Toyota makes the Chili Edition even spicier with a standard 200-watt Panasonic sound system that includes an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with Title Display, a removable audio face plate, and audio remote control. Sound quality is decent but I did have one beef. The buttons on the face plate are so small and undecipherable it made programming difficult. It was almost impossible to differentiate between what button did what. I mean, after pushing the wrong buttons a few times I got to know which ones not to press when trying to switch from a CD to the radio, so I guess I eventually got used to it. Still, if I had larger fingers or were trying to use it with gloves it would be impossible.
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| Toyota makes the Chili Edition even spicier with a standard 200-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 Panasonic sound system. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I had no such problems, however, with the optional 4-speed automatic gearbox fitted to my test car. It shifted smoothly and dropped down quickly for passing. But all said I would have liked to try out the standard 5-speed manual transmission, that should offer a sportier experience overall.
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| Standard on the Chili are power assisted front ventilated discs and rear drums with 4-wheel ABS optional. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The RAV was sporty in the corners though, with the Chili Edition helped out by a standard set of P235/60R16 all season tires and a snazzy set of aluminum alloy wheels. Although I didn't get a chance to test how little SUV makes out in the snow, I found it to have good traction in wet conditions.
Enhancing the smooth ride is a set of smooth brakes. Standard on the Chili are power assisted front ventilated discs and rear drums with 4-wheel ABS optional.
