Toyota's seemingly unstoppable RAV4 gets technical, styling and pricing upgrades.

All five models in the range feature interior and exterior styling changes that include a headlamp design change together with a revised radiator grille. The design of the front fog-lamps is also updated as is the rear combination lamp cluster. Turn indicators are added to the side mirrors.

On the interior the centre cluster that houses the sound system, ventilation and air conditioning controls has been revised as has the instrument panel. A Bluetooth interface is added to the VX specification.

But that's not the big news.

There's a price drop for the petrol engine GX and VX models without the spec being compromised. Both models are still powered by the 2.0-litre unit that produces 112kW at 6000rpm and 194Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Drive is via a five-speed manual transmission with an option of a four-speed automatic transmission available on the VX specification.

And, even more impressively, the diesel-powered GX and VX models get an enhanced Optimal Drive engine ? an improved version of the previously-fitted 2.2 litre D-4D direct injection unit. This means power's up by 10 percent to 110kW at 3600rpm. Torque is also up by 10 percent to 340Nm at 2000 to 2800rpm. At the same time fuel consumption is reduced by 11 percent from an average consumption of 6.6l/100km to 5.9l/100km. CO2 emissions are reduced from 173g/km to 155g/km.

Untouched is the Integrated Active Drive System, a 4X4 system that incorporates a suite of electronic driver aids that includes anti-lock braking (ABS)and traction control (TRC). On the VX specification models VSC+ ('Vehicle Stability Control+' that interacts with the electronic power steering) is added.

Hill Start Assist is an element of the VSC package. Cruise control is fitted as standard on the RAV4 VX models.

The electronic aids are integrated with the Active Torque Control 4WD system through a high-speed CAN communications interface. The real time interaction of all of these systems allows for vehicle control corresponding to driver inputs and vehicle behaviour.

The safety specification includes seven airbags. Dual stage front airbags, side airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, and a knee airbag for the driver make up this number. The passenger side front airbag can be deactivated.

The RAV4 2.2 Diesel is offered in both GX and VX specification levels. Both are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

Pricing:
RAV4 2.0 Petrol GX: R287 700
RAV4 2.0 Petrol VX: R345 200
RAV4 2.0 Petrol VX (auto): R356 200
RAV4 2.2 Diesel GX: R363 700
RAV4 2.2 Diesel VX: R408 600