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2008 RAV4 - this is the entry level V6 in the line.

There are now nine RAV4 models to choose from. Six four-cylinder and three variants powered V6 versions. The CV6 we tested is the price just above 2.4 litres Cruiser 4-speed automatic. The lowest price RAV4 is the 2.4L liter 5-speed manual $ 31990 of the arrivals spec ZR6 V6 3.5-litre 5-speed automatic $ 49990.

Nobody likes the crowds. Whether you’re on a beach in a shopping mall or in a queue to buy a movie ticket, they are simply not unless the pleasure you get paid to perform in front of one.

The compact SUV segment becomes crowded. Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3, Nissan X-Trail, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-7, Captiva Holden, Subaru Forester, Kia Sorento, Ssangyong Kyron and whatever else that I I failed.

And there are more players on the horizon. Volkswagen will soon launch their own Tiguan compact SUV, adding even more choice for buyers.The price range for the above group is just beginning to $34000 and tops out at about $43490. Overall, there are a lot of value for money in this category, taking into account multiple uses of these vehicles.

I put the reliability of Toyota and peace of mind. If you work hard to win every week and you’re not on Macquarie Bank payroll, you’ll probably exercise a degree of caution before handing over $35000 for a new SUV. I know I would.

With gasoline prices hovering around $1.34 per litre (even if you do not forget to bring around a stack of these Coles/Woolies reduction roles that are not out of date) you could be forgiven for believing a four-cylinder SUV is the way to go these days.

It is a fundamental problem with four-cylinder gasoline engines and sport utility vehicles - weight, and too thereof. They could be slightly more economical, but by God, when you need to climb a hill faster than a power walk, you’ll be praying to a supreme being, for a 201kW V6.

Not only a majority of four-cylinder models struggle for pace on steep inclines, but is that ear-piercing scream of the engine load, which I regard as a modern form of torture. It is heartening to note then that the 3.5-liter V6 adds another 76kW engine than the 2.4-litre RAV4 and I for one will not discuss with Toyota at the request of 7.4 seconds for the 0-100km/H Sprint. And it is on regular 91 octane! It is an SUV fast.

Toyota is clearly refundable their new V6 engine across as many platforms as possible, and why not. They have in the Tarago (which must be one of the fastest movers acceleration of people on the planet) Aurion and now the RAV4. Could they adapt to a Corolla?

It is remarkably smooth and free revving engine, delivering instant throttle response in case of need. Perfect for ensuring the safety of overtaking manoeuvres on the highway.It ’s not as refined as something like a BMW X5, but the direction is reasonably strong with 2.8 turns lock. It’s good as far as SUV’s go.

This is a power assisted rack in place, with a good feeling and eliminates the need for oil in the hydraulic steering system, save fuel and reduce engine load.

Toyota has made huge gains in the race and handling package on the second generation RAV4, which in all honesty, I think frankly uncomfortable. The ride quality is now in line surprising, but while all the bodies of distribution with roll, at least in the first round This is true even pace.

With this power, you can expect nothing less that a high level of active safety aboard the vehicle. The RAV4 V6 does not disappoint. In addition to all-wheel drive feature, there are ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), control vehicle stability (VSC) to assist with the Steering Committee, traction control (TRC ), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) Assist and control of descent (DAC).

If you intend to put this system to the test and want to do a little sand or mud in the hope, then just push the button locking TI constant for all-wheel drive. Besides, if you want to get on line faster than your two legs counterparts, you can select the AUTO mode, which offers a maximum traction for these moments.

The rest of the kit includes air conditioning with manual HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) buttons to be perfectly honest, are easier to use than most automatic climate control systems.

On the tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment is a welcome addition (important in the pursuit of the perfect driving position), as well as cruise control, power windows and mirrors, steering wheel audio controls and 17-inch wheels (they are steel, you’ll need to spend the SX6 for alloys) complement the more interesting inventory.

Although I would not call inside a plastic high-quality, more middle of the road, there is sufficient search for metal accents, including at least make it look interesting.

* Engine: quad-cam V6 petrol
* Power: 201kW @ 6200
* Torque: 333Nm @ 4700
* Top speed: 210 km/h
* O-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds
* Drive: Part-time IT
* Transmission: 5-speed automatic electronic
* Turning: 10.6
* Emission rating: Euro IV
* Fuel type: 91