Rav 4.4 Wish List

[Plutus]

Been having a good look at SuV's as I'm thinking of upgrading the Rav to something more fuel friendly and perhaps with better on road manners.

First thing is I go off road about once per week (rough tracks and flat fields)and the 4.2 4wd system has never let me down so any replacement needs to be as good. I think this rules out quite a few but taking everything into account the Kia sorrento looks good value (lock up 4wd if needed) and also (wait for it) the skoda octavia 4wd estate but I'm not so sure about Haldex 4 system.

However, I'm guessing a new Rav is due in the not too distant future so this is what I'd like (bearing in mind I need an autobox) :-

- longer body - up to 4500mm.

- increased bhp/torque engine offered as standard on the diesel.(180 approx)

- at least a space saver spare wheel with a full size spare offered as an option

- xenon headlights as an option

- keep the current 4.3 4wd set up which you all seem to like (lock up button)

- I'm not familiar with the 4.3 trim but what car says it's not quite up to the competition

- ditto the ride.

- keep the 5 year warranty

That's it. If Toyota put effort into this they could easily become class leader in a market that they kick started all those years ago.

What have I missed?

[Mike JD]

xenon headlights as an option? They are standard now on anything serious. Nobody here will be surprised to see that I agree with you re the spare wheel! Good list.

Mike D

Been having a good look at SuV's as I'm thinking of upgrading the Rav to something more fuel friendly and perhaps with better on road manners.

First thing is I go off road about once per week (rough tracks and flat fields)and the 4.2 4wd system has never let me down so any replacement needs to be as good. I think this rules out quite a few but taking everything into account the Kia sorrento looks good value (lock up 4wd if needed) and also (wait for it) the skoda octavia 4wd estate but I'm not so sure about Haldex 4 system.

However, I'm guessing a new Rav is due in the not too distant future so this is what I'd like (bearing in mind I need an autobox) :-

- longer body - up to 4500mm.

- increased bhp/torque engine offered as standard on the diesel.(180 approx)

- at least a space saver spare wheel with a full size spare offered as an option

- xenon headlights as an option

- keep the current 4.3 4wd set up which you all seem to like (lock up button)

- I'm not familiar with the 4.3 trim but what car says it's not quite up to the competition

- ditto the ride.

- keep the 5 year warranty

That's it. If Toyota put effort into this they could easily become class leader in a market that they kick started all those years ago.

What have I missed?

[MarsKy]

the Kia sorrento looks good value (lock up 4wd if needed)

Hyundai Santa Fe is better value - the Kia Sorrento is a £5k more expensive version of it (albeit the Kia looks better, although the Hyundai in black or dark blue is okay). And I think there are more options with the Hyundai.

I was thinking about the RAV 4.4:

* About time it changed to a split tail-gate.

* Spare wheel or spacesaver.

* DAB radio built-in.

* Curry hook

[Plutus]

Sorry I meant to say Hyundai Santa Fe. The kia appears to be the same vehicle at a higher price.

[local hero]

the Kia sorrento looks good value (lock up 4wd if needed)

Hyundai Santa Fe is better value - the Kia Sorrento is a £5k more expensive version of it (albeit the Kia looks better, although the Hyundai in black or dark blue is okay). And I think there are more options with the Hyundai.

I was thinking about the RAV 4.4:

* About time it changed to a split tail-gate.

* Spare wheel or spacesaver.

* DAB radio built-in.

* Curry hook

Beat me to it Marksy, ditto all of above + if Kia can get 195 bhp out of a 2.2 diesel + give a 7yr warranty then surely TOYOTA can. Ive not driven many alternate SUVs but would be surprised if many others could match the Ravs handling, brakes could be better, tho they are improved on Anchs new one as is the gear change Stew

P.S. curry hook makes me laugh as thats exactly what i use them for

[MarsKy]

Sorry I meant to say Hyundai Santa Fe. The kia appears to be the same vehicle at a higher price.

It is - I had a good go with the Sorrento and was impressed. But HSF is loads more cheaper and also got the award in What Car?

There was a good HSF with bluetooth and Sat Nav (not available on the Kia and optional extra on the HSF) for sale at Benfield's in Newcastle.

I've seriously looked around and test driven a few different SUVs - but the 3 year old T180 is still better than most.

[MarsKy]

Curry Hooks!

MUD Curry Hook

Glovebox Buddy

[duncerduncs]

I imagine that the 4.4 will be slightly bigger all round, so the extra space will be welcomed.

I'd like the car to have more tech (as the gadget show would say!). The Prius can now be ordered with LED headlights and a Pre Collision System with Adaptive Cruise, the new RAV needs these!

Having had 3 4.3s (and tested all other rivals except the new Sportage) I'd say that the rivals aren't that far ahead, it should be remembered that some motor journos review cars based on how good the free lunch is and not the car itself!

[shcm]

........and a Pre Collision System

Ah, a perfume sprayer linked to radar and camera.

with Adaptive Cruise, the new RAV needs these!

Well, it might keep somebody in a job for a while.

[Bristim]

Good list...

I would add:

1) Option for 7 seats (as they have in the USA) - this is the only thing making me think about changing my 4.2.

2) Forget the DAB (it's a technological dead end) but include better iPod integration.

3) Stop - start and hybrid technology on the RAV - like appearing on the Corrolla/Auris and on Landrovers.

4) Avoid increasing the size - ok maybe make it longer for the 7 seat option - but the 4.2 is a great size for zipping round, the newer versions seem somewhat 'bloated' - or maybe the styling just needs to be sharper?

5) Better body protection strips - why is everything painted these days? Supermarket car parks and thorn hedges are not forgiving.

Agree with the full size spare wheel - I think that they still have this currently in some markets (like Russia?), this is another thing making me hold on to my 4.2 (having once been left 200 miles from my destination on Christmas Eve with a blowout and only a space saver - that was a long night!).

Also need to keep the handling and 4x4 benefits, like others have said. A better tailgate would also be good - something like a Range Rover would be very good.

[MarsKy]

Good list...

I would add:

1) Option for 7 seats (as they have in the USA) - this is the only thing making me think about changing my 4.2.

2) Forget the DAB (it's a technological dead end) but include better iPod integration.

3) Stop - start and hybrid technology on the RAV - like appearing on the Corrolla/Auris and on Landrovers.

4) Avoid increasing the size - ok maybe make it longer for the 7 seat option - but the 4.2 is a great size for zipping round, the newer versions seem somewhat 'bloated' - or maybe the styling just needs to be sharper?

5) Better body protection strips - why is everything painted these days? Supermarket car parks and thorn hedges are not forgiving.

Agree with the full size spare wheel - I think that they still have this currently in some markets (like Russia?), this is another thing making me hold on to my 4.2 (having once been left 200 miles from my destination on Christmas Eve with a blowout and only a space saver - that was a long night!).

Also need to keep the handling and 4x4 benefits, like others have said. A better tailgate would also be good - something like a Range Rover would be very good.

1) Is there not a 7 seater version in the US?

2) Need my 5 Live and 6 music.

3) Okay.

4) Styling of the 4.3's was never great. 4.2 got it right. Loved my 4.1 when it came out.

5) Protection pack is already there with the 4.3s.

3 door options.

And a V6 would also be interesting. But Toyota seem to be going backwards on the bhp. As already stated, if Kia and Hyundai can get 194bhp out of their diesel. Toyota are playing it tooo safe.

[DominicPriestley]

I'm chuffed with my 4.3.5 at the moment and will be looking to change in 2012, hopefully as the new Rav is coming out. I'd be happy with a slightly larger vehicle overall. I'm not too fussed about more power, the current engine is a great combination. I will get an Auto next time, and would hope Toyota would update the interior to a little. The current autobox looks awful in the cabin. I also hope the ditch the current half leather interior and go back to full leather like mine.

[Bristim]

1) Is there not a 7 seater version in the US?

2) Need my 5 Live and 6 Music.

1) Yup - that's what I was thinking of.

2) Ok - agreed!

V6 could be fun and might actually be 'eco' if it is a slow reving cruiser...

[bothwell_buyer]

My daughter has just bought one of the limited edition Kia Sportage new shape - very nice, very quiet and very smooth for a 5 door oil burning mechanised pram.

[NMaria]

I think the 4.3 is a fabulous vehicle and there is not much I would change about it. The 4WD is brilliant. All I would ask is a return to the famous Toyota reliability.

After all the other problems we have had, last night the handbrake came loose - lever just flops up and down. That's just the latest.

When the current RAV goes, I'd love to buy another but I would need to be convinced of improved build quality first.

[bluevortex]

For me

- Vertical boot open/close

- Reinforced, sturdy under tray protector instead of this flimsy plastic thing

- Reliable plastic trim clips

- Spare wheel

- Improved cabin lighting (do away with orange colour LED's)

- Xenons as standard with LED day lights

- Option of panoramic roof

- Memory seats with quicker movement operation

- Heated windscreen/washer jets

- 7 seat option is good call

- 180 bhp/60mpg/£120 a year tax (it is a wish list :))

That would make me trade in my current 4.3 on launch! Any ideas when the 4.4 is going to appear?

Blue

[anchorman]

Pop the cover off Maria and make sure the lock nut on the cable hasn't allowed it to become detached.

[DjRav]

I think the 4.3 is a fabulous vehicle and there is not much I would change about it. The 4WD is brilliant. All I would ask is a return to the famous Toyota reliability.

After all the other problems we have had, last night the handbrake came loose - lever just flops up and down. That's just the latest.

Ditto. I love my 4.3. And just the right size. As for reliability, you're all spoilt, try owning a Landrover. Mines been in the local dealer for the last three weeks having the whole air-suspension system changed costing around two g's!

When the current RAV goes, I'd love to buy another but I would need to be convinced of improved build quality first.

[anchorman]

Interesting DjRav. You should join the LR hate club that was posted recently

PS. Start typing after the last quote or your comment gets lost in the previous post!

[Bristim]

Had a chance to sit in one of the new (VW clone grille) RAV's in the dealer again today...

Compared to my trusty 4.2, I still hate the ugly dashboard and to add to the list of wants:

- reinstate the cubbly-hole to the right of the steering wheel, that's my toll/parking money store!

- make the central arm rest top thinner

- switchable headlights for use abroad

- it needs a 'proper' sun roof, for better interior light / airiness and also that can open.

I like the better rear tow bar options.

I still would not buy one yet as a replacement for the 4.2 - my ideal would be a cross between the 4.2 and the current Mitsi Outlander, but with the sort of originality in style that the RAV started.

[Pim]

Mmmm...

Dreaming about new cars and you come up with these classy things only?

My oh my... Where is the inventiveness... I am happy they didn't hire you as there top designers...

Some good must haves

- Stop and go feul economy system (stopping at lights, engine turns off, get off the brakes, engine immediately starts letting you drive away instantaniously... saves about 4 to 9% on your fuel economy.

- Wide wheels standard on the RAV4. 255/50 or better.

- Longer frontscreen perhaps with it running into the roof for better visibility on traffic lights

- Better headlights => minimum of 75 meter clear visibility required in front (not at side).

- Better seats. The seats should be able to sustain a heavy tail impact without sweat. That isn't tested enough at this moment. Regularly current seats aren't able to cope with this well.

- Better indoor lightning. Not only in the driver section, but also standard near every door like mercedes has on there luxury lines. And improve dashboard light from below too!

- Playfull dashboard design. Not that tight and grey mouse design almost all cars use today where leather have to make up for lack of inventivity. Make it a bit different, a bit out of normal. Different shapes.

- Dashboard to reflect exterior colors.

- Less pronounced and thus more subtle branding of the car inside. The owner knows what he is driving. It shouldn't be plastered all over. Those who love it will get it anyway. The rest shouldn't be forced into a movable Toyota billboard.

- Standard parking help front and tail.

- Standard side light to aid in cornering.

- Stronger backing up light.

- Spare tyre with optional hardbox or softbox.

- Auto lock the doors when driving above certain speed. Unlockbutton as well as driverdoor all around mechanism including unlock mechanism for emergency situations (read further for more)

- Emergency system to include flashers to become active by collision from whatever side (front, side, top or tail) as well as when car is filled with or in water for more then 15 seconds.

- Brake lights to reflect strength of braking (flashers go on when doing emergency braking).

- Car should be able to withstand filling up with water for at least 20 seconds while under water.

- 4 point seatbelts as standard.

Nice addons

- 8 speaker sound system (2 front, 2 side, 2 back and 2 on top)

- Distant projected odo- speed and other meters like in the Yaris

- Large side mirrors

- Autodarkening centre mirror

- Optional additional dampening of sound. Mainly roof (rain and such) and tyre sounds should be less.

So far this came to mind.

Greetz

Pim

[MarsKy]

- Emergency system to include flashers to become active by collision from whatever side (front, side, top or tail) as well as when car is filled with or in water for more then 15 seconds.

- Car should be able to withstand filling up with water for at least 20 seconds while under water.

Scared those dykes aren't going to hold?

[Pim]

- Emergency system to include flashers to become active by collision from whatever side (front, side, top or tail) as well as when car is filled with or in water for more then 15 seconds.

- Car should be able to withstand filling up with water for at least 20 seconds while under water.

Scared those dykes aren't going to hold?

Erm, more or less like what happened to a collegae of mine last winter, thinking he was driving onto a parking lot where he was actually driving straight into a lightly frozen pond (with quite some snow on top). He had a lot of trouble getting out of his car. It would have helped a lot of the car wouldn't have filled straight away with water.

It also helps during offroading when your car's interior isn't filled with mud once you drive through the first pool too slowly.

Greetz

Pim

[MarsKy]

- Emergency system to include flashers to become active by collision from whatever side (front, side, top or tail) as well as when car is filled with or in water for more then 15 seconds.

- Car should be able to withstand filling up with water for at least 20 seconds while under water.

Scared those dykes aren't going to hold?

Erm, more or less like what happened to a collegae of mine last winter, thinking he was driving onto a parking lot where he was actually driving straight into a lightly frozen pond (with quite some snow on top). He had a lot of trouble getting out of his car. It would have helped a lot of the car wouldn't have filled straight away with water.

It also helps during offroading when your car's interior isn't filled with mud once you drive through the first pool too slowly.

Greetz

Pim

[Pim]

Yeah, something like that indeed, but his car got sucked in deeper.

The reason he had a lot more trouble getting out.

It was hilarious indeed, lateron.

Greetz

Pim