Front-drive RAV4 for under $30K

Toyota is following the example of Hyundai and Mazda, offering a two-wheel drive version of the company's popular compact SUV, the RAV4. In doing so, Toyota will target an SUV-buying niche that has no requirement for four-wheel drive, but does need practical packaging to suit a family, at an affordable price.

That price, we understand, will be $28,990* for the entry-level car, up to $3000 off the price of the current entry-level RAV4 CV 4WD manual, if correct. The two-wheel drive RAV4 is more fuel efficient than the four-wheel drive versions, but reportedly will come with the same level of equipment as the four-wheel drive equivalents, short of the extra drivetrain components.

Producing 125kW of power, the 2.4-litre engine under the bonnet of the 2WD RAV4 has been re-tuned and, along with unique manual and automatic transmissions, delivers fuel consumption shaved half a litre from the respective 4WD counterparts. For the manual job, that means 9.1L/100km, down from 9.6.

Manual and automatic transmissions feature revised ratios for the front-wheel drive application and the front differential is geared differently, compared with the final drive ratio of the 4WD models.

Toyota will offer the RAV4 2WD in two levels of trim, CV and Cruiser, with the base grade offering an option pack comprising dual-zone climate control for the front-seat occupants, side-impact front airbags, side-curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag.

Standard equipment for all models includes: ABS, traction control, stability control, dual front airbags, electric-assisted power steering, air conditioning, reach/rake-adjustable steering, rear spoiler, USB-compatible single-disc CD audio, Bluetooth connectivity and Downhill Assist Control (auto variants only).

The higher-grade RAV4 2WD Cruiser adds to that specification the following standard features: five-spoke alloy wheels, over-fender flares, roof rails, privacy glass for rear side windows/rear window, front foglights, auto-on headlights, six-disc CD audio system with LCD screen, premium seat/door trim, dual-zone climate control for front-seat occupants, push-type heater control panel and footwell illumination. Safety features available in the CV variant option pack are fitted as standard in the Cruiser variants.

* Manufacturer's list price, excluding on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charge.

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