It was a Wednesday for appreciating the two new vehicles serving the very different demands of buyers from a similar market who prefer elegance and luxury features in their vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines launched the all-new Galant 240M early in the day, while Toyota chose an evening ceremony for the media launch of the 2006 RAV4.

2006 TOYOTA RAV4

"The introduction of the new Galant reinforces MMPC’s passenger car line-up and gives us the opportunity to improve further our total passenger car market share," said Kengo Takase, MMPC president & CEO.

On the other hand, Toyota’s 2006 RAV4 has been designed as a compact SUV with a new technological package to cater to city driving needs, by providing features not yet found in other vehicles in the same class.

The RAV4 was the first compact SUV introduced in the country in 1996.

The 2006 RAV4 will be offered in two variants, the 4x4 and 4x2 variants, both in four-speed automatic transmission in 2.4-liter VVT-i engine.

The RAV4 has bigger exterior dimensions of 4,600mm (length) x 1,855mm (width) x 1720 mm (height). With that, it can now accommodate a more comfortable interior space of 1,745mm x 1,340mm x 1,180 mm; and a more spacious luggage storage space of 940mm x 1,090mm x 990mm.

It incorporates a set of improved features such as a "hunting eye" projector design for the headlamps, a trendy radiator grille, a round transparent set of front fog lamps, six-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels, enlarge outer mirrors with black accent, brighter light-emitting diode (LED) rear combination lamps, and rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics.

Its high performance air conditioning system is equipped with independent driver and front passenger side controls and an automatic switch, and a pollen removal mode control that shifts blower to recirculation.

Power switches include windows, 4WD function, seat recline, front vertical tilt, vertical lifter lumbar support and front seat heater.

Like most European models, it now has a steering wheel audio switch, all for convenience.

The RAV4 also incorporates cruise control which enables it to maintain desired speed by automatically adjusting throttle valve position and injection volume without the need to depress the accelerator pedal, thereby making long distance driving more pleasant and comfortable.

A tough chassis mechanism, complemented by a powerful yet smooth power train is the formula of the RAV4’s driving performance. Both 4WD and 2WD variants are powered by a newly adopted 2.4-liter VVT-i engine which provides better power and torque with a maximum output of 170hp/4,000rpm and maximum torque of 224Nm/4,000rpm. Its 4-speed automatic super ECT is highly responsive, and fuel-efficient.

Furthermore, the RAV4 is equipped with Active Torque Control 4WD which is a compact, lightweight and high performance 4WD drive system that controls torque distribution to the front and rear wheels through the electric control coupling and rear differential. This system gives stability in terms of start off and accelerating traction performance; secure cornering in terms of driving stability.

It also provides better fuel economy by distributing drive torque to the rear wheels only when needed and in the amount needed. This is coupled with the 4WD lock mode switch which fixes the front and rear wheel torque 50:50 distribution until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40kph.

Front passengers will feel much safer with the combination of dual stage driver and front passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags at par with higher-end SUVs.

As a bonus, the RAV4 also employs rear seatbelt hanger and storage box for rear passenger’s added safety.

The all-new Galant 240M is bigger in every aspect than its predecessor and in fact, also boasts the best-in-class dimensions against other sedans in the same segment.

This Euro-inspired sedan measures 4,885 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height. Cabin room length of 1,997 mm is the best in its class translating to more legroom for its passengers.

The front end features a striking three-diamond mark on the grille, quad-headlamps with automatic on and off feature, High Intensity Discharge (HID) main lamps with user selectable level adjustment provide a brilliant view of the road during night time driving, and low-glare fog lamps that improve visibility especially in poor weather conditions.

Similar to the European luxury cars now, the LED side turning lamps were integrated on the electronically controlled side mirrors (with power folding function).

The Galant 240M features individually, ergonomically-designed interiors. Seats were wrapped in glove-soft black leather and accented by darkwood and slim chrome trimmings. An eight-way power adjustment with variable lumbar support is standard for the driver’s seat.

The center console contains the new high end FM/AM stereo system which supports CD/MP3 playing.

Powering the Galant 240M is a 2.4-liter MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control System) engine. The 2.4-liter 4G69 MIVEC engine optimizes output by enabling variable engine timing.

At low ranges, the MIVEC uses a low/medium cam profile that creates valve timing with little overlap, maximizing fuel efficiency, torque, and low-end pick-up while minimizing exhaust emissions.

At high ranges (above 3,600 rpm), the MIVEC switches to a high cam profile that results to valve timing with larger overlap. This overlap takes advantage of air intake speeds to increase flow into the cylinder with each cycle, thereby producing