UP TILL NOW, the Toyota RAV4 has been saddled with a rugged name it has never managed to live up to. No longer. The new RAV4 has had some serious testosterone shots and has grown muscles. The body has expanded a full 35cm, meaning that families no longer have to sacrifice their car as they add to the population count. There's more aggressive styling to the roof and some of the fiddly detailing has been stripped off - such as the strange bottle opener-style clamps on the rear-mounted spare tyre.
As a bonus, Toyota has taken the starter button, one of the pleasures of the Aston Martin, and made it available to RAV4 drivers for a fraction of the price. You click the key fob to open the door, apply the foot brake and then press a button on the dashboard marked 'Engine start/stop' to let the engine spring to life. Admittedly you don't get that V12 roar - more of a gentle rumble - but the thrill's still there. On a practical note, for anyone juggling a couple of children, not having to rummage for keys is a positive bonus.
The leather steering wheel and improved two-tone leather seats make a positive first impression. The cabin is comfortable, with electric seats. The central consol has been designed to appeal to men, finished in a brushed aluminium-look plastic with a multitude of interesting-looking dials and lit messages - none of which I understand.
The front passenger has two glove boxes to play with. There's a shallow one on top of the dashboard for storing vital small items or sunglasses, and a larger one at knee level which is cooled so your secret chocolate supply doesn't melt. For anyone wishing to avoid a badly fitted babyseat scandal a la Britney Spears, the front passenger airbag can be disabled (there's a light to remind you of the setting).
The rear seats are spacious, with net pockets in the back of the front seats, and the central armrest is recessed with cup-holders to avoid squabbling over who has more benefits. Rear reading lights are also provided. The air-conditioning system has pollen filters, which should help passengers with allergies. I find that the rear headrests restrict visibility and I'd rather sacrifice passenger comfort than their safety.
The day I drive the RAV4, the typhoon signal No3 is in effect and Hong Kong is eerily silent. The Eastern Corridor is fraught with flying polystyrene boxes, but we cruise along unaffected by the buffeting winds. I'm delighted by the high driving position which affords me a good view of the road ahead.
