2008 Toyota RAV4 CV6 review
February 6, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
My dreamboat is a 20 ft Bayliner Bowrider although, I’d probably settle for a shiny new tinny with a good size outboard. Bayliner is a top-notch sports boat builder and this beauty weighs in at 1,789 kg (with trailer).
That won’t be a problem for the RAV4 V6, which can pull up to 1900kg, that’s 400kg up on the four-cylinder RAV.Styling wise though, there isn’t much to distinguish the RAV4 V6 from its lessor powered, four-cylinder sibling. Apart from V6 badging with chrome grille and darkened headlamps, both variants look identical.
While I also found the previous generation RAV4 somewhat cramped, the new model has grown considerably, like every other new generation model released these days. I’m betting even the Smart fortwo has expanded its waistline a few millimetres. With 20% more interior space, the RAV4 is now a comfortable place to be.
Moreover, it’s an intelligent design. Flip the remote release, and the rear seats fold virtually flat, opening up a huge, but also practical cargo area. If that’s not enough, lift the rear deck floor cover, and you can access another 90 litres of stowage.
I’m betting most folks out there in the real world have had a whinge or two about the size of glove boxes’ these days. Some of them barely accept the owner’s manual, and that’s only if you ram it in with brute force. If you buy a RAV4, you’ll get two!
Initially, I was going to commend Toyota on the standard level of kit in this entry level CV6, but at $39,990 you should expect nothing less, with the level of competition in this category.
Although X-Trail was the other option it drove badly and at virtualy the same hp I hope that I’ve made the right choice. The others ie. Kia, Hyundia etc although they ARE fantastic cars they loose more money than any of their competators, for now, when they build up their name for the great cars they are the other 4×4’s can look out. Being British isn’t it a shame that Landrover can’t keep up wih their rivals, as being British that is the car of choice.
Toyota NZ has released the Corolla with a 1.4TD engine and 2.0TD engine. The 1.4 has a 5-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 has a 6-speed manual. The RAV4 is available with a 2.2TD engine with a 6-speed manual. Toyota reckons the 1.4 will use 5.0 litres per 100km, the 2.0 – 5.4 litres per 100km and the 2.2 – 6.6 litres per 100km. Diesel is cheaper to buy in NZ than it is in Oz, however diesel vehicles are subject to a Road User Charge which for a normal passenger car is a bit over $30 per 1000km. Toyota Australia is lagging so far behind it is not funny.
20 somthing males like my self seem to be loving the rav4 especially the v6 range. i intend on buyin the Sx6 09 model I CANT WAIT!
I bought new SX6 V6 Rav in Dec 2008 – the first of the new model. The fuel consumption is 14.6l/100km so very thirsty. The smell is terrible not sure whether leak through back door. The car seat is very uncomforatable on long trip and took it out on the beach recently and it is hopeless – bogged it – and the old 96 rav powered past. I think I made a bad choice and don’t recommend this car!!!
Well I have been looking too long now the price has gone up by $1,895.00 to a RRP of $52,745 for the ZR6 the one I had my eye on.
My old RAV4 is on LPG and I’d like to equip an SX6 with the LPG fuel conversion – Yes I really do do enough K’s to justify it.
I’d like to get as much of the tank into that 70 Litre storage well as possible as if it were mounted above so I had the tank in the back plus couldn’t use the storage well would really suck. Hope that the conversion guys can find a solution to use as much of the space as possible!!
The Guys at the Toyota dealership inform me that the heads won’t take the strain from LPG – so looks like I’ll have to go for the 4-cyl. Just hope I can find a tank that fits in the 800×450 storage well without protruding too much (the old tank is 1m wide and 350dia.
We’ve had our RAV4 V6 for around 6 months and so far it’s all been good.
Our longest trip so far has been a run to Port Macquarie for a weekend. The fuel economy was very good. Keeping to the speed limits both ways we averaged around 8.8 l/100 km. The vehicle is comfortable for a tall driver and luggage room is suitable for a wife who likes to pack for every eventuality.