New Toyota RAV4 Outgrows Itself
Why do new vehicles always have to be bigger? "Bigger and better" was the American way in the 50's through 70's and while size was mostly determined by the styling studios (it's easier to create a good-looking long car than a short one) it could at least be rationalized as serving the suburban lifestyle. We've always admired Japan's ability to build small cars that were dependable and fun but in the last few years each new Japanese model has been — you got it — bigger and (supposedly) better. Case in point: the honda Civic is now the same size as a mid-80's Accord.
What got me going on this particular rant was an electronic press release from Toyota, extolling the virtues of the new RAV4. And what does it offer? Quote: "…longer and wider body, with a longer wheelbase." In plainer words, bigger. Naturally "bigger" also requires more power and so the RAV4 offers a V-6 option with 269 hp. That's a whopping 269 hp in a supposedly compact SUV.
No doubt the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is a worthy automobile, with the all quality that Toyota traditionally represents. It is roomier inside and comes loaded with electronic gadgetry and comfort features. But when it first appeared the RAV4 was a funky little SUV, small in stature and simple in concept and not a bad ride in most situations. Affordable and easy on gas, too. Gradually it has grown to be something quite different and I'm not sure that's an improvement. Perhaps, someday, an auto manufacturer will have the guts to say its newest model is smaller. Because that, indeed, would be better.
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I am not a big fan of large automobiles, especially that in my country, streets are narrow. And due to these big cars, traffic are inevitable. This is a big pain in the head. I would still prefer to have smaller cars.