Since the very first Toyota RAV4 debuted in the southern African market in 1994, it has undergone aesthetic and performance evolution multiple times.
That future is now here, packed into the latest RAV4, as Pupkewitz Toyota sales consultant Rashaad Matjila puts it.
He says the vehicle’s slogan, ‘Power Every Adventure’, was rightfully bestowed.
Matjila points to the engine and gearbox as the perfect entry point, drawing attention to the RAV4’s functionality.
“It is a petrol hybrid and you have Toyota’s generations of wealth of experience in hybrid technology under the hood as well, and this gives you fuel consumption like no other,” Matjila says.
Available in four different derivatives ranging from a 2-litre to a 2.5-litre engine delivering 127kW to 137kW (with a combined power of 163kW depending on the model), the RAV4 is rated at 4.3 litres per 100km.
To put this in perspective, for a 23.23km drive, it uses only one litre of fuel, depending on the model. In more practical terms, the car will use around 17 litres to reach Swakopmund from Windhoek.
With a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres, the vehicle can easily reach a distance of around 1 256km on a full tank under normal driving conditions.
This is impressive for such a sizeable car.
The vehicles come with a six-speed CVT transmission, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
“The RAV ticks all the boxes. From comfort, reliability, safety, and driving experience, everything about the vehicle screams driving enthusiasm,” Matjila adds.
Top Revs confirmed this during a test drive around Windhoek.
The vehicle features safety systems for both drivers and pedestrians. Paired with Toyota’s Safety Sense, it comes with a full 360-degree camera system that allows for a panoramic view, blind spot monitoring, and pre-collision assist, which automatically brakes the vehicle should the driver take too long to react to a potential threat.
A safety aspect Top Revs found particularly innovative is the exit assist feature, which prevents occupants from opening the door if the RAV4 senses an oncoming vehicle or cyclist approaching.
This avoids nasty street incidents, injuries, costly court cases or even fatalities – just another tick in Toyota’s safer vehicle block.
For the generation that buys vehicles based on interior design, the clean, smooth, and well-designed cabin will appeal. Simplicity is key with this vehicle; it does not try to overcomplicate, offering just enough to give the driver premium comfort.
“Toyota found a very sleek way to integrate all the systems into a very easy, user-friendly integration like the dashboard with your heads-up display giving you all the information you need reflecting on your windshield,” Matjila says.
This reflects critical data like current speed and navigation directly onto the windscreen for safer driving.
Driver support systems on certain models include a lane-keeping system, limited-slip differential, park distance control, vehicle stability control, downhill assist control and intelligent park control.
The exterior also speaks volumes. Toyota’s GR trademark is clearly engraved on some models, giving it a sporty feel. Exterior colours are available in mono- or bi-tone.
For those wanting to make their signature stand out on the road, the all-new RAV4 GR Sport is the answer.
With its sharp-jaw bumper matrix mesh grille, widened gloss black wheel arches, tailgate spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels, bright red braking calipers, and prominent GR badging, it will certainly command respect on Namibian roads.
