was developed, new technology was incorporated to improve performance, comfort and safety.
In 2019, the RAV4 was the world’s best-selling SUV. North America is by far its strongest market, with more than half a million annual sales, followed by Europe and China. To date, over 10 million units have been sold worldwide.
Now comes the fifth generation of the RAV4 which offers advanced specifications that will appeal to young affluent buyers who want to be different. It has a brand new platform with sophistication and refinement that makes it a very attractive alternative to other premium compact SUVs in the market.
The RAV4 was an entirely new type of SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) when it was originally introduced in the mid-1990s. It offered practicality and yet possessed the comfort and handling of a passenger car. It was an immediate success and created a new category in the automobile market.
The All-New RAV4 was introduced by UMW Toyota Motor this week via a virtual launch. The first-ever endeavour saw the vehicle unveiled online by President, Ravindran K. with an online streaming of the vehicle walk-through and an exclusive interview with Deputy Chairman and Chief Motorsports Office, Akio Takeyama.
Two variants of the new RAV4 are available – the RAV4 2.5L priced from RM215,665 and RAV4 2.0L priced from RM196,436 (both prices excluding insurance). Both variants are available with six exterior colour choices – Dark Blue Mica, Gray Metallic, White Pearl CS, Red Mica, Attitude Black and Silver Metallic.
The fifth generation of the RAV4 has an all-new exterior design featuring a modern and rugged theme. Its chiseled appearance gives a tough impression with sharp muscular character lines that convey the power and sophistication of a premium SUV.
“The cross-octagon design concept of the All-New RAV4 gives a powerful and tough impression of the vehicle and the two-tiered trapezoid grille produces a wide stable stance, emphasizing the functionality of an SUV,” said Akio Takeyama.
As with the latest Toyota models, the new RAV4 sits on a brand new platform known as TNGA – for Toyota New Global Architecture. TNGA redefines driving performance and comfort by enhancing three main areas: Agility, Stability and Visibility. It provides the robust foundation for capability, comfort and safety.
For instance, the side mirrors are now positioned by the door with sleeker A Pillars for better visibility. The new body structure also provides better stability with less body roll. Akio Takeyama said, “With the TNGA technology, driving the All-New RAV4 is much like driving a sedan vehicle with its great agility, stability and visibility”.
With this new generation, the RAV4 gets an entirely new powertrain with Dynamic Force engines. Lighter and more powerful, these 4-cylinder petrol engines come with high-speed combustion technologies and VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing. The engines have world-leading thermal efficiencies as high as 40%, double the average of most internal combustion engines.
Two displacements are available: 2.5 litres (A25A-FKS) and 2.0 litres (M20A-FKS). The 2.5-litre engine produces up to 152 kw/207 ps with 243 Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre engine can deliver up to 127 kW/123 ps of power and 207 Nm of torque.
“This is highly suited for Malaysian roads where there is frequent acceleration and deceleration and the All-New RAV4 compliments this with responsive acceleration and higher engine output,” Akio Takeyama added.
The 2.5-litre engine is paired with an 8-speed Automatic Transmission (Direct Shift 8-AT) while the 2.0-litre engine has a CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic. For both transmissions, the driver can choose from Eco, Normal and Sport modes to suit driving preference or conditions. Paddle shifters are also provided, allowing the driver to make manual selections without removing the hands from the steering wheel.
Dimensionally, the cabin is wider at 1,855 mm with the longer wheelbase (+30 mm) benefitting spaciousness. With a larger body, the interior designers took the opportunity to do a complete redesign of the cabin. Greater attention has been given to detail in every area with the aim of presenting luxury, quality and comfort.
The dashboard incorporates premium Optitron meters which provide clear information on their bright displays. A 7-inch Colour MID (Multi Information Display) complements a TFT Combination Meter which can be switched between analog and digital displays.
A new 7-inch DVD-AVX infotainment system with 6 speakers has a range of connectivity options such as Mirrorlink, Miracast, AUX, Bluetooth, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto (when officially available in Malaysia). Voice command is also available for both variants of the RAV4 to enable management of certain features or handsfree telephony.
The front seats have thicker cushions and enlarged lumbar support pads to give better body support and the seating posture fits a wide range of users. For the driver, 8-way power adjustments and memory features make selecting the best position easy. Both front seats have a Seat Ventilation System to enhance comfort.
Rear passengers also enjoy the same improvements in seat design and structure making journeys more comfortable. They can be reclined to suit personal preference and with their 60:40 split, various configurations allow flexibility in carrying people or cargo.
The Kick Sensor Power Back Door makes loading easier as it can be opened by just positioning a foot near the centre part below the rear bumper (electronic key fob must be in the pocket or handbag). The cargo space is also the best-in-class with a reversible cargo floor for multiple usage that is also height adjustable to create more space.
Comfort in the vehicle has also been redefined in the All-New RAV4. Within the interior, a floor silencer and insulator material is integrated with a larger surface area. This helps with the vehicle’s noise, harshness and vibration.
Other convenience features include a keyless Smart Entry & Start system, and more USB points for charging electronic devices, including a wireless charger pad (operating with the Qi standard). Numerous storage spaces and cupholders/bottle holders are provided. At night, some spaces have soft, indirect mood lighting which gives the interior a distinct look.
Besides up to 7 SRS airbags, the new RAV4 gets Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of systems which assist the driver. These include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) for All Speed as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB).
“The TSS suite of driver-assisted safety systems are especially useful for Malaysian roads. When driving on highways, the Lane Departure and Lane Tracing Systems help you to stay safely within the white lines and in lane. It is also especially useful for high traffic conditions which we are so used to in Malaysia, where the Pre-Collision System helps to avoid bumper accidents as well,” Akio Takeyama further explained.
There is also an Electro-Chromic (EC) rearview mirror to cut dazzle from vehicles behind and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), both of which alert the driver when other vehicles are in the blind spot. An Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) not only requires little effort to activate but also has a HOLD feature for use on slopes.
Dual Digital Video Recorders are useful for retaining visual evidence in the event of an accident, while a Tyre Pressure Warning system can alert the driver of a puncture. An ISOFIX point is also available at the rear for a compatible childseat.
Besides an engine immobilizer and alarm system, the RAV4 also has enhanced security with a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS). This system uses GPS/GSM for tracking and can improve vehicle recovery should it be stolen.
“Indeed, the RAV4 truly deserves the title of ‘Top Selling SUV’ in the world. We urge everyone to get behind the wheel of the All-New RAV4 to experience the vehicle for themselves,” said Akio Takeyama.
The new RAV4 will be also be available at all authorised Toyota showrooms from 18 June 2020. For further information, customers can visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota Freephone number 1-800-88-3333.
