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Toyota RAV4 4x4 2.0 VVT-i XT-R

For:
The RAV4 has a sharp drive and the diesel engines are refined. There is a good roster of safety kit.

Against:
The side-hinged tailgate is awkward and some of the cabin plastics aren't great. The petrol engine is noisy.



Performance

Choose either a petrol engine (a 150bhp 2.0-litre unit), or one of two 2.2 diesels, developing either 134- or 175bhp. The petrol engine is disappointingly slow, and you need to rev it hard to get the best from it. The lower-powered diesel is our pick of the range, with sufficient pull, while the range-topping diesel is capable of very rapid progress.

Ride & handling

The latest RAV4 retains the sharp drive of its predecessor. The ride is comfortable, soaking up most road corrugations, while the Toyota corners better than most compact 4x4s. Be warned that the T180 range-topper comes with standard 18-inch run-flat tyres which make for jiggly ride.

Refinement

It's a mixed result for refinement. The petrol engine is far from refined, especially as you have to wring it hard for sufficient performance. However, the two diesels are pretty hushed for this class and diesel clatter rarely intrudes. Wind and road noise are well suppressed. The petrol model's six-speed gearbox is noticeably slicker than the diesels' six-speeder.

Buying & owning

Prices for the RAV4 are competitive for the class and it should retain its value well, making it a sensible purchase. Despite its impressive kit levels and ambitions to challenge the BMW X3, the T180 is expensive. The petrol model averages 32.8mpg, so pick either diesel to return more than 40mpg. Company car tax bills should be respectable.

Quality & reliability

Being a Toyota, you can take strong build quality as read; the RAV4 is well made and should stand the test of time well. The brand's dealers have an equally strong reputation, and the RAV should be a trouble-free purchase. Only the quality of some brittle dashboard plastics disappoint.

Safety & security

This is one area where the RAV4 really excels. Even entry-level XT3 models come with nine airbags as standard, including the only driver's knee airbags in the class. ISOFIX child-seat fittings, four-wheel-drive and anti-lock brakes are standard. Remote central locking and an alarm are fitted to every model to deter thieves.

Behind the wheel

The RAV4 has a sensibly and attractively finished cabin, with clearly labelled and laid-out switches and dials. The driver's seat and steering wheel are multi-adjustable to allow you to find the right driving position, although thick windscreen pillars obstruct vision around tighter corners.

Space & practicality

The RAV4 is now available in five-door form only. There is ample room in the front, while back-seat occupants can slide the rear bench to adjust legroom by 165mm. The boot is 47% bigger than the old RAV4's, but the heavy, side-hinged tailgate is awkward to use.

Equipment

Every RAV4 model comes with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, four electric windows and a CD player which plays MP3 digital music files. The MPV-style, fold-flat rear seats are also standard across the range. Trade up to XT4 or XT5 spec for even more gadgets, and to SR180 for sporty trim.

Running Costs

Town mpg

25.7

Out of Town mpg

39.2

Average mpg

32.8

Tank Capacity (gallons)

13.2

CO2 Rating (g/km)

202

Insurance Group

12

Typical Insurance Quote

£518

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

39

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£440

Pence Per Mile

54.5

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£970

Servicing Intervals

10000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation

Performance & Measurements

Body type

4X4

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1998/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

150/6000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

4395

Width (mm)

1815

Height (mm)

1720

Boot Space (min ltr)

586

Boot Space (max ltr)

1469

Turning Circle (m)

10.2

Towing Weight(kg)

N/A

Kerb Weight (kg)

N/A

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