The all-new Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 — the SUV that changed the game some 25 years ago — is back. Bigger, bolder and more advancedThe first generation was introduced back in 1994 as a compact two-door, with a two-litre, four-cylinder engine. Well, lots has changed since then.

The RAV4 is now in 180 countries and has sold more than 15 million times globally. The model line-up is equally impressive as the media found out recently. We have a base model with the 2.0GX-R AWD, then the mid 2.5 GX-R HEV E-Four, the high spec 2.5 HEV and then the High Sport 2.5 PHEV.

I set out from Cape Town and headed out to the West Coast town of Paternoster. The drive was long enough to put the RAV4 through its paces. There was some off-road driving but the journey on tar, especially on the mountain passes, was smooth and quiet, especially with the HEV and PHEV iterations.

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This is a vehicle that is suited to the Monday to Friday office grind. Load up the adventure gear for the weekend as there is plenty of boot space to cater for most needs, be it the beach, ‘Berg or just to the local golf club.

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