Arrival Dates For The New Rav4. 4.4

[CharlieFarlie]

I have always had reservations re the 4.3's off road capabilities / suitabilities, and am certain the expression "soft roader" was aimed at this particular Rav. Now that they have lowered it (mistake IMHO....) AND MADE IT MORE "CAR LIKE", surely its off road capabilities have been further brought to task.....?

Towing stuff........yeah.....playing aboot on farm tracks and worse,......? Nah.........

Big Kev

I'm sure I read while the overall profile of the car is lower it has increased ground clearance ...

Lets be honest here how many of us will go off roading ? Surely if that was the intention the Rav is a wee bit ... Errr to soft roader ?

Perhaps the Landcruiser or Defender would be more suited ?

I just like the versatility a car like the Rav gives. That and the very much increased chance of completing the tasks if foul weather like snow IF of course we get any. Plus as a towing car it can be a boon. Or maybe I just like the feel of that extra capability even if I never have to call on it.

I cant help agreeing that if the car is to be launched with a "Make do" choice of engines then that well speced up mew 4.3 looks better and better..

I will reserve judgement till post test drive and realistic pricing is presented though .......

[Big Kev]

I am happy enough to go with the old 2.2 in a new car.. If I were still doing big miles though that would not be the case !!

Hopefully they will have improved on the fuel economy of the 2.2 in this new model or for those who do big miles it could take the car from being top of the list ..

Are all current SRs automatics ?

Personally I would be wary of the first release of the 4.4 as most cars seem to have initial teething issues and with the engines only lasting 1 year before the BMW one is introduced, they will probably end up as a bit of a unwanted early release and depreciate heavily!

Pretty sure all SRs are Automatic with no exceptions. Ignoring the fuel aspect, it is a great combination with the 2.2 Engine.

The new RAV4.4 I would assume is more economical as it looks more streamlined, but be surprised if the engine itself was inherently more effeciant?

I agree with your reticence re first releases but for different reasons than reliability.

I think that over the past 10/15 years or so, new models have proven to be pretty reliable - let's face it, no manufacturer can afford to release a problematic car given the level of competition and the long memory of your average car buyer (JLR excluded!). Also, they do so much testing & bench-marking against their competitors that few faults get through these days (again, not counting LR's). What I have found though is that the way manufacturers plan eqpt upgrades can mean that the top of the range model at launch can have no better overall eqpt than the entry/base model available at the end of the model's run 5 or 6 years later. Consequently the premium model in the range at run-out will be the best in terms of eqpt and, of course, it will have been completely de-bugged by then. So, in a way, the sensible thing to do would be to buy the top of the range 4.3 and spec it up as fully as possible. You'll then have an ultra reliable RAV with a 5 year warranty and no worries about when the BMW engines will become available and torpedo your residual value.

Could not have put so eloquently, Jamesy, but that is exactfully what I and at least one other have done.......I now have a car which will inevitably depreciate, but if my sums are correct, a lot less radically than had I kept the SR180. So when the teething troubles are past, and this messiah of a BMW engine is giving out 99mpg, I will have a decent asset to trade in against a 4.4.

Big Kev

[firemac]

I am happy enough to go with the old 2.2 in a new car.. If I were still doing big miles though that would not be the case !!

Hopefully they will have improved on the fuel economy of the 2.2 in this new model or for those who do big miles it could take the car from being top of the list ..

Are all current SRs automatics ?

Personally I would be wary of the first release of the 4.4 as most cars seem to have initial teething issues and with the engines only lasting 1 year before the BMW one is introduced, they will probably end up as a bit of a unwanted early release and depreciate heavily!

Pretty sure all SRs are Automatic with no exceptions. Ignoring the fuel aspect, it is a great combination with the 2.2 Engine.

The new RAV4.4 I would assume is more economical as it looks more streamlined, but be surprised if the engine itself was inherently more effeciant?

I agree with your reticence re first releases but for different reasons than reliability.

I think that over the past 10/15 years or so, new models have proven to be pretty reliable - let's face it, no manufacturer can afford to release a problematic car given the level of competition and the long memory of your average car buyer (JLR excluded!). Also, they do so much testing & bench-marking against their competitors that few faults get through these days (again, not counting LR's). What I have found though is that the way manufacturers plan eqpt upgrades can mean that the top of the range model at launch can have no better overall eqpt than the entry/base model available at the end of the model's run 5 or 6 years later. Consequently the premium model in the range at run-out will be the best in terms of eqpt and, of course, it will have been completely de-bugged by then. So, in a way, the sensible thing to do would be to buy the top of the range 4.3 and spec it up as fully as possible. You'll then have an ultra reliable RAV with a 5 year warranty and no worries about when the BMW engines will become available and torpedo your residual value.

Could not have put so eloquently, Jamesy, but that is exactfully what I and at least one other have done.......I now have a car which will inevitably depreciate, but if my sums are correct, a lot less radically than had I kept the SR180. So when the teething troubles are past, and this messiah of a BMW engine is giving out 99mpg, I will have a decent asset to trade in against a 4.4.

Big Kev

Exactly, BK. And of course let's not forget that even though the 4.4 is yet to hit a UK showroom, the major parameters for the 4.5 will already have been signed off and detail design will now be well underway.

[Big Kev]

I am happy enough to go with the old 2.2 in a new car.. If I were still doing big miles though that would not be the case !!

Hopefully they will have improved on the fuel economy of the 2.2 in this new model or for those who do big miles it could take the car from being top of the list ..

Are all current SRs automatics ?

Personally I would be wary of the first release of the 4.4 as most cars seem to have initial teething issues and with the engines only lasting 1 year before the BMW one is introduced, they will probably end up as a bit of a unwanted early release and depreciate heavily!

Pretty sure all SRs are Automatic with no exceptions. Ignoring the fuel aspect, it is a great combination with the 2.2 Engine.

The new RAV4.4 I would assume is more economical as it looks more streamlined, but be surprised if the engine itself was inherently more effeciant?

I agree with your reticence re first releases but for different reasons than reliability.

I think that over the past 10/15 years or so, new models have proven to be pretty reliable - let's face it, no manufacturer can afford to release a problematic car given the level of competition and the long memory of your average car buyer (JLR excluded!). Also, they do so much testing & bench-marking against their competitors that few faults get through these days (again, not counting LR's). What I have found though is that the way manufacturers plan eqpt upgrades can mean that the top of the range model at launch can have no better overall eqpt than the entry/base model available at the end of the model's run 5 or 6 years later. Consequently the premium model in the range at run-out will be the best in terms of eqpt and, of course, it will have been completely de-bugged by then. So, in a way, the sensible thing to do would be to buy the top of the range 4.3 and spec it up as fully as possible. You'll then have an ultra reliable RAV with a 5 year warranty and no worries about when the BMW engines will become available and torpedo your residual value.

Could not have put so eloquently, Jamesy, but that is exactfully what I and at least one other have done.......I now have a car which will inevitably depreciate, but if my sums are correct, a lot less radically than had I kept the SR180. So when the teething troubles are past, and this messiah of a BMW engine is giving out 99mpg, I will have a decent asset to trade in against a 4.4.

Big Kev

Exactly, BK. And of course let's not forget that even though the 4.4 is yet to hit a UK showroom, the major parameters for the 4.5 will already have been signed off and detail design will now be well underway.

Don't think they would have the audacity to call it "4.5" Jim.....more like the Facelift And Bavarian (FAB4) edition.........

[anchorman]

I don't believe I have ever considered the RAV to be a proper off roader, even back to the original 4.1. It was only meant to be a "fun" vehicle if you like, with the ability to go on the beach or on a dirt trail. In the event, it gives some very respectable capabilities in the snow. The new one has been lowered by 25mm (ground clearance) and it has a slightly different seat rake angle which is also slightly lower. It results in an overall lower seat position which has been done purposely to pull in the estate car market and and other large car buyers to this GLOBAL platform - there will be no variations to the Shell like there is with the 4.3 and it makes a lot of business sense. Will it make any diference to its capabilities in the snow? Maybe if you go deep enough but I have pushed my way through drifts in my old ones that have even surprised me and doing something that an inch is going to effect is probably asking to get stuck anyway. For the most part, me having a 4WD is being able to get about in moderate snow and ice and with winter tyres, I expect to do thet even better from now on.

This engine thing is going to see more and more manufacturers sharing technology. It will also see more hybrid technology and whether we like it or not things will continue to change and quite rightfully so (however, I do wonder how they will get to grips with the likes of India where they are still running cars with manual chokes). In the USA, they are going nuts about losing the V6 option in a 4.4 but they too are forced into change for the same reasons. The simple matter is that multi cylinder engines generate a stepped increase in emmisions. For the same reason, Ford are now playing with a 3 cylinder engine with a capacity of 1.0 litres to power Ford Mondeo global platform. Don't laugh, these things chuck out well over 100bhp.

Charlie, the SR is auto only and has no sun roof option. I think I had the last new one in the country and that was plucked out of a dealers down south somewhere. It is now doing about 30mpg left to its own devices but if I force gearchanges with the manual over-ride I can get it somewhat better - but that kind of defeats the object. When I first drove it I thought it was on a par with a merc for smooth gearchanges but it hiccoughs now and again - in reality I don't think anyone can touch Merc, not even BMW.

I have one mate with a new, new CRV. It has a petrol engine and a 6 speed manual. It is very nice to ride in despite the odd rattle (mine isn't what I would call rattle free with 700 miles on although BK maintains his is [he is very old and hard of hearing though]). The CRV is nicely specced at 2nd from the bottom in the range and the dimensions are virtually the same as the 4.4. It has a spacesaver wheel and as the old one EVERY switch is illuminated. The dash looks nicer than the RAV IMO but again I need to sit in one.

I have another mate who has a BMW X1. It is about 18 months old and there is a noticeable absense of rattles - it is as tight as a drum inside. He justified having it after one ride out in the snow in my old RAV and the fact it had a claimed 50mpg. He now admits it does no better than mine on short trips in cold weather.

[anchorman]

A couple of clips from the play site showing the changes to seating and ride;

This shows that new Ford 3 cylinder;

[Manxrav]

Talking BMW X1, my Dad had one for a day to test drive,it was fully loaded (and I mean fully loaded) £32000 worth of motor. It was a dream to drive, the auto box was so smooth, and the attention to detail was a credit.

Unfortunatly he could not justify putting £22000 plus his U/C to buy it, so he went for the Yeti (2ltr 140 DSG Elegance).I was very dubious, call it Badge snobery,but I have had it out and it is a remarkable motor. Lovely autobox and well put together (must be the VW influance). So I have to eat humble pie-and it cost £7000 less, and it has a panaramic sunroof and spare space saver!!!!

Sorry for going off topic

Regards Clare

[IanXT4]

Love to know who in the marketing department came up with "Yeti"

[Paulus17]

Love to know who in the marketing department came up with "Yeti"

The Abomnable snowman

[Big Kev]

Love to know who in the marketing department came up with "Yeti"

German head office had been on phone to Italian designers....."Are you finished our new car.....?"

Italians, running late as usual, replied....."Nott-a Yet-i....."....the Germans disagreed....true story.

Shurrit....ah'm like Marsky......BOMB.....Bored Oot Ma Boobs......

Witheld.

[dave.m]

Love to know who in the marketing department came up with "Yeti"

German head office had been on phone to Italian designers....."Are you finished our new car.....?"

Italians, running late as usual, replied....."Nott-a Yet-i....."....the Germans disagreed....true story.

Shurrit....ah'm like Marsky......BOMB.....Bored Oot Ma Boobs......

Witheld.

Try being at work, ..............................and it's HOGMANY

[IanXT4]

Boring wet day - I love the difference in car names between USA and Europe

USA - Dominator Predator Intruder

Europe - Silvia Cortina Escort Yeti

[Big Kev]

Love to know who in the marketing department came up with "Yeti"

German head office had been on phone to Italian designers....."Are you finished our new car.....?"

Italians, running late as usual, replied....."Nott-a Yet-i....."....the Germans disagreed....true story.

Shurrit....ah'm like Marsky......BOMB.....Bored Oot Ma Boobs......

Aye Dave min....."have a nice mahogany" as one french polisher said to his apprentice......

Witheld.

Try being at work, ..............................and it's HOGMANY

[CharlieFarlie]

Might get one of those new Suzuki's. They seem to have good ground clearance,, :dontgetit:

[roger_37]

is dat better dan de new raf?

[Paulus17]

Might get one of those new Suzuki's. They seem to have good ground clearance,, :dontgetit:

Is that used for scraping all the chewing gum up off the floor :)

[rambler]

Might get one of those new Suzuki's. They seem to have good ground clearance,, :dontgetit:

Is that used for scraping all the chewing gum up off the floor :)

now thats what i call ground clearance

[Big Kev]

Driven by low down bums........

[Davrav]

It's a South Korean bootleggers motor - designed to creep under North Korean radar...................

[Ady-Rav4]

I would like to be at the launch some where but only as a RAV4 fan, to see the new RAV close up and to soak in the excitement as an observer. I love RAV4s but this new 4.4 has lost me. I don't have the money for a new car, our 2004 4.2 RAV is our limit, we love it and how it looks. If I was buying brand new, I would like a Suzuki Grand Vitara 5 door. This looks a lot like the 4.2, and so looks like a propper 4x4 and not a beefed up estate car. Now I know this is just me but I like a 4x4 to look like a 4x4, (I'm not on about the Imprezas and the Pandas) there is something about having the spare on the rear that does it for me!

[Ady-Rav4]

Might get one of those new Suzuki's. They seem to have good ground clearance,, :dontgetit:

Is that used for scraping all the chewing gum up off the floor :)

now thats what i call ground clearance

AAAAGH! Why do these sort of peaple have to make high cars so low and low cars so high!

[Paulus17]

I would like to be at the launch some where but only as a RAV4 fan, to see the new RAV close up and to soak in the excitement as an observer. I love RAV4s but this new 4.4 has lost me. I don't have the money for a new car, our 2004 4.2 RAV is our limit, we love it and how it looks. If I was buying brand new, I would like a Suzuki Grand Vitara 5 door. This looks a lot like the 4.2, and so looks like a propper 4x4 and not a beefed up estate car. Now I know this is just me but I like a 4x4 to look like a 4x4, (I'm not on about the Imprezas and the Pandas) there is something about having the spare on the rear that does it for me!

How do you get to be at a launch,can you just pop along or is it by invite as Mrs P and meself would like to see its launch,and is it at all the Toyota branches or just a select few??

[firemac]

I would like to be at the launch some where but only as a RAV4 fan, to see the new RAV close up and to soak in the excitement as an observer. I love RAV4s but this new 4.4 has lost me. I don't have the money for a new car, our 2004 4.2 RAV is our limit, we love it and how it looks. If I was buying brand new, I would like a Suzuki Grand Vitara 5 door. This looks a lot like the 4.2, and so looks like a propper 4x4 and not a beefed up estate car. Now I know this is just me but I like a 4x4 to look like a 4x4, (I'm not on about the Imprezas and the Pandas) there is something about having the spare on the rear that does it for me!

Agree with you, Ady. We've got two 4.2's and can't really see what we might replace them with. The 4.4 may be a great RAV (and I'll reserve judgement until I see it in the metal) but first indications are that it is just a slightly pumped-up Verso that's been designed to satisfy focus groups.

The Suzuki looks the part but it's debatable whether it is as robust as the RAV.

[firemac]

I would like to be at the launch some where but only as a RAV4 fan, to see the new RAV close up and to soak in the excitement as an observer. I love RAV4s but this new 4.4 has lost me. I don't have the money for a new car, our 2004 4.2 RAV is our limit, we love it and how it looks. If I was buying brand new, I would like a Suzuki Grand Vitara 5 door. This looks a lot like the 4.2, and so looks like a propper 4x4 and not a beefed up estate car. Now I know this is just me but I like a 4x4 to look like a 4x4, (I'm not on about the Imprezas and the Pandas) there is something about having the spare on the rear that does it for me!

How do you get to be at a launch,can you just pop along or is it by invite as Mrs P and meself would like to see its launch,and is it at all the Toyota branches or just a select few??

Hi Paul, if you are using your local Mr.T for servicing then it's pretty likely that you'll get a mail-shot for a launch event. Their sales guys will have you in the system as well and they'll be keen to get you to trade your 4.2 against a 4.4.

It isn't an elite celeb event - I've put dozens of invites in the bin just from my existing dealer & I've only been using them for 3 years or so. I get them from the local BMW dealer even though I've only ever been in there once & picked up a brochure, although I did give them my email addy. It's all about scatter gun marketing - they invite thousands to these things knowing that if they get 20% take-up, they're doing extremely well.

[Hoovie]

I would like to be at the launch some where but only as a RAV4 fan, to see the new RAV close up and to soak in the excitement as an observer. I love RAV4s but this new 4.4 has lost me. I don't have the money for a new car, our 2004 4.2 RAV is our limit, we love it and how it looks. If I was buying brand new, I would like a Suzuki Grand Vitara 5 door. This looks a lot like the 4.2, and so looks like a propper 4x4 and not a beefed up estate car. Now I know this is just me but I like a 4x4 to look like a 4x4, (I'm not on about the Imprezas and the Pandas) there is something about having the spare on the rear that does it for me!

Even the Suzuki GV has lost the Door Mounted Spare now! (they recently launched a special limited edition with the spare back though, would you believe)

I like the GV and nearly bought a new one back in 2006, but plumped for an 11 month RAV4.2 instead which I had until 2010. The biggest trouble with the current GV is the terrible economy and CO2 rating (even worse then my SR Auto!) but a good car despite that :)