Page 9 - Motoring Summer 2021

TOYOTA TEST REVIEW

Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX

he third arm of the current Toyota how hybrids work, more urban-based driving could actually result in even better consumption.
hybrid onslaught is the RAV4 version. As part of Toyota’s plan to ensure that the hybrid models are price-competitive, the only
TQuietly launched about two months RAV hybrid is currently in base GX specification. Although there is nothing lacking in this spec,
ago alongside the hybrid version of the I think there is room for a more expensive, higher specification VX version that includes all the
Corolla sedan, it brings the technology to the bells and whistles.
medium SUV sector. In GX spec, you still get dual zone climate control, 7 airbags and 5 USB ports in the cabin,
This time, the powertrain is the 2.5l making it very family-friendly.
4-cylinder plus hybrid as used in the Lexus IS Although it’s not AWD, as some versions of the RAV4s are, the raised ride height made easy
range. We tested this vehicle earlier this year. meat of our trip to the farm, including some stretches of rather poor dirt roads. Cruising along the
[Look for the video review on our channel.] farm tracks was also done with ease and comfort.
The larger engine pushes out a combined As tested, the current price is R555 300, including a 6-service/90 000km service plan. n
160kW and 221Nm to endow the SUV with
good power and excellent overtaking surge Click here to watch our full video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3w-HE6l6Vc
when required. This certainly proved itself
when cruising on the open road. The power
is delivered to the front wheels through
the familiar and very smooth Toyota CVT
automatic transmission. Eco, normal and
power modes are available at the press of
a button on the centre console, although I
didn’t even bother using this during our open
road cruising.
Obviously, the main reason for buying a
hybrid vehicle is fuel economy and the RAV4
certainly shone in this regard. Our best figure
was 5.8l/100km on the cruise to the farm and
our overall figure after lots of farm path driving
was 6.2l/100km. Remembering the nature of

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