Big-block RAV back on sale

Toyota's "offroad sportscar" the new Aurion-engined RAV4 V6 has officially gone on sale. Again…

Launched at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October, the 200kW compact SUV was withdrawn from sale by Toyota almost immediately after technicians detected rough running in early demonstrator models.

The company called the sales stop "a precaution". According to Toyota, the problem was traced to a programming issue with the vehicle's ECU (electronic control unit -- engine management system) which has since been rectified.

Now back on dealers' floors with a clean bill of health, the beefiest RAV4 ever is available in three model variants -- all five-seaters. Along with the four-cylinder models, the sixes bring the full RAV4 model line-up to nine, spanning from $31,990 to $49,990.

The entry-level six is the CV6 -- priced from $39,990 -- and like the rest of the RAV4 V6 range is powered by a version of the 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine that also motivates the Aurion, Kluger and Tarago V6. In RAV4 trim the engine pumps out 201kW and 333Nm of torque, however, unlike its passenger car stablemate, the RAV4 makes do with a five-speed auto. No manual gearbox option is offered on the V6-engined RAV.

Toyota claims a 0-100km/h time of 7.4sec and combined fuel economy of 10.5L/100km for the V6. That's more than 3sec quicker than the four at a theoretical 'cost' less than 1.0L/100km. The better equipped 'RAV6' is 65kg heavier than the four-cylinder variant (and base model Aurion) at 1655kg.

Towing capacity is up 400kg from the four-cylinder RAV4's rating to 1900kg.

In terms of equipment, the base RAV4 V6 gets a useful step up from the fours. Electrically assisted steering, air conditioning, fully adjustable steering column (reach and tilt), rear heater ducting, cruise control, electric windows/mirrors, six-speaker MP3-compatible audio, remote controls (steering wheel-mounted) and rear seat head restraints are fitted as standard.

Standard wheels are cleverly styled 17-inch steel five-spokes.

Safety equipment for the V6 comprises six airbags (including curtain bags) ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, non-switchable stability and traction control, Hill-start Assist and Downhill Assist. Toyota groups all of the above in the RAV4's Vehicle Control Management System (VCMS) which also interacts with the all-wheel-drive system and the electronic steering.

Essentially, the RAV's all-wheel-drive system is unchanged. Like the four, it is a part-time system with the facility to activate a low-speed 'Lock' mode.

The midrange V6 RAV is the SX6 which features dual-zone climate control, six-stack multi-changer CD audio, premium seat fabric, privacy glass, five-spoke 17-inch alloys and other detailed upgrades. It is priced from $43,990.

The top of the range RAV4 is the $49,990 ZR6. Building on the SX, the ZR gets leather trim, electrically adjustable driver's seat with powered lumbar adjustment, front seat heating, satellite navigation and in-dash four-disc CD audio.

Toyota boss David Buttner says the V6 RAV4 is set to appeal to a new group of buyers.

"RAV4 has always been a strong performer for us, but we believe the V6 will open up the model to a whole new group [of buyers].

"Part of the RAV4's success has been its appeal to female drivers. The power and torque of the V6 turns the RAV4 into a true sports SUV. We believe it will attract more male buyers as well as a larger group of those in the 'user-chooser' market," Buttner said.

Look out for the Carsales Network's launch drive of the RAV4 V6 soon.