Facelifts that keep brands and models up to date are probably more appropriate than totally new offerings that everybody may lust over but few can afford.
Toyota has done just that with its RAV4 2.4, announcing yet another set of “minor changes”.
This time round, along with new bumpers, there are new headlights, fog and tail lamps.
More significantly, the cabin has been reworked to carve out a bit more space for those in the back.
Nevertheless, major or minor, new or revised, these changes do up the RAV4’s competitiveness against its rivals.
With these exterior changes, the RAV4 looks more upmarket and updated.
The rear suspension has been tweaked, with the shock absorbers positioned diagonally under the floor to reduce the wheel-arch intrusion into the cabin.
The change also allows for a slight increase in rear shoulder room (by 30mm) to make an already spacious cabin even more cavernous.
The cockpit feels wide and legroom for rear passengers is generous.
RAV4’s new-fangled colour screen infotainment system does just about everything.
The interior design is aesthetically pleasing yet functional.
And the trims, finished in a brushed aluminium look with a dark oxidised sheen, make for a refreshing and more upmarket distinction from the usual shade of light silver.
Coupled with a locally fitted audio and navigation unit with Bluetooth capability, the RAV4 (and Toyota) seems to be moving – or at least looking – in the same direction as its more high-end sibling.
The Premium version ($9000 more than the Standard-tested) includes steering-mounted audio controls and a moon roof.
The functional storage boxes built into the floor of the rear deck have been enlarged.
The new, easy-to-operate, tilt-down function allows the rear seats to fold flat in alignment with the rear deck, further optimising storage capacity, especially for long objects.
While all-wheel drive is standard for the car, the Premium variant includes “Hill-Start Assist” and “Downhill Assist” to help tackle tricky terrains.
But I still won’t challenge it to any hardcore off-road driving.
The more expensive version also includes Vehicle Stability Control, side airbags and a knee-bag for better safety.
The Toyota RAV4 has indeed come a long way from its original incarnation three generations ago and remains a logical choice, maintaining its almost legendary status as the pioneer of the compact SUV league.
Repeaters on RAV4’s mirror caps enhance safety and improve looks.
2009 Toyota RAV4 2.4 (A)
ENGINE 2362cc, 16-valves, inline-4
MAX POWER 170bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 224Nm at 4000rpm
GEARBOX 4-speed automatic
0-100KM/H 10.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 190km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.7km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $85,488
