MOTOR RIVALS

With more than 20 years under its belt, Toyota’s popular RAV4 continues to set the stage for the compact sport-utility segment, bringing high doses of value, style, and safety to discerning drivers. For 2017, the onetime “new-concept” builds upon this two-decades-old avant-garde foundation and offers a bevy of standard-issue safety technology with its Toyota Safety Sense™ P active safety package. Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) combines the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). TSS-P’s comprehensive features create in-the-moment safety designed to support a driver’s awareness and decision-making on the road.

The RAV4 family also gains a new luxurious Platinum grade to its gas-powered variant, while its hybrid-powered model welcomes a sportier SE grade. A redesigned front bumper cover gives the SE – gas and hybrid – a more rugged look. The 2017 RAV4 now comes in five grades: LE, XLE, SE, Limited, and Platinum. The RAV4 Hybrid can be had in three grades: XLE, SE, and Limited.

Choose a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid and drivers will enjoy powerful and quick acceleration. The all-weather capability is there, too, as all Hybrid grades come equipped with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) as standard. A second, independent electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.

Powertrain

Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive has long been the platinum standard for seamless hybrid performance, high efficiency, and exemplary dependability. Drivers love the way it works, because they cannot feel it working, and that’s the point. The 2017 RAV4 Hybrid combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its unique transaxle. The RAV4 Hybrid delivers a jolt of performance from a combined 194 system horsepower. The versatile RAV4 Hybrid will zoom from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. The 2017 RAV4 Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway/32 mpg combined.

Non-hybrid RAV4 grades are powered by a punchy 176-horsepower dual-overhead cam 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) and six-speed automatic transmission. The combination yields EPA fuel economy estimates of 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined (LE and XLE); 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined (SE, Limited, and Platinum).

With standard front-drive, the RAV4 gas model has a special traction helper called Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD). Essentially a second layer of computer logic in the Traction Control system, Auto LSD can be engaged at speeds below 25 mph to provide the function of a mechanical limited-slip differential. For maximum traction capability in all conditions, the RAV4 gas models offer the sophisticated Dynamic Torque Control AWD system. Taking input from various sensors (vehicle speed, steering speed and angle, throttle angle and yaw rate), Dynamic Torque Control continuously monitors and actively governs torque distribution to the rear wheels, as needed, via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential. Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help reduce fuel consumption.

Chassis

A body structure that makes extensive use of high-strength steel provides a robust and stiff, yet light, platform and is the foundation for the RAV4’s smooth ride, handling agility, and cabin quietness. The rear suspension member counts on spots welds and robust support mounts to help enhance rigidity and reduce vibration transfer into passengers’ space. The MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension allow the RAV4 to absorb bumps, ruts, and railroad crossings with composure. A strut tower bar links the tops of the front strut towers to the main bulkhead, helping to increase torsional rigidity. Front and rear shock absorbers and coils help enhance control and increase comfort. The SE grades receive unique sport-tuned shock absorbers and coils for enhanced sport driving composure.

Technology

The 2017 RAV4 plays your music your way through one of four available Entune audio systems. The LE’s Entune Audio includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle comprised of 6.1-inch touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology with integrated backup camera display. Standard on the XLE and SE grades, Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation adds high-resolution and the Customizable Home Screen feature to the 6.1-inch touch screen and also includes HD Radio with iTunes tagging, SiriusXM satellite and Traffic/Weather. The Connected Navigation via Scout GPS Link app is standard with this upgraded system and includes cell-phone driven navigation, voice activated search, traffic-based commute information, and more. In the RAV4 Limited (and optional for the XLE grade), Entune Premium Audio adds a 7.0-inch high resolution touchscreen with Customizable Home Screen, Integrated Navigation and the subscription-free Entune App Suite.

Safety

The 2017 RAV4 is equipped with the Star Safety System™ that includes: Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Eight standard airbags include dual stage advanced driver and front passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; first and second row side curtain airbags; driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to help support the driver’s and front passenger’s heads during certain types of rear-end collisions.

The standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) driver assist system bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection function (PCS w/PD) featuring forward collision warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

The newly developed second generation VW Tiguan is the first Volkswagen Group SUV whose design is based on the MQB platform, which is future oriented in all of its aspects. For Volkswagen, the new Tiguan marks the beginning of an SUV product offensive. In upcoming years, the brand will be launching other innovative SUVs that are precisely tailored to specific markets in a wide variety of segments worldwide. Volkswagen will be extending the range of SUV vehicles it offers, especially in the USA. Forecasts indicate that the SUV share will also increase significantly in China. Additional SUV growth will also occur in Europe. Unlike in Europe, car drivers in the USA and China prefer versions with a longer wheelbase. That is why the new Tiguan was systematically developed for two different wheelbases from the start. The MQB improves all aspects of the Tiguan. The body proportions of the latest Volkswagen SUV are notably sporty, the design shows charisma in all respects, and the vehicle's weight was reduced by over 50 kilograms compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines. A gigantic leap forward has been made in terms of the vehicle's interior space and boot space. The Tiguan is not a crossover between different worlds - rather it has created its own new and authentic SUV world. An SUV that satisfies all expectations - both on-road and off-road. "The SUV." In the second generation Tiguan, Volkswagen designers have created an SUV that transfers a new design quality to this segment in a progressive and competitive way. The precision and logic of its lines as well as its clear and unmistakably dominant character have led to a visual profile of the Tiguan that clearly differentiates it from its competitors. The exterior and interior also form coordinated units in perfect harmony. This resulted in a new original - a masterpiece.

Powertrain

The many different equipment configurations may be combined with a total of eight Euro-6 engines. In this class, Volkswagen provides a turbocharger, direct injection, stop-start system and battery regeneration as standard. The four petrol engines (TSI) produce 92 kW / 125 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS, 132 kW / 180 PS and 162 kW / 220 PS of power. The four diesel engines (TDI) produce 85 kW / 115 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS, 140 kW / 190 PS and 176 kW / 240 PS of power. The base engines of the new Tiguan are launching with front-wheel drive. All of the other Tiguan versions offer all-wheel drive either as an option or as standard. Compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines, the four-cylinder engines in the new Tiguan are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient.

Many drivers of a Tiguan value the possibility of driving off-road in a safe way - either in business or private use. In addition, the all-wheel drive system offers added safety in adverse weather conditions. The fact is that Volkswagen also offers the highly efficient 4MOTION all-wheel drive system in the new Tiguan, either as an option or as standard, depending on the engine selected. The ground clearance of all Tiguan 4MOTION versions is 11 mm higher (200 instead of 189 mm).

Chassis

The MQB architecture improves all aspects of the Tiguan. The proportions of the latest Volkswagen SUV are even sportier, the design is truly charismatic, and the vehicle's weight was reduced by more than 110 pounds compared to the previous model. A gigantic leap forward has been made in terms of the vehicle's interior and trunk space: the capacity of the trunk has increased by 1.8 cubic feet, to 18.4 cu ft, and the load space can be enlarged to 21.8 cu ft by sliding the rear bench seat forward, by up to 7.1 inches. When the rear seat is folded, the cargo capacity is 58.5 cu ft, a gain of 5.1 cu ft.

Technology

The new Tiguan is one of the world's most advanced A-SUVs with an impressive array of innovations. These innovations enhance the vehicle's safety, convenience, infotainment and dynamism. First, there are technologies like the 12.3-inch Active Info display (interactive, fully digital main instruments with five information profiles) and the head-up display that is being offered for the first time in a Volkswagen SUV that forge new paths for user operation and information channels. In the Trendline equipment version, the Tiguan is equipped with the Composition Touch radio system (5.0-inch monochrome touchscreen) as standard. The Tiguan Comfortline and Highline get the Composition Colour radio system (5.0-inch colour touchscreen) at no extra charge. The Composition Media radio system (8.0-inch colour touchscreen) is also available. Other option levels are the Discover Media and Discover Pro radio-navigation systems (both also have 8.0-inch displays). All of these systems are part of the second generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB II).

The MIB II creates the proper conditions for connecting the Tiguan with today's Apple and Android smartphones via App Connect. In addition to MirrorLink™, App Connect also integrates CarPlay™ (Apple) and Android Auto™ (Google) into the infotainment systems. The Media Control app makes Volkswagen one of the first automakers to also offer an interface to the infotainment system for tablets. On-board once again is the Volkswagen online service Guide & Inform, which lets users access services such as latest traffic jam warnings, information on available parking spaces in nearby car parks (number of spaces and address) and information on filling stations (fuel prices and addresses).

Safety

New standard systems of the base version (Trendline) are the mentioned Front Assist surroundings monitoring system including City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring as well as the active bonnet. A new standard feature is the Lane Assist lane departure warning system. In addition, the safety equipment is completed by a network of seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver's side. Another general feature of all Volkswagen vehicles based on the MQB is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System; it helps to avoid hazardous secondary collisions. A standard feature from the middle equipment level (Comfortline) is the Driver Alert System.

The top version (Highline) is also equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC), which utilises radar-based control to accelerate the Tiguan or brake it and thereby always maintain the correct distance to traffic ahead. If the SUV is equipped with DSG in addition to ACC, it automatically handles stop-and-go traffic as well (traffic jam assist). Other Tiguan systems that assist in active or passive safety include the optional Side Assist (lane-changing assistant), Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection (detects elevated collision potential, tensions the front seatbelts to preventively restrain the driver and front passenger and closes open windows and the sunroof to just a small gap), Emergency Assist (recognises if the driver is no longer responsive and brakes the car to a stop) and Area View (360 degree all-round view using four cameras) that is especially useful off-road.