2009 Toyota RAV4 sneak preview
27 Aug, 2008
78 Comments 
Toyota’s popular compact SUV is scheduled for a facelift and our Toyota insider has given us a sneak peak of what we should expect from the new model.
New updated models of the new RAV4 are currently being built with the Australian release expected in late September.
Changes are aplenty. As per current model RAV4s an airbag package including front side and curtain airbags is available as an option on 4-cylinder CV grade, and is standard on all other models.
The new additions mean the option pack now includes driver’s knee airbag and front dual zone climate control air conditioning.
Toyota has dropped the moonroof as an option on 4-cylinder Cruiser grade, but it’s now standard on Cruiser L, SX6, and ZR6 variants. Three new exterior colours are also available. Graphite, Liquid Bronze (new to the Toyota range) and Sandstone. The three will replace Storm Grey, Dune and Mist Green.
For the facelift Toyota has updated pretty much everything, although from the photos above, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what has changed. Our source says there has been revisions to the front bumper, headlamps, exterior mirrors, rear bumper, radiator grille, front fog lamps, rear combination lamps as well a range of new alloy wheels.
The headlamps now make use of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as the light source for each of the tail and stop lamps, meanwhile side turn signal lamps have been fitted to the exterior mirrors (moved from the front fenders)
The overall length of the car has increased slightly to 4625mm while kerb weight has also gone up slightly. The interior also receives a new dark silver brushed metallic finish.
A new scuff plate for the upper side of the rear bumper has also been added to prevent scratches.
New wheels for the updated RAV4.
Safety has also been improved with VSC (vehicle stability control), Toyota’s version of ESC, now standard across the entire RAV4 range. Another standard feature is Hill-start assist control. Downhill assist control is also available on all automatic four-cylinder and all V6 models.
Power from the 2.4-litre four-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine now rates at 125kW and 224Nm of torque. The V6 manages 201 killer-wasps and 333Nm of torque.
Official information from Toyota Australia is expected within the next few weeks.
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August 27th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Another “steady as she goes” facelift from Toyota. yes its conservative but they wont burn someone who just bought one either, protecting resale values yet attracting buyers who want the newest thing.
To those who sledge Toyota on this site. Why do you think they sell so many cars? Hmmm.
Constant improvment and development is the key.
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August 27th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
And now for the inevitable police raid on the CarAdvice offices like that incident in France…
“You motoring journalists with your foolish integrity! I fart in your general direction! You mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!” *
* I’m assured the French actually talk like this, complete with so-called ‘ridiculous accents’.
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August 27th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Once again we seem set to miss out on the Diesel model and the 5 speed auto in the 4 cylinder.
Memo to Toyota: You dont need a 200kW V6 in a small/medium SUV. You do need an economical Diesel and a 5 speed auto.
The V6 models long term resale will end up just like the other small V6 SUVs (Freelander, Tribute, Vitara ect) in other words very low.
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August 27th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Get stu**ed Hugo….CARADVICE is clearly entitled to do it as they are not suggesting it 100% is as they state; its how they declare it may be or will be. They use the disclaimer wording “SPIED” as story line which suggests that thats what it might be closely resembled to and may well be. As a CAR ENTHUSIAST….I say truly well done CARADVICE for trying to advise what is or may be around the corner as consumers are hungry for whats around corner car wise! As someone as shallow as evidenced with your comment; may I say if you dont like it Hugo…..well you Go Go!
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August 27th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
DanMan, Your posts are passive aggressive and obviously designed to antagonise REAL car enthusiasts
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August 27th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
The cosmetic changes seem a real waste of money from those photos. If people can’t tell it’s a new model, why bother?
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August 27th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
You guys are good at getting the scoops i will grant you that!!
How about being FIRST IN THE WORLD with the new 4-cyl. Elfin?Thats gota be out very very soon?
Cheers
F-0
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August 27th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Gift-Ed = Because it costs alot to have a major workover half-way during the car’s lifecycle. I mean what differences where there from VY Commodore to VYII?
Refreshes are simply refreshes - renew market interest, add features and slight improvements and usually improving value. Most major manufacturers do it this way.
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August 27th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Robbo, yes, I understand what you’re saying. However Toyota have spent some money on the refresh with many changes to minor cosmetic parts. However most people won’t be able to tell the difference. To me that makes no sense.
If they’re going to refresh visible parts, they should look different IMO. That’s what I was trying to say.
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August 27th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Toyoda massive sponsers of CA..
More whitegood trash >>>> boring !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yawn !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only reason Toyoda sell is because thier advertising hoodwink’s the public.
ZZzzZZ ZZZZZZZZ zzzzzzZzzzzzzz Yawn !!!!!!!!!
Rav 4 is a big ugly Bore……………..
“OH WHAT A BORING CAR” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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August 27th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
AC Cobra,
Mate I see plenty of manufactures advertising here, and I see good and bad reports from all of them.
On the RAV, so it’s just a “bolt-on” upgrade then? No panel changes, just bolt-on bits and a few mods to the spec sheet - not much of an upgrade really.
I know several people with a RAV, and get both good and bad reports, but I am not convinced that they haven’t ougrown (in size) thier real target market.
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August 27th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Mmm, not a fan of the new look front end. Looks alittle squashed if you asked me. Much prefer the more defined look of the current model.
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August 27th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
VE grill with Toyota badge?
I get it they are trying to make it look like a Captiva!LOL.
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August 27th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
DanMan
When this “updated” Rav is released get one of your many Toyota friends with a current model Rav to go into their local Toyota dealer, with you, and enquire about trading it in. Then sit back and count how many times they mention “now the new model’s out it’s hurting value’s…” or, “it’s the old model so it’s only worth….”
Protecting re-sale values eh???
You are either monumentally stupid,
Or awe-inspiringly naive,
Or you work for Toyota or a Toyota dealer.
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August 27th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Truth be known it doesn’t matter what it looks like as Toyota buyers just buy the badge.
Another toyota box on wheels.LOL.
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August 27th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Good point Millatime.
A good example would be a 2004 Prado GXL bought new for approx 65k.
Given u can buy an average used example from a dealer for between 32,000 - 38,000 what would the guy have got who traded it?
26,000 - 30,000?
Good resale?
Oh what a sinking feeling!
To be fair same applies to everything else.
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August 27th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Oh and BTW - the V6 Rav is a dud, a big mistake from Toyota, sales are completely underwhelming. Very very few have sold with the loves adrink V6, if only they’d put a diesel in…
In fact the real world fuel economy of these vehicles including Honda CRV and Nissan X Trail is poor. Big thirsty four cylinder engines struggling with heavy AWD chassis. Check out what the new FG Falcon uses compared to these SUV’s.
I know which is safer, quieter, more comfortable and more economical. And it’s not a SUV…
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August 27th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Millatime don’t bother with the argument about sedans being more comfortable safer quieter blah blah blah. If people wanted a sedan they would buy one. Perhaps this type of vehicle is what people actually want. Sadly for too long Ford hasn’t had a wagon that private buyers might actually like… current Mondeo excepted, and Holden has only recently realised this with the Sportwagon and Captiva. As for the economy I’ve achieved real world figures of 10 or better in both late model Ravs and Forresters. The best my Falcon ute gets over same environment is 13’s and 04 territory 15’s.
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August 27th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Dir1
Wipe the food running down your chin, and if you are able try to remove the fork from your eye, it’s way past your bed time and you are not allowed to do anything without supervision, see what happens when you try…?
I hate to point out your lack of intelligence and reading comprehension but you force me to.
I recently drove for a couple of days the new FG Falcon in base model XT form. My partner has a new CRV. I also have had as company vehicles the current RAV4 and friends owned the X-Trail.
Having recently driven all the vehicles I referred to, I am not arguing the case for all sedans, I simply stated the FACT that the FG Falcon IS DEFINATELY safer (absolutely no question), quieter (easily), more comfortable and refined (like comparing day and night), and more economical (according to the on board trip computers and basic math) than these “small cheap to run economical SUV’s” that are so often bought because they have 4 cylinders and are therefore “economical”.
So let me underline this for you.
I was just very surprised to see the Falcon consistently using less fuel than these cars. In fact it used with cruise control on the highway at 110 between 5 and 7 litres per 100 km! Plus it’s miles in front in all those other area’s. No argument, just stating facts.
I was surprised, the FG is that good!
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August 27th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Both of you are correct,
Although I think what Dlr1 is trying to point out is… People will who are after an SUV will buy and SUV, regardless how much a better car a similar priced Sedan/coupe/hatch could have been. Its like trying to convince a britneywannabe 18yr old to buy an FG falcon, she’ll laugh at you face and tell you its for old daddy’s with a family and will pick the tinny Fiat 500 instead.
Sure probably pound for pound the FG is a better car no doubt, buts its mainly targeting a completely different market segment, so no comparison.
Dlr, funny though, toyota no longer offers any wagons on their cars anymore, perhaps research shows the buyers of a wagon is not justifiable with the upkeep costs of the variant?
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August 27th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Dont have a hissy fit. Didn’t anybody teach you with a child that you cant compare apples and oranges. No one is arguing that probably all sedans are safer, more comfortable ect ect. I do however love the fact that everyone always wants to quote their highway economy figures for their sedans. No arguments there. I know most large 6’s can achieve great numbers on the highway and be more fun too. Thats when they are at their best. The opposite is probably true in the city. No body ever wants to mention 16+ l/100 there.
My observation is from my experience. Where i drive the SUVs used less fuel than the Ute and Territory. A Golf or Lancer would more likely use less than the SUVs also. Im not saying the FGs arent a great car or that ford hasnt done a great job with them… just that they arent always the type of car most people want.
And as for the reference of “small cheap to run economical SUV’s” they are only more economical and cheaper to run than large SUVs. The FG might be more economical, but they havent managed that with the territory yet.
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August 28th, 2008 at 6:48 am
o i like the eyebrows in the current reav4 headlamps.ALso in the USA in the top spec model the whell ahs been removed from the rear.
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Well Millatime, (by the way its Millertime if your refering to the American brewing house) Hmm how to answer? Actually i dont sell Toyota’a at the moment but have sold a few hundred in my time. Along with Ford, Vw,Honda, and Nissan. Have also sold Vehicles in Euro and North America. Along the way have owned more than a few cars… So yeah i dont just talk the talk but walk the walk. Enthusiast? More than you…
Wow i didn’t even need to insult you. You do that fine by yourself…
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Well Millatime, (by the way its Millertime if your refering to the American brewing house) Hmm how to answer? Actually i dont sell Toyota\’a at the moment but have sold a few hundred in my time. Along with Ford, Vw,Honda, and Nissan. Have also sold Vehicles in Euro and North America. Along the way have owned more than a few cars… So yeah i dont just talk the talk but walk the walk. Enthusiast? More than you…
Wow i didn\’t even need to insult you. You do that fine by yourself…
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August 28th, 2008 at 9:58 am
“Another “steady as she goes” facelift from Toyota. yes its conservative but they wont burn someone who just bought one either”
I would agree with you there on the RAV4, but having seen the scoop on the new Prius, I’ll predict large amounts of vomit hitting computer screens all over Australia!
“In fact the real world fuel economy of these vehicles including Honda CRV and Nissan X Trail is poor. Big thirsty four cylinder engines struggling with heavy AWD chassis. Check out what the new FG Falcon uses compared to these SUV’s.”
Well there lies your problem. you can’t compare an SUV to a sedan. Your pointing the finger at its 4cyl engine without considering the poor aerodynamics (among other things) of all SUV’s. Surely a more valid comparison would be a territory vs Rav4/CRV/X Trail.
Think it will beat the 4cyl competition on fuel economy??
I don’t doubt the credentials of the FG as probably the most economical 6cyl on the market, ‘Adam aka (Mada)’ pointed this out in a previous post, It beat the Borion by at least 7% on the caradvice realworld test. But we need to compare SUV’s with SUV’s and Cars with Cars simple!
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August 28th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Nick……if in your opinion people that don’t like Toyota’s are uneducated bogans, does that make you a snob? or just a twit?????
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August 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Nick…..it looks like you’ve backed a real winner and you should very proud of your self, it sounds a bit like religion but try not get too fundamentalist on everyone or convert everyone after all we can’t all believe in the same god that you do!
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August 28th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Well put Nick,I think the problem here is the “Bogans” hate hearing the truth put to them in such an easy to understand way.It is the “tall poppy” syndrome,they can’t stand it when they are shown the “FACTS”.
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August 28th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
“pretty shallow to me to be considering fuel costs only”
Well that depends on what your purchasing the car for. But the raising cost of fuel is changing the market dramatically if we like it or not. The knock on effect is depreciation which is the largest cost of car ownership. So choosing a car thats fuel efficient does make good sense.
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August 28th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Gee these toyophiles are touchy.
So everyone else is a bogan or bogon.LOL.
Shows the intellect of the Toyota buyers out there.LOL.
So he went to a Toyota show room and decided on that basis that the product is of superior quality.LOL
Very objective.
Were the various models colour coded so u could tell them apart?LOL.
Looks like Toyota have copied the Captiva grill on this update after all the Captiva is a better looking vehicle and the “new look” may be enough to sway a few would be Captiva buyers.
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August 28th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Camry /Corolla drivers live in Fairy land. These cars could feature in Noddy and Big Ears.lol.
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August 28th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Congratulations Nick, couldn’t have put it better myself - straight to the point without messing about, that’s what i like in a person.
Realcars - were did Nick say Toyota was superior ?
He said after visiting a Toyota Dealership and checking out the cars, he understood why they sell so well - nothing about superiority. You got it wrong
And we all know who the touchy people are, don’t we Realcars. It is Holden and Ford swirling down the drain not Toyota.
People like yourself can harp on with stupidity as much as you want but allow me let you in on something, you idiotic people are fooling no one but yourselves.
Car companies (like any other business) are in the game to sell and make loot and it’s crystal clear who’s doing a convincing job and who’s not.
Critise the Camry and Corolla to your hearts content but but truth be told, they’re no re-badge Daewoo. And what are the words people like yourself use so often - no matter what, you carn’t polish a turd !
Lazybones - shallow, that would have to be you to a ‘T’
Nick’s comment is to the point. How often do characters like yourself compare the fuel consumption of a Falcon or Commodore to a 4cyl Camry, regularly by what i have seen but it’s usually only ever about highway consumption. Nick is correct in that most commuters travel most of their mileage in suburbia and a 4cyl Camry remains alot more frugal then a Falcon or Commodore (and the Aurion for the sake of the arguement). Apart from that, purchase cost (equivalent model) is cheaper (4 - 5k) and so is registration, insurance and even scheduled servicing as mention by Nick. Calculate the total annual sum and it works out to be quite a notable amount of loot. And lets not forget the petrol Mondeo isn’t exactly a lite drinker itself, is it !!
It is people like yourself who are shallow and exhibit little thought or understanding beyond the obviuos that smacks you in face but i guess simple things amuse simple people.
Better still, people like yourself complain about Toyota propaganda when truth be told - most have had a gut full of having Holden and Ford propaganda rammed down thier throats especially when it is from idiotic twits who speak endless crap.
‘It looks like Toyota has copied the grille on the Captiva’ … if that’s how low characters like yourself have to go to discredit Toyota then it truely highlights the challenged mentality of some.
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August 28th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Carl - not everybody wants to believe in the same god as you either.
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August 28th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Oh, hi Dingo!!!
(Nick and Seumas are both Dingo, everyone)
I see you’re having a little conversation with yourself. I’m not sure how kindly that would be assessed by your psychologist, Little Fella. Any psychologist, I mean, not just yours. Oops, sorry, my mistake. You haven’t got one, have you? No…this little example retreated to central Queensland and slipped through the mental illness net completely.
Anyway, where wuz I? Oh yeah…I feel a little rubbing out coming on…
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Seumas sounds like you are in a Toyota induced Coma.LOL.
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Where’s Dan the Toyota Man?LOL
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
It’s got Kia Carnival headlights Dingo!
Finally caught up.LOL.
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
To all those who think Toyoda are superior to other manufacturer’s, about time those advertising blinkers come off, here is one example of complaints about Toyoda these days so many pop up on Google it make’s me laugh, 2007 & 2008 Toyoda Tundra’s Paint Quality issue..
Many people on numerous Toyota Tundra discussion forums have complained about the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Tundra paint quality.
They put forward to Toyota that the failure to apply sufficient layers of paint, coupled with the lack of a clear protective coat on a truck does not provide the quality of product that Toyota usually provides, nor the quality of product we were expecting to purchase. We petition Toyota to look into the matter and to respond to each of the respondants in the petition with a resolution. Please detail below your Toyota Tundra Paint Problems and we’ll make sure Toyota gets back to you and responds to this Petition
“My truck in not even a week old and already i am seeing signs of a bad quality paint, I am glad i found this petition”
“Problems with rust and overall quality of the paint is unlike any other car I have had in the past. Especially for a $40,000 truck. And worst of all No clear coat!
“PAINT SCRATCHES WAY TO EASILY!”
“2008 Tundra I have the salsa red color, only 3.000 miles on truck paint scratches so easily that the truck looks used already. even plastic and paper in the box have scratched the wheel well”
“I have a 2005 Tundra in Salsa Red Pearl that has paint chips missing all over the vehicle. I took it in to the dealer while under warranty and they said that since they are chips that they won’t cover it. I had to take the truck in to a dealer referred body shop to fix a spot where someone had keyed it and they looked at the paint and asked if I constantly drive behind rock trucks or something similar due to the amount of chipping. When I informed him that I do not and that it’s from regular driving, he was shocked at how easily the paint chips on my truck. Something should be done to fix this problem because I definitely will not be purchasing anymore toyotas if this is the case.”
“paint scratches too easily.”
“Just weeks after buying my tundra, I started seeing scracthes everywhere. If I touched the truck in any way it scratches. I wash my truck one body panel at a time and rinse out my microfiber mit each time and make sure its clean, still it does horrible damage. All over my truck is scratched just from leaning on it… not rubbing. Ive had little bushes scracth it that never scracthed any of my other trucks. Ive got alot of scratches right down to bare metal and I have no clue how they even got there. My hood is peeling paint in alot of places from rocks… I dont ride close enough to anyone to do that bad of damage. ”
“I drove a 91 lexus ls that never had 1 paint chip,after driving my tundra for a little over a year,I probley have 15 to 20 big paint chips,truck is awesome,but I expected more from the paint,If theres no improvements il never buy another!!!”
“I have a Tundra and the paint is sorely disappointing”
“paint is very thin not enough clear coat scrathes way to easy very poor paint job (silver)”
“I just bought my ‘08 double cab two months ago, and I have to agree, the paint scratches far too easily. I have no kids, I work at night and garage the truck during the heat of the day, I park in areas where no one else parks, and I still have paint scratches. I wash it every week and I wax it often. I really baby that thing. No four wheeling. No tailgating. Still, I have scratches in just two months of ownership”
^^^^^^^ The last comment is a classic “I have to baby the thing”, after spending truck loads of cash wouldn’t you expect anything but the best, maybe Toyoda only care about it’s hip pocket not customer satisfaction and expectations.
Many more of these Toyoda complaint’s to come.
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Yes beware of Dingo’s multiple personalities!!!
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Some would like you to believe that Toyotas range is one of if not the most Diverse on the market..
VWs range is more diverse as they have a car in nearly every major segment which make up a substantial % of sales in that segment.
Yet when you look at it the only real reason Toyota dominate the 4×4 market is because they have so many models with so many similarities in that market competing against eachother.. almost half of their range consists of 4×4s SUVs Pick Ups and Commercials
And this is a prime example of how Toyota has similar sized cars with similar features etc and similar prices competing against each other in the same class
I mean the looking at the design the specifications etc the RAV4 its really no more than a Kluger Wannabe which is a Prado Wannabe which is a Cruiser Wannabe.. Oh then of course theres the similarities between the Camry and Aurion
Whereas surely it would make more sense to drop the RAV4 as its so suimilar to the Kluger and introduce say a RWD Family Sedan and become a real direct rival to the Commodore or what about introducing a Ute [not a Pick-Up] to compete against the XR8 ute or even re-introduce a sports coupe to take on the Hyundai Genesis coupe when it arrives
Sure Hodlen make the Omega and the Calais but that is just one car with varying levels of luxury.. They dont have a similar sized car with similar features competing against the Commodore range
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Or what about an AWD sedan to compete against the Impreza?
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August 28th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
If Dingo can come up with 4 more aliases he will crack the ton [100] and all within approx 9 months of being on CA - not a bad effort: Dingo; Australias First Taste Of A Tough Truck; Oh What A Feeling; Supporter of Toyota Motorsport; I could be Anyone from Anywhere…
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August 28th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
leave him alone,
it must be hard finding out that Toyota has been cheating in Nascar ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
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August 28th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
DanMan
I am not referring to the American brewing house, but thank you for pointing out the obvious.
The fact you worked in various dealerships around the world underlines your naive comments that releasing a new model won’t hurt the current models resale, you would’ve seen it happen many times.
I didn’t insult you, I merely offered you multiple choice. And as you no longer work for Toyota, you are clearly, by your own admission, one of the first two.
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August 28th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Oh and DanMan
The fact you have worked in dealerships all over the world doesn’t mean you “talk the talk & walk the walk” as you claim, just means you have supreme difficulty holding down a job..
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August 28th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
I guess they haven’t figured out how to get away with cheating in F1 “yet” Andrew.M.
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August 28th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Wheelnut what exactly is wrong with a manufacturer having vehicles in most market segments. A Rav4 is substantially smaller than the current Kluger, and the Kluger isn’t a real 4×4 like the Prado anyway. Holden is probably worse when you consider that they have both the Viva and Astra. And when it come to commercials compare the number of commercial van variants that VW sells compared to Toyota anyway. About 5 times as many. Theres nothing wrong with having plenty of different models IMO.
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August 28th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Dlr1
Yes 6 cylinder sedans get brilliant economy on the highway. But just to clarify..
I read a lot of car mags, talk cars every chance I get, love motorsport in all it’s varied forms and I work with cars every day (not a mechanic though!). But I rarely checked fuel economy figures. So my impression, or perception, of the small SUV’s was, like a lot of other people’s I talk to, that they would be more economical than 6 cylinder sedans.
So once I bothered to check I was amazed to see Rav and CRV averaging high 10’s and 11’s with one car averaging high 12’s (litres per 100 kms). And all these were vehicles I’ve driven - sedately as I’m over voluntary taxation - with a little highway use but mostly by far urban driving.
Then I drove the FG Falcon in a similar style over the same roads, and was, as I’ve allready said, amazed by the average use of 10.1 - better than the small SUV’s!
So please note these figures are taken directly from the vehicles own trip computers.
So it’s a complete myth that small SUV’s are more economical around town where most people drive them. I once believed it too. And if people buy them thinking they will be economical they will be dissapointed.
For me, with the FG’s quieter smoother ride, better safety and everyhting else, and with better economy, I’d choose the Falcon every day of the week.. It’s a nice safe roomy comfortable place to be..
Just my two cents worth, thats all.
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August 28th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
AC Cobra how could anyone buy a Tundra over those other American Trucks from Ford/GM/Dodge.
Tundra just looks like a bloated Hilux.LOL.
Millatime SUVs generally have the aerodynamics of a brick so economy should come as no surprise.
I’ve driven a 2.7 4cyl Hilux 2wd and was surprised how slow it was.My neck is f^&ked as it is so I’ll stick with the Falcon ute. Not so bone jarring.
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August 28th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Millatime…….i agree with everything you have just written regarding fuel consumption, However i think the real reason the sedans are suffering is that MOST people seem to like a high driving position and the convenience of a wagon or hatch shaped vehicle! Especially if you have a family.
I find my self constantly wishing i could see over these toorak tractors in traffic….also a lot “people” seem to feel superior in a high driving position and that is what is really killing the Aussie sedan…..in my opinion!
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August 29th, 2008 at 1:21 am
I will keep reminding everyone of Toyoda’s exclusion from the WRC and how the case about theft from F1 Ferrari.
Toyota arguing the stolen software should not be returned because Toyota has improved the original. At the time I suggested it was like someone had stolen your car, but you could not have it back because the thief had added a really nice set of wheels, “Pimp my Ricer” anyone.
That is what Toyota’s lawyers have said in defence. It sounds to me like a confession though, of course, a statement given to the media by a firm of lawyers cannot be regarded as a confession. If it looks like a duck, has webbed feet, goes ‘quack’ and can swim, I’d say I was looking at a duck.
Angelo Santini and Mauro Iacconi will have sung their hearts out. Everything was on computers and you cannot argue with that. The more difficult business is moving away from that hard evidence. Gustav Brunner, former Chief Designer at Toyota Motorsport, René Hilhorst, formerly chief aerodynamicist, and Ove Andersson, once the team principal, are all charged under German (commercial) competition law.
I could name a fourth man, still at Toyota Motorsport, who must be having restless nights. He’s the guy who, in May 2003, sent an internal e.mail to all personnel telling them to destroy all Ferrari material. I know this for a fact, but I could never prove it.
There is an annual test for car mechanics in Japan and what does Toyota do? cheat of course, I have no idea how these exams are perceived in Japan, but basically people on the examining board gave Toyota mechanics, working in Toyota dealerships, all the answers via the Internet.. they seem to cheat as a matter of principle.
Toyota is the world Number One maker of cars. It long ago passed General Motors as a maker of cars, 60% of the General’s business in the States is with trucks. Toyota achieved that position because marketing personal are paid big bucks to gain top position, just like your shelves at Coles or Safeway, company’s like Coke receive prime position so you can see it without looking and easier to grab for convenience, Funny that HUH !!!!!!! “Money speak’s in volume”.
Toyota has been up to its tricks in NASCAR a few times, DaimlerChrysler had won US$6.5 million against Bill Davis Racing which was found guilty of developing a Toyota Tundra Truck for use in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2007 while still under contract to run Dodge Intrepids in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup.
I cannot fathom why Toyota cheats, yet cheating is endemic in its corporate culture.
Toyota has sadly made a mockery of motor sport throwing all of its own values out the window.
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August 29th, 2008 at 1:25 am
Joe Gibbs’ Toyota Teams Go From Leaders To Laughing stock in Cheating Scandal..
Two Joe Gibbs Racing teams have been busted for defrauding the post-race inspection in NASCAR’s Nationwide Series. For their dyno run, they installed shims and magnets on their throttle pedal stops to prevent the No. 18 and No. 20 cars from being run at wide open throttle, thus disguising the Toyotas’ actual horsepower numbers.
First, a bit of background on what’s been going on with Toyota in NASCAR racing this season, and why their latest cheating fiasco matters. Being a relative newcomer to NASCAR’s top two series, Toyota is enjoying the benefit of a much newer engine platform, with more up-to-date internals than the other manufacturers, who are running an older drivetrain. Keep in mind that the whole point of NASCAR racing is for the cars to start out more or less equal, so that what’s showcased is the skill of the teams in setting up, pitting, and driving the car. Toyota, however, has for the entire season been reaping an advantage of anywhere between 30 and 50 horsepower over the other teams, right out of the box. But since Toyota has been pouring such massive marketing funding into NASCAR (doesn’t it seem like every second race is “brought to you by Toyota Tundra”?), discussion of this problem has been discouraged at every level within NASCAR’s organization, including the broadcasting level. More…
As the “open secret” of Toyota’s advantage started to become an embarrassment, NASCAR finally hauled in some engines from all the manufacturers for some comparative dyno testing—and subsequently acknowledged that yes, Toyota was running “slightly” more hp than the rest. Amidst much crying from the Toyota teams, NASCAR ordered them to run an intake spacer plate that would knock down their numbers by about 15 hp, putting them a little closer to other cars in the field. Publicly, members of the Gibbs teams have been griping and sulking about unfairness of the situation, but nonetheless installed the new throttle shims so they could disguise from the inspectors how much of a horsepower advantage they were actually still running. Obviously, the teams have an interest in denying their advantage, in order to avoid further restrictions that’d put them more on par with the rest of the field.
I understand that money is a huge factor in racing, and it’s not as though cheating is anything new, but the extent to which everyone associated with Toyota seems to feel perfectly entitled to buy themselves the Championship this year is a little over the top. The truth is that they’re the only manufacturer who can afford to pour megabucks into their NASCAR effort right now, and when Toyota’s huge gobs of cash predictably score them a technical advantage, they simply pour so much more money into marketing and advertising that NASCAR finds it easy to look the other way. It’s all a little corrupt, and the entity who gets stung the worst by it all is Toyota itself—after all, aren’t they sending the message that in order to make a Camry win in NASCAR, they pretty much have to cheat?
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August 29th, 2008 at 1:58 am
The reason Toyo-da cheat is easy, they are so desperate to win, it will kind of give them a fake licence to invade and beat Americans or Australian’s at thier own game again, just like the Japs have done in the past with (War’s) etc.
The Japenese are excellent at what they do, but for who’s interests, they may supply some offshore job’s, but not genuine local heritage or important history.
Good “ONE” Toyoda for cheating the system, I guess you have to be experts at something..
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August 29th, 2008 at 7:55 am
“Lazybones - shallow, that would have to be you to a ‘T’”
Firstly, you know nothing about me. And secondly if your incapable of holding a conversation without name calling. Then really the only argument is to grow up first, then talk to me”
“(Nick and Seumas are both Dingo, everyone)”
Not again! Well that would answer a few things, nothing like a split personality to get the party started.
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August 29th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Hey someone beat me to a headline there. Yes I read that about magnets and cheating by Toyota. Seems like you touched a raw nerve to the Dron-go!
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August 29th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Shame to Toyota team, but who cares, people cheat all the time in all sorts of sports. Mclaren Mercedes recently did it and we don’t hold a grudge on Mercedes.
Marion Jones and Tim Monty for USA Track and field, because they represent the US, we dont automatically generalise the USA as a land of cheaters do we? Similar goes with Toyota, if the team did it, its the teams doing.
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August 29th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
IMMUNITY IS NOT SPREAD TO FORD AND HOLDEN JOB LOSSES AND A SLIDE IN SALES………..
Toyota to reduce production at UK plant as sales continue to skid.
Great story on fortunes of Toyota….so much for those immune ones who think Toyota will never go backwards!
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August 29th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Looks the same as the current fugly model, why bother toymota? It doesnt cost much to change the plastic bits, if ya gunna do an update do it properly or dont bother!
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August 29th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Falcodore - Toyota is one the who is profitable, has money in the bank and in a strong position to move forward. General Motors and Ford are the companies making mass losses, closing factories, retrenching workers and on the verge of bankruptcy.
Who do you think has the formula that is working ??
Maybe GM and Ford should have a long hard look at thier structure and learn a lesson or two from Toyota on how to stay strong.
Toyota is not the one hanging onto a lifeline, but we all know who are.
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August 29th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Tahu is Dingo, everybody. Don’t bother.
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August 29th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
That may be so Tahu yet it all depends how willing Toyota Execs are to continue with F1 only to end up finishing [on average] 4th - given the millions of dollars and resources they’re sinking into it.
I mean you would have thought that with all Toyotas money and resources they would have been able to dominate a sport with only 4 other major manufacturers within one or two years.. in the the same way they have [supposedly] dominated various markets with the same number of manufacturers [and in some cases the exact same manufacturers] that are with them in F1
Sure Toyotas philosophies and smart marketing decisions etc have seen them become the worlds wealthiest car manufacturer However; F1 could pprove to be their undoing.. Whilst they may be winning in the showroom F1 could well be their undoing..
What is it they say one generation makes money the next wastes it
Only time will tell - it all depends on what they consider to be an acceptable level of performance .. and given the Japanese ideology of perfection spending so much and getting very little return could be seen as an embarrassment
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August 29th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Wheelnut Says:
August 29th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Golf - everbody to you is Dingo, get over it and get a life.
The above comment is obviously you Dingo..
I [along with many other regular bloggers on this site] am actually rather good friends with Golfie..
He knows that I would never say anthing like that to him because I respect him he knows what hes talking about and can talk about things other than his beloved VWs
Yet because he; as you have guessed is CAs online moderator and has deleted so many of your inane abusive offensive comments you now have a serious vandetta against him more intense it appears than the one you do against anyone who likes any other car other than your beloved Toyota.
Why do you [and the rest of yout crue] find the need to start impersonating other regulars on this site?
For instance on a Holden Blog TP impersonated me trying to make it appear as though I had 98% of my brain removed and all of a sudden was as obsessed with Toyotas as you are.. when most people on here know I prefer Holdens.
I mean You haven’t gained any respect on here by using your other aliases - do you really think this is going to work? If anything I suspect they will be deleted just like your other comments..
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August 30th, 2008 at 10:58 am
This is the worst thred i have read on any automotive website in the world.
My god can we get a login happening to sort the wheat from the chaff! these comments above are so lowest. the flames the flames.
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August 30th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I have no idea why certain idiots here are attacking this vehicle for minor changes. Its not an entirely new model, its just an updated model and as a result its not going to have wholesale changes. Its also ironic that the Ford idiots are the one attacking it on these grounds given the fact that the FG Falcon which IS a new model shares to many similarities to the outgoing model.
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August 30th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
TP - Changes to the RAV4 is merely cosmetic whereas the numerous reviews on the FG say that its the best Falcon in years.. mainly due to things suvh as a new revised steering system making the car responsive; theyve made further improvements to the blade suspesion system to improve handling as well as a roomier cabin with particular attention to easier rear seat access., Ford have addressed virtually every minor issue customers had with the BA-BF they’ve even madi it look more modern and sportier…
What have Toyota done with the their cars - they aren’t perfect either yet given that they’re the wealthiest car company they have more resources to make more substantial improvements to their cars than what Ford and Holden have done with both the FG and VE
Unlike the FG where the differences over the BF are noticeable [as they are with the VE compared to the VZ] Toyota have given their customers no real reason to bother buying the new car or even upgrade as its essentially the same as the previous model which is wrong when you consider that even a subtle change to the headlights would still cost a fair bit of dosh.
Again it appears that Toyota are happy to rest on their Laurels; as they have with the Corolla.. sure they may be number one in a number of markets but their rivals are making more imporvements to their cars and the gap to Toyota is gradually closing.. If Toyota keep it up they will be passed by a lesser rival such as Tmazda - the same way Toyota overtook GM..
remember as they say in motorsport its easier to chase
than it is to lead - because by chasing you’ve got something to aim for whereas when youre leading you got to try harder to keep the competition behind you and in terms of product development by making subtle changes Toyota aren;t really doing enough to stay there
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August 30th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Wheelnut, you really surprise me with your stupidity sometimes. Get over yourself. Get a life would be better.
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August 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Realcars impersonator aka Dingo,I think your the one in need of a psychiatrists. Realcars If your on here tonight send me a PM on the Forum and we will keep you in the email loopy of Dingo!!!!!!!!!
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August 30th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
8.07pm is not me but CA is currently in the process of sorting this out.
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August 30th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
hahaha nice one Dingo but it is me…………..I have to log on as me Realcars as Bavarian on the Forum so Dingo cant do this on the Forum,hes too much of a coward to join.
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August 30th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Plus Realcars you will see when I joined,not long after Alborz invited me and before the Forum was up cause we were mates,Dingo you have lost the battle and the war,give up.
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August 31st, 2008 at 6:53 pm
BM I thought you had found some other ‘better’ site. Go back to it.
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August 31st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
OH Didums Paul……………I’m still on that too! But was told that there will be some heavy culling of Dingos comments to remove him permanently from this site,so Im back!
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September 1st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Geeez, this site atracts the smartest people Ive ever listened too. bunch of wankas
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September 4th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
When will this be available locally?
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September 4th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Next month I believe…
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September 5th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Hi Fenno, what’s your basis, may I ask?
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October 7th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Ring a dealership and ask them. I did.
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October 22nd, 2008 at 11:43 am
If you can’t affor this Rav4 V6, better just comment rather than saying bad to it. Get a life.
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