The Toyota RAV4 helped establish the SUV segment when it arrived back in 1994. But while the RAV4 had no real opposition when it debuted, things have moved on substantially, and carmakers are tripping over themselves to get new SUVs to market. The RAV4 now has to contend with competition such as the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Ford Kuga and Volkwagen Tiguan. The latest model is bigger than ever before, and offers excellent levels of interior space for passengers and their luggage. Two diesel and a petrol model are offered, and all cars come well equipped, even in base Active spec. The RAV4 features Toyota's latest dynamic design theme, but it's not the sharpest car to look at, nor is it the best in class to drive.
Drive
A comfortable cruiser, but not the best to drive
Toyota claims that the RAV4 should be a sporty drive. You
even get a Sport mode on four-wheel drive models that increases the
weight of the steering and sends more power to the rear wheels to help
improve grip when cornering at speed. However, it can’t match the Ford Kuga or even Honda CR-V
when it comes to driving dynamics, as it has too much body roll in the
corners. The steering is vague, too, but it is a comfortable cruiser.
The diesel engines are powerful but quite rattly, although the RAV4 is
quiet at the motorway limit. Comfort
Lots of space and soft suspension are good for long distances
The RAV4 has a high driving position that makes it easy
to see out of. What's more, as you can see quite a bit of the bonnet -
and Icon spec cars and above get a reversing camera - it's easy to park
for a relatively big car. Icon models also get comfy sports seats, while
the extra space inside for passengers and their luggage takes some of
the tedium out of long journeys. The ride is soft, but that can make
things uncomfortable, with too much body roll in corners. Engine noise
from either of the diesels is quite intrusive a low speeds. Reliability
Proven technology and reassuringly solid build quality
The fact that the Toyota RAV4
has been around since 1994 means that the firm has had plenty of time
to get the reliability right. The latest model hasn’t been tested by
Euro NCAP yet, but a full five-star score is expected, thanks to
standard-fit stability control and seven airbags. The engines are proven
in other Toyota models, and the RAV4 feels very solidly built, inside
and out. All cars come with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty that's
transferrable to a new owner, should you decide to sell your car within
that time frame. Practicality
Impressive space for people and luggage
The RAV4 has grown with each successive generation. The
fourth generation model is the biggest yet, and features lots of space
inside. The driver and front-seat passenger benefit from a high,
comfortable seating position, with a good view out. There are big
cupholders and there's space for storing phones and keys in various
spots on the dash. Rear-seat passengers get lots of leg and headroom.
The boot space is 547 litres, with 100 litres of that under the boot
floor, where the spare wheel should be. The rear seats fold flat easily
with the pull of a lever and split 60:40. The boot also features a
luggage net that can hold loose items weighing up to 10kg, but it
doesn’t have a 12V power socket. Value for money
High prices made up for with decent equipment levels
The RAV4 is quite expensive to buy, but equipments
levels are high. The entry level Active trim features 17-inch alloy
wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth and front foglights as standard.
We’d recommend the mid-spec Icon trim level though, which adds a powered
tailgate, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers and the Toyota
touchscreen infotainment system with includes DAB radio and a rear-view
camera. Top-spec Invincible models get leather upholstery and heated
front seats. Running costs
New 2.0-litre diesel is clean, but 2.2-diesel is best if you tow heavy loads
There are two diesel and one petrol engines available in
the RAV4 range. The entry-level 2.0-litre diesel is the best choice if
running costs are a concern. It's only available with a six-speed manual
gearbox and front-wheel drive, but returns a claimed average of 57.6mpg
and emits 127g/km of CO2 thanks to its stop-start system. There is a
149bhp 2.0-litre petrol option, but that only comes with a CVT gearbox
and four-wheel drive, and thus would be more expensive to run. If you
are buying the RAV4 as a tow car, the 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel with
four-wheel drive and a manual gearbox is your best bet, as it can tow up
to 2,000kg trailers. A six-speed automatic is an option on the
2.2-litre diesel.
Last updated: 21 Dec 2012
Read more: Toyota RAV4 SUV review | CarBuyer http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/toyota/rav4/suv/review#ixzz2j8C6jppe
Follow us: @CarbuyerUK on Twitter | CarbuyerUK on Facebook
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar