2011 Toyota RAV4 Review

Reviewers call the 2011 Toyota RAV4 one of the most practical and family-friendly SUVs you can buy. The 2011 Toyota RAV4, reviewers say, continues that tradition.

The optional third-row seat also helps the RAV4 stand out. While the RAV4 launched the segment, the competition is starting to catch up. If you like the RAV4, reviewers say you’ll likely be happy with it. The RAV4 is most often compared to the Honda CR-V. Hovever, compared to a four-cylinder RAV4, the CR-V is tough competition.

It beats the RAV4’s base highway fuel economy and has a more up-to-date interior, with more standard features.

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV is available with a fuel-efficient 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine that racks up a healthy 22 city/28 highway MPG and a slightly less gas stingy V-6 that still logs in an impressive 27 highway MPG.

Pricing should be around $22,750 MSRP for the base model Rav4--All RAV4s buyers can choose between either a front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The smaller engine has a four-speed automatic standard, while the larger engine has a five-speed automatic as standard and that is available on the smaller engine as an option.

The Base Model RAV4 has a suggested MSRP of $21,925 for the FWD version. The Toyota RAV4 has the most interior room-seating and storage-of any vehicle in its class.
Designed to blend comfort with performance, the 2011 RAV4 features four-wheel independent suspension, a rigid body structure, and enhanced power steering. The positives of the RAV4 are many.

That said, the RAV4 is one of the older designs in the compact crossover segment. The 2011 Toyota RAV4 is a midsize crossover SUV. There are three trim levels available: base, Sport and Limited. The base RAV4 comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a limited-slip differential (front-drive models only), air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The base V6 4WD adds 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

The RAV4 Sport comes standard with 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, color-keyed bumpers and sportier suspension tuning. The Sport Appearance package that is available on all four-cylinder and V6 4WD Sport models deletes the spare tire mounted on the rear cargo door (the model features run-flat tires instead) and adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors and chrome exterior details.

All V6 models add hill-start assist and hill-descent control, which are also standard for the RAV4 four-cylinder with the optional third-row seat.

An Upgrade Value package for the base RAV4 includes a sunroof, roof rails, privacy glass, 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, six-disc CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded cloth upholstery and a cargo cover. The Premium package available on the Sport and Limited trim levels (though not with the third-row seat) adds leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. V6-powered models can be equipped with a tow package.
The 2011 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that delivers 179 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for this model with front-wheel drive is 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined, and 21/27/24 with 4WD.

The V6 achieves an impressive 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive RAV4, and these ratings change only by 1 mpg less for EPA highway when the 4WD model is selected.

Every RAV4 trim level can be matched with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, whiplash-reducing front headrests, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2011 Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 also performs well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, earning the top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. The RAV4's interior boasts a clean design with large, simple controls and lots of storage space. Overall interior quality is acceptable, but the Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V make the RAV's interior look too insubstantial and budget-oriented.

Nevertheless, the "Toyota RAV4" is a model of practicality. The rear seats recline and can slide fore and aft to optimize passenger space or cargo capacity. To configure the RAV4 for cargo, all you need to do is flip a lever on the second-row seats.

BRABUS TUNES DIESELS TO BOMB STATUS

If you thought BRABUS only tuned up AMG models, you clearly don’t know BRABUS. Why recently they started work on the new CLS range and actually tweaked not the AMG big daddy, but the smaller, younger ones, including the CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency. That’s the diesel one if you didn’t know.

Exterior features are quite distinctive and include LED daytime running lights, BRABUS sill skirts, integrated entrance lights, front spoiler, a new rear apron and BRABUS wheels ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch. A special exhaust system should provide the perfect soundtrack to a Godzilla roar on wheels. BRABUS also lowered the suspension by about 35mm so the cars sit closer to the tar.

They have added 22.8kW to the CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency and it now has 560Nm of torque. The CLS 350 CDI BlueEfficiency has 690Nm vs 620Nm for the standard car, and 230kW, as opposed to 190kW.

BRABUS kit is exclusive, the likes of Mastik leather, alcantara finishes, scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logos, aluminium pedals and carbon fibre dashboard inlays.

XENATEC MAYBACH CRUISERIO SEEN BEFORE GENEVA

Xenatec is not exactly well-known for producing anything. Not unless you live in Saudi Arabia and have put down a sweet little deposit on the €675 000 (R6.5 million) asking price. Then you would be one of 100 who will have this Xenatec Coupe, or Cruiserio, which is based on the Maybach 57S. The car was apparently penned by a guy called Fredrik Burchhardt who seems to have much more imagination than the designers at Daimler.

Probably only by coincidence, the Cruiserio happens to be a two-door Maybach whose market seems to be the same as the Mercedes-Benz CL. But being a tuner special means it will invariably be more expensive, thus putting it into the zone of Bentley GTs.

Interior highlights include dark nappa leather in espresso brown, footwells lined in soft alcantara and finished in a blackberry tone and a custom-built panoramic sunroof.

The engine is a blasting 6.0-litre V12 with two turbos kicking out 450kW and 1000Nm of massive torque. It runs from 0 – 100km/h in just 5 seconds and hits a top end of 275km/h.

Look out for it at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show that starts off tomorrow.

Mia showing three electrically driven microbus

Electric city car at a fair price: According to this approach will bring the company three micro Mia Electric buses on the market. World Premiere celebrate the zero-emission models at the Geneva Motor Show . Serial production will then begin in June 2011.
Three different versions are available. Striking feature in addition to the unusual design is the central driver's seat that allows the driver both sides in and out. This seating arrangement is to enable the driver in city traffic and a good view for rear passengers more leg room. Sliding doors on each side and cut-outs in the roof and floor care, according to the manufacturer for a very practical approach. Mia likewise promises a vehicle for this length very large interior.

Ford shows new minivan name is B-Max at Geneva 2011

The concept car is based on the small car platform, which also uses the Ford Fiesta. With a length of 4.06 meters, the MPV eleven centimeters longer than the Fiesta and 32 centimeters shorter than the compact C-Max. A special feature of the new model is the new body structure, which dispenses with conventional B-pillars. This means that the edges of the study are on the front doors and rear doors open standard almost completely. Thus, a completely free access to the interior space is created which extends over a width of 1.5 meters - and thus, according to Ford twice as wide as comparable competitors. This makes the B-Max not only the entry and exit, but the seat belts by children in the back seat or the loading of the purchase.

Xenatec shows the Maybach coupe in Geneva 2011

The coupe goes by the name Cruserio "and was specifically configured according to the wishes of a customer and built. The finish of each piece consists of a hand-applied multi-layered matte varnish, which has a brass-colored sheen. The paintwork of the car is supplemented by a "delicate silver"on the sidewall of the vehicle.

The passengers sit on hand-sewn leather in buffalo undyed medium brown in combination with dark leather in espresso brown. The footwell of the car is fully lined with Alcantara, which was held in a raspberry hue. This note also refers to the use of leather trimming the seats. The held in leather headlining is dominated by a panoramic roof. For the price of the vehicle is silent Xenatec, because every copy is designed to the customer. Also armor are possible. After all, there are key figures: those who planned for one of the more than 100 copies of the coupe interested should count with at least 803 250 €. The basic vehicle Maybach 57 S offers from 465 290 €.

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2011 Hyundai Tucson Review

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson is a winner by all means. You can take it on-road or off-road, buy a 1.6 Liter Gamma Turbo Inline-4 engine or a 2.4 Liter Theta II Inline-4 engine; but however you cut it, the 2011 Hyundai Tucson is a stylish and smart choice.

Hyundai redesigned the Tucson in 2010, and for 2011, little has changed. The 2011 Hyundai Tucson is very similar to the 2010 model. The Tucson’s price is also hard to turn down. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 can’t beat this price. Although it offers a lot of features at an affordable price, there are areas where the 2011 Hyundai Tucson falls short. Few affordable compact SUVs beat the Tucson when it comes to fuel economy, but if you want a few more miles per gallon, the Chevrolet Equinox tops the Tucson and averages 22/32 mpg city/highway.
The Tucson has three trims: GL, GLS and Limited. The GLS and Limited models have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and optional all-wheel drive. The upper trims receive a six-speed automatic transmission.

This new base model makes use of a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine instead of the previous 2.4-liter engine.

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV that is offered in three trim levels: GL, GLS and Limited.

The GLS adds 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, roof rails, heated side mirrors, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leatherette vinyl door trim and seat inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and Bluetooth. All-wheel-drive GLS models also get heated front seats. The Limited trim goes the extra mile by adding 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, automatic headlights, foglights, upgraded suspension, front wiper de-icer, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjustments, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview
The 2011 Hyundai Tucson GL comes standard with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produces 165 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Only front-wheel drive is available for the GL.
The automatic improves these figures to 23/31/26 mpg. The front-wheel-drive GLS and Limited models are expected to get 22 city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined, while AWD models make slightly less at 21/28/23 mpg.

we found its acceleration to be just about average among other compact crossovers, with our test vehicle requiring 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Standard safety equipment for the "2011 Hyundai Tucso"n includes antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, active front headrests, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, hill holder and hill descent control.

Unlike many of the humdrum interiors found in other crossover SUVs, the 2011 Hyundai Tucson offers a contoured twin-cowl dash that's available in two-tone color schemes. The Tucson provides a comfortable driving position for drivers of almost any size. The compact Tucson also offers only 55.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, while both the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are rated at more than 70 cubic feet and even the Subaru Forester is rated at 63 cubic feet.

Many compact crossovers offer uninspired driving dynamics, but the 2011 Hyundai Tucson breaks from convention with a more lively spirit.

European-inspired suspension tuning and a well-weighted electric power steering system give the Tucson a sportier feel, but unfortunately, it comes at the expense of ride quality.

ISUZU LAUNCHES OFF-ROAD ACADEMY

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has announced the launch of the Isuzu Off-Road driver training academy aimed at existing and potential Isuzu KB bakkie owners. The Isuzu Off-Road Academy will kick-off this month and is open to all existing Isuzu KB owners as well as potential customers who wish to improve their off-road driving skills.

“The aim of the Isuzu Off-Road Academy is to train Isuzu KB drivers and owners in the correct use their vehicles. We are confident that this course will empower our customers with off-road driving skills and confidence to match the class leading off-road capabilities of the legendary Isuzu KB. Customers who have been on the course will be in a position to make better use of the technology in their vehicles, be it for work or leisure,” says Isuzu Brand Manager, Ryan Visagie.

The Isuzu Off-Road Academy will give existing and potential Isuzu customers the opportunity to improve their off-road driving skills and experience the Isuzu KB in a controlled and safe environment. 

“There is a lot that one can learn from this academy. A good example is driving safely on gravel roads. A lot of drivers are reluctant to engage 4x4 when driving on ordinary gravel roads. Our instructors encourage the use of 4x4 high range whenever one ventures off tarred surfaces as this gives the driver better control of their vehicle,” says Visagie.

The Isuzu Off-Road Academy which is open to customers throughout the country will give customers who attend the course the opportunity to take advantage of the enhanced lifestyle opportunities that owning a 4x4 vehicle allows.

The Academy is based at the Gerotek vehicle testing facility outside Pretoria but  courses will also be conducted at various off-road tracks throughout the country whenever there is demand. Isuzu Off-Road Academy attendees will have the opportunity to hone their off-roading skills in the academy’s powerful Isuzu KB 3.0 and 2.5 litre D-Teq Double and Extended cab bakkies in the presence of qualified off-road instructors. The Isuzu KB D-Teq engines which are the current 72-Hour speed and endurance record holders, combined with the superb Isuzu chassis, prove a formidable off-road combination.

The one day driving course costs R 1,999.00; however, the first 500 customers will be offered a special launch rate of R 1000.00 incl VAT. Interested customers can book a spot on the course through the Isuzu website www.isuzu.co.za or contact the Academy on 011 431 2000.

Customers attending the course can expect to go through a variety of modules including but not limited to: off-road driving theory, inclines & declines, side slopes & water crossings, and tyre pressures.

STORY BY ISUZU