The 5th Generation Toyota RAV4 Has Been Launched with Prices Starting at RM196K Onwards

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia has officially launched the fifth generation Toyota RAV4 SUV. The fully imported 2020 RAV4 you see in the images here is a continuation of the original and ground-breaking RAV4 SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) which was first introduced in the mid-1990s. It offered practicality and yet possessed the comfort and handling of a passenger car. It was an immediate success and created a new category in the automobile market. This latest generation model is now in town.

The All-New Toyota RAV4 was introduced by UMW Toyota Motor today via a virtual launch - so typical of a period where social distancing is ongoing due to the pandemic. The first-ever by UMWT virtual launch saw the vehicle unveiled online by President, Ravindran K. with an online streaming of the vehicle walk-through and an exclusive interview with Deputy Chairman and Chief Motorsports Office, Akio Takeyama .

Of course, many bits were pre-recorded so smoothen things out. I do long for the days where everything was real and live as you can see the people behind the product aside from the product itself in the flesh.

The Toyota RAV4 has been a regular offering in UMWT's imported vehicle or CBU line-up since the mid-1990s when they began selling the 2nd generation RAV4. After skipping a few generations of the RAV4 - which I think was okay as the last one wasn't really something of a looker and wouldn't have sold well here due to it looking like a half completed building and the fact that it will come in with that fully taxable imported price. 

This new one, which was the 2019-2020 Japan Car of the Year and actually looks good. For a SUV, it looks good standing still and it also looks good while its moving. This RAV4 is part of Toyota's new philosophy which is to make more interesting cars, to look at as well as to drive. The exterior of the car looks sporty and contemporary much like the CH-R which I think brought a fresh perspective in compact crossovers by being truly edgy in terms of styling. This RAV4 brings that same look albeit in a more practical offering with more interior space and a taller roofline for more headroom too.

In terms of interior design and styling, it's pretty much the same design philosophy and the same styling cues. It looks good and does have the necessary equipment which you can read through in the product summary at the end of this article. Being a Toyota, it should be well laid out and ergonomically sound. I think Toyota is one of the few carmakers from Japan that are logical in dashboard layout and even though this looks funky, controls are still where you want it to be.

I must also admit that it has taken maybe 20 years for me to fall in like with Toyota again. This current batch of Toyotas are actually good. Brings me back to the early 1990s in terms of styling and what's offered.

Two variants of the new RAV4 are made available for the Malaysian market – the RAV4 2.5L priced from RM215,665 and RAV4 2.0L priced from RM196,436 (both prices excluding insurance). Both variants are available with six exterior colour choices – Dark Blue Mica, Gray Metallic, White Pearl CS, Red Mica, Attitude Black and Silver Metallic. It also comes 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty but also after-sales support nationwide

Some may ask why is the price a little high compared to some of its Japanese competitors. Firstly, it comes in fully imported and there are excise duty  taxes slapped on the car and the fact that the folks at Toyota Malaysia seem to want to keep its official prices slightly higher than its traditional competitors.This seems to be the case even for their locally assembled cars. Of course, I personally think that the price also reflects the superior aftersales that all Toyotas come with here in Malaysia. So much so that my sister-in law bought the new Yaris based on my recommendation. 

Of course, people like me usually give recommendation based on quality rather than just the asking price. You should see some of the stuff I buy based on quality if  you where I am coming from.

Anyway, let's move on to the official product summary of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 for the Malaysian market.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 SUV- Fully Imported and Striking yet Practical as ever.

The fifth generation of the RAV4 has an all-new exterior design featuring a modern and rugged theme. Its chiseled appearance gives a tough impression with sharp muscular character lines that convey the power and sophistication of a premium SUV.

“The cross-octagon design concept of the All-New RAV4 gives a powerful and tough impression of the vehicle and the two-tiered trapezoid grille produces a wide stable stance, emphasizing the functionality of an SUV,” said Akio Takeyama,Deputy Chairman and Chief Motorsports Office UMWT .

As with the latest Toyota models, the new RAV4 sits on a brand new platform known as TNGA - for Toyota New Global Architecture. TNGA redefines driving performance and comfort by enhancing three main areas: Agility, Stability and Visibility. It provides the robust foundation for capability, comfort and safety.

For instance, the side mirrors are now positioned by the door with sleeker A Pillars for better visibility. The new body structure also provides better stability with less body roll. Akio Takeyama said, “With the TNGA technology, driving the All-New RAV4 is much like driving a sedan vehicle with its great agility, stability and visibility”.

With this new generation, the RAV4 gets an entirely new powertrain with Dynamic Force engines. Lighter and more powerful, these 4-cylinder petrol engines come with high-speed combustion technologies and VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing. The engines have world-leading thermal efficiencies as high as 40%, double the average of most internal combustion engines.

Two displacements are available: 2.5 litres (A25A-FKS) and 2.0 litres (M20A-FKS). The 2.5-litre engine produces up to 152 kw/207 ps with 243 Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre engine can deliver up to 127 kW/123 ps of power and 207 Nm of torque.

“This is highly suited for Malaysian roads where there is frequent acceleration and deceleration and the All-New RAV4 compliments this with responsive acceleration and higher engine output,” Akio Takeyama added.

The 2.5-litre engine is paired with an 8-speed Automatic Transmission (Direct Shift 8-AT) while the 2.0-litre engine has a CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic. For both transmissions, the driver can choose from Eco, Normal and Sport modes to suit driving preference or conditions. Paddle shifters are also provided, allowing the driver to make manual selections without removing the hands from the steering wheel.

Dimensionally, the cabin is wider at 1,855 mm with the longer wheelbase (+30 mm) benefitting spaciousness. With a larger body, the interior designers took the opportunity to do a complete redesign of the cabin. Greater attention has been given to detail in every area with the aim of presenting luxury, quality and comfort.

The dashboard incorporates premium Optitron meters which provide clear information on their bright displays. A 7-inch Colour MID (Multi Information Display) complements a TFT Combination Meter which can be switched between analog and digital displays.

A new 7-inch DVD-AVX infotainment system with 6 speakers has a range of connectivity options such as Mirrorlink, Miracast, AUX, Bluetooth, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto (when officially available in Malaysia). Voice command is also available for both variants of the RAV4 to enable management of certain features or handsfree telephony.

The front seats have thicker cushions and enlarged lumbar support pads to give better body support and the seating posture fits a wide range of users. For the driver, 8-way power adjustments and memory features make selecting the best position easy. Both front seats have a Seat Ventilation System to enhance comfort.

Rear passengers also enjoy the same improvements in seat design and structure making journeys more comfortable. They can be reclined to suit personal preference and with their 60:40 split, various configurations allow flexibility in carrying people or cargo.

The Kick Sensor Power Back Door makes loading easier as it can be opened by just positioning a foot near the centre part below the rear bumper (electronic key fob must be in the pocket or handbag). The cargo space is also the best-in-class with a reversible cargo floor for multiple usage that is also height adjustable to create more space.

Comfort in the vehicle has also been redefined in the All-New RAV4. Within the interior, a floor silencer and insulator material is integrated with a larger surface area. This helps with the vehicle’s noise, harshness and vibration.

Other convenience features include a keyless Smart Entry & Start system, and more USB points for charging electronic devices, including a wireless charger pad (operating with the Qi standard). Numerous storage spaces and cupholders/bottle holders are provided. At night, some spaces have soft, indirect mood lighting which gives the interior a distinct look.

Besides up to 7 SRS airbags, the new RAV4 gets Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of systems which assist the driver. These include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) for All Speed as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB).

“The TSS suite of driver-assisted safety systems are especially useful for Malaysian roads. When driving on highways, the Lane Departure and Lane Tracing Systems help you to stay safely within the white lines and in lane. It is also especially useful for high traffic conditions which we are so used to in Malaysia, where the Pre-Collision System helps to avoid bumper accidents as well,” Akio Takeyama further explained.

There is also an Electro-Chromic (EC) rearview mirror to cut dazzle from vehicles behind and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), both of which alert the driver when other vehicles are in the blind spot. An Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) not only requires little effort to activate but also has a HOLD feature for use on slopes.

Dual Digital Video Recorders are useful for retaining visual evidence in the event of an accident, while a Tyre Pressure Warning system can alert the driver of a puncture. An ISOFIX point is also available at the rear for a compatible childseat.

Besides an engine immobilizer and alarm system, the RAV4 also has enhanced security with a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS). This system uses GPS/GSM for tracking and can improve vehicle recovery should it be stolen.

“Indeed, the RAV4 truly deserves the title of ‘Top Selling SUV’ in the world. We urge everyone to get behind the wheel of the All-New RAV4 to experience the vehicle for themselves,” said Akio Takeyama.

The launch today was completed by a downloadable brochure and an introduction to a virtual showroom for test drives, bookings and home appointments. This unique showroom features a '360 virtual product walk through’ that allow visitors to immerse themselves in an online shopping experience at a Toyota showroom. Interested parties will be able to obtain more information on the vehicle features and specification with a simple click of the finger.

This first-ever virtual launch that was held earlier today, is still available for viewing at www.rav4my.com.

The new RAV4 will be also be available at all authorised Toyota showrooms from 18 June 2020. For further information, customers can visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota Freephone number 1-800-88-3333.