Toyota's fourth generation RAV4, the compact SUV that has endeared itself to the region's motorists, was officially recognized as the winning vehicle in the Best Crossover category by the Middle East Motor Awards (MEMA). With its balanced performance and capability, its fun driving experience and striking design, the new RAV4 has impressed customers across the region in its segment and swayed the MEMA jurors as well. The scoring criteria for the awards saw entrants judged on 12 aspects – technical, design, handling, safety features, performance, innovation, consumer aspects, driver satisfaction, emotional appeal, value for money, comfort level and Middle East friendliness. The 18-member jury comprised the who's who of the Middle East's automotive journalism world, such as editors of some of the most popular motoring titles and senior motoring writers. Speaking about the RAV4's triumph at the awards, Nobuyuki Negishi, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “The 2013 RAV4 is a bold reinvention of the world's original crossover sports utility vehicle. I am very happy with the decision of the jury which reconfirms the preference and trust that our customers have shown for the SUV and I thank them, and the organizers of the award, on behalf of Toyota for this recognition.” Negishi added: “Drawing on the innovative heritage of the trend-setting original model, the new RAV4 offers the best features in its class with distinctive and sophisticated styling, premium interiors, refinement and driver engagement. It also uses innovative new technology, such as the Dynamic Torque Control 4WD, to improve performance and fuel efficiency – together adding up to the best compact SUV in the market today.” Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i technology, the RAV4 makes 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. Its driver-focused features, such as a SPORT mode for enhanced performance and road feel, heighten the driving experience, making it more dynamic and sportier. The sophisticated, premium interior has soft-touch accents and driver-centric controls with the dash panel and gauges all featuring new Clear Blue illumination, for crisp visibility in most ambient light conditions. The steering wheel sports controls for audio and Bluetooth hands-free phone, and the Multi-Information Display (MID) shows an array of information such as distance to empty, average fuel economy, instant fuel economy, and selected gear transmission, among other aspects. The sporty, strong exterior emphasizes a sharp and smart design expression that is sure to turn heads. — SG
