Toyota Applies VAT Reduction to Car Prices

Toyota has acted swiftly to pass on the benefit of the 2.5 per cent reduction in the standard rate of VAT to its customers. From 1st December 2008 the new 15 per cent rate will apply to all new Toyota cars and options. The revised on-the-road vehicle prices also take into account the VAT element in delivery charges and the cost of number plates.

The reductions make the Toyota range even better value for money. For example, the price of the revolutionary new Toyota iQ is reduced by up to £240, with the model range now starting at £9,295. The order books for Toyota iQ are open now, with first deliveries to customers in January.

Within the established Toyota line-up, there are significant savings to be enjoyed, for example on the Toyota RAV4 compact SUV, with the added-value XT-R versions now costing from £19,620 for the 2.0 VVT-i manual model - £425 less than the current OTR price.

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Toyota RAV4 SR180

The new RAV4 SR180 brings both sporting performance and high value to Toyota’s compact SUV range, a model that ably combines spirited on-road driving, contemporary good looks and the kind of off-road ability that more than meets the demands of most motorists.

Positioned to command a price advantage against its main market rivals, the RAV4 SR180 is exclusively powered by Toyota’s advanced 175bhp (177 DIN hp) D-4D diesel engine, mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission. With 400Nm of torque on tap, it is a formidable performer and can move from rest to 62mph in 9.3 seconds. Its pulling power is matched by respectable fuel consumption of 40.4mpg (official combined cycle figure) and carbon dioxide emissions of 185g/km – Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty.

Building on the specification of the RAV4 XT-R, the SR180 is distinguished by its 18-inch alloys housed in bold, extended wheelarches. Run-flat tyre technology means there is no need to house a spare. Dark-tinted headlamps further distinguish the model from its stablemates. The list of standard features also includes Integrated Active Drive, which combines Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill Start Assist, Bluetooth connectivity, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, front fog lamps, six-speaker sound system with six-CD autochanger, cruise control, electric sunroof and rear parking sensors.

On sale now, the new RAV4 SR180 has an on-the-road price of £23,045. Owners can add a personal touch to their vehicle with a choice of options, including a Style Pack (£695) with side steps, scuff plates and chrome bodywork detailing and full-map satellite navigation (£1,735).

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2008 Toyota Rav4 CV6 review

The surge of urgency delivered by the engine hits all at once and is extremely sharp. To the regular driver, this can come as a total shock in certain situations. It’s way too much power to be sending through such a vehicle and in my opinion, it should have been down-tuned to reduce the spasmodic delivery of power, perhaps with more concentration on producing torque.

Interior room is impressive, as are the ergonomics of the seats. They fold down quite easily and provide easy entry/exit for children and adults. The sound system is quite average and the head-unit looks poorly integrated, unfortunately this is a trait shared with the Corolla and Kluger.

The quality of plastics is good, but some feel a bit cheap (like the dash surrounds and door handle surrounds). Interior room is great for a small family and the styling is good enough to keep the masses pleased. Fuel economy on test was reminiscent of a V6 – around 11-litres/100km.

Priced from $39,990 for the base model CV6 (as tested), prices move onto $43,990 for the SX6 and max out at $49,990 for the ZR6. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V offer a better package. If you are desperate for a V6 though, Mitsubishi’s offering is far more linear and smooth and is capable on mild off-road tracks. The Outlander’s engine is well behaved and can be controlled by steering wheel paddle shifters – a quaint touch.

As for the Rav4. If driven sedately it’s a car you could live with. But if the off chance arises where full power is required, you would need to be paying full attention.

Specifications :

Engine: 3.5-litre
Power: 201kW
Torque: 333Nm
Top speed: N/A
Safety: Electronic stability control- front air bags - side airbags - curtain airbags - front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.
0-100km/h: N/A
EuroNCAP rating: N/A
Turning circle: 10.6m
Fuel tank: N/A
Fuel consumption : 10.5 litres/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91RON unleaded

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2008 Toyota RAV4

The third-generation RAV4 put the baby-ute concept into the mainstream when it made its debut for the 1996 model year. But increased size enhances usefulness, and like all babies, this one has grown.

Since that ’96 original, the five-door RAV4 has had its wheelbase stretched 9.8 inches, overall length has increased by more than a foot and a half (19.1 inches), width by 4.8 to 6.3 inches, and height by almost an inch. The RAV4 offers a third-row seat option, as well as an exceptionally robust V-6 engine option (269 horsepower, 246 pound-feet of torque) and, of course, a choice of front- or four-wheel drive.

There are a couple minor demerits. That third row is suitable only for miniature humans, and opting for the V-6 without all-wheel drive means a torque-steer wrestling match for those who stab the throttle with too much zeal. Nevertheless, the RAV4 provides a wide range of choices and ample cargo space for this size class, plus good road manners and a higher-than-average fun-to-drive index, attractively wrapped and attractively priced. It’s a blend that’s hard to beat.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 5–7-passenger, 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: $21,785–$27,355
ENGINES: DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 166 hp, 165 lb-ft; DOHC 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6, 269 hp, 246 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS: 4- or 5-speed auto
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.7 in Length: 181.1 in Width: 71.5–73.0 in Height: 66.3–66.5 in
Curb weight: 3300–3700 lb
FUEL ECONOMY: EPA city driving 19–21 mpg

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