The launch of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, now a year ago, has sparked two opposing positions. For those who can’t stand delay, least of all GadgetsThe Toyota model is a latecomer to a market already abundant with plug-in hybrid options. Those who value being on time first, at Toyota’s helm, make a very fine distinction between having the technology and having enough customers to make it profitable, so this RAV4 was their moment.
The Japanese firm is undoubtedly one of those who prefers to wait, and not exactly because it has no experience with normal (not plug-in) hybrids, which it has been producing since 2008. Anyway, whether it’s too late or not. Without fear of error, we can prove that the RAV4 Plug-in is an excellent car in terms of efficiency. Therefore, it can be said that if Toyota has been slow to offer this technology, it is definitely not because it does not know do it.
We are interested in highlighting a specific aspect in which the Japanese model shines above the competition, at least in general. This is an autonomy in electric mode that is much higher than the 50 km – and only in theory – that most competitors provide, and which in real driving is closer to 70 km. Only a few models of Mercedes-Benz, manufacturer premium First, they offer a greater electric range.
At the time of taking the RAV4, the on-board computer indicated that we could go 82 kilometers without the intervention of the combustion engine. We did not reach this figure, nor the 75 accredited in the WLTP homologation, and that we will apply it ourselves. ours failure This was probably due to the fact that Madrid is not exactly a flat city and we drove through the center as well as the ring and secondary roads.
With full confidence, in exclusively urban traffic it is possible to improve our brand and even approach the 98 kilometers that the model clearly achieved in a test that replicates this particular use. In our case, the energy consumption for 70 km spent in electric mode was 18 kWh/100 km. The total range was 713 km, according to the computer, with a battery and a fuel tank of 55 liters.
This plug-in version combines a 185 hp petrol engine and two electric motors, one with 134 kW at the front axle and another with 40 kW at the rear, providing four-wheel drive and a combined output of no less than 306 hp. The battery capacity is 18.1 kWh, and the average fuel consumption on a charge is 1.0 liters per 100 km. The car certainly qualifies for the zero-emissions label, as it nearly doubles the range necessary to earn that distinction.
Effective also without battery
Just as important is the fact that the RAV4 Plug-in adds electric range real Almost as advertised, it’s also very close to the official consumption figures when the battery dies, which is surprising for such a powerful model that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. The homologated 6.6 liters / 100 km seems frugal even for equivalent diesel-powered SUVs.
The response of the drive system is brilliant, especially when we select the sports driving mode, and is much higher than the version. A complete hybridWhich with 218 hp takes almost 2.5 seconds to complete the exercise mentioned in the inner paragraph.
This version also shows more refinement and acoustic comfort, thanks to the fact that the noise from the start of the petrol engine reaches the interior much more softly. Toyota has included a large number of insulators here, as well as a new acoustic windshield that reduces the perception of aerodynamic noise.
Conversely, the plug-in weighs 260 kilograms more than a regular hybrid due to the presence of the battery and accompanying electrical system. The trunk loses 60 liters (it goes from 580 to 520), mostly in the space dedicated to storing the charging cable, but it keeps the dimensions and practicality almost intact. It takes 7.5 hours to charge from a regular household socket, and 2.5 hours from A wall box 6.6 kW, which is the maximum power that the machine can handle.
The user has three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – and a fourth, called Trail, which allows end of the road Moderate. In addition, it has four other energy management programs. pure electric, EV, works up to 135 km/h; The automatic itself regulates the interaction of the three engines with efficiency always in focus. The third one conserves battery energy to be able to use it later, while the second one is charged using a thermal engine, which is not efficient at all, but allows switching to electric mode in the garage or in a low state. Exhaust area. If we run out.
To distinguish the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from a regular hybrid at first glance, you need to look at some subtle mentions sprinkled throughout the body. In the cabin we find more differences, including an electric passenger seat, a 220V socket on the console, an instrument panel with specific information, red interior stitching and a key that allows the cabin temperature to be set for a maximum of 10 minutes. . The more luxurious of the two, the Style Plus, combines a 9-inch central screen and head-up display from 10″.
The Advance version costs €46,950 and is eligible for Moves III benefits (up to €5,000 discount). Excluded from the price plan is the Style Plus for 56,000 euros.
Source: El Diario
