I came across the images of the Toyota RAV4 testing in India. India often provides great testing grounds for new models due to its varied topographies and climate conditions. Hence, it is common for carmakers to test vehicles in India to validate them for other international markets. Alternatively, auto companies also import new models in India for component testing. In these cases, these components could then be used on the upcoming new models or facelift models of existing cars. I feel this latest case pertains to the latter. Let us delve deep into the details of this latest spotting.
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Toyota RAV4 Testing in India
These images emerge from Bunny Punia on Twitter. They capture a rather unique sight on the Indian roads. The iconic RAV4 is seen plying on the Indian roads. Digging a little deeper, I believe it is the previous generation model. It most likely belongs to the 2013 – 2018 era. Because this is the last-gen model, I don’t think it is being tested to be launched in any other market, or even in India. In fact, the Japanese auto giant has no plans of launching it in the Indian market at all. That is what leads me to believe that it must be on our shores for component testing.
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Now, Toyota has announced that the next generation of the Fortuner and Hilux will most likely feature a hybrid powertrain. The RAV4 has been boasting a hybrid engine in many international markets for a long time now. As a result, it is entirely possible that the engine components of the RAV4 could be used in the engines of the aforementioned SUVs. This will reveal what tweaks are needed to be made to the powertrain and other mechanical components to excel in the Indian conditions. These encompass the terrain, topography and climate. India, being a diverse land, offers all sorts of conditions to offer a complete testing ground for any new car. For more details, we shall have to wait a bit longer.
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Author’s Note
Having followed the automobile industry for many years now, I understand how carmakers perform rigorous testing before launching any new car. This is true for every market. This process is long and tedious. While most people don’t realise it, the cars they drive, have gone through hundreds of thousands of testing to make sure that every component in the car is in sync with the other elements. That is why it is never a good idea to perform aftermarket modifications on cars. The stock model has been calibrated to synchronize all components together. I am excited to know what the RAV4 testing is all about. I am sure, we will get some ideas in times to come.
