Toyota RAV4 XT5
Looking For A Small 4x4 With All The Luxuries Of A Larger One? Toyotas RAV4 XT5 Might Just Fit The Bill. Jonathan Crouch Checks It Out...
Not everyone wants a large, lumbering four-wheel drive off roader. Which is why sales of more compact models like Toyotas RAV4 have been so strong in recent times. But what if youd like to keep the luxuries youve been used to but want them in a smaller package? As youd expect, cars like this have a solution to that too in the RAV4s case through the provision of the high-spec XT5 models we look at here.
Being able to provide such a wide range of buying options is one reason why this smallest
Toyota 4x4 has proved so successful in recent times, being showered with praise both from the specialist press and the fleet industry. The XT5 models featured here come with either petrol 2.0 VVT-i or diesel (2.0 D4-D) power but one bodystyle (the five-door) and are priced between £23,450 and £24,450, depending on your preference between petrol and diesel.
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XT5 is a trim level new to the RAV4 line-up, slotting in above the previous XT4 flagship with a specification that includes everything but the kitchen sink to justify its £2,200 premium. That means full-map satellite navigation, cruise control, an automatic anti-glare electrochromic rear view mirror and RAV4-branded aluminium scuff plates. Buyers can also expect to find automatic climate control, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control systems and full leather upholstery. Mind you, all models in the RAV4 range are pretty well equipped these days, as you might expect with prices starting from £17,250.
Every model now comes fitted with front and rear electric windows (rear only on five-door models), air conditioning, an electric tilt and slide sunroof (five-door models), a four-speaker sound system with CD player, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, a leather steering wheel and gear knob trim, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels with locking nuts, a hard cover for the spare wheel, roof rails, painted bumpers and wheel arch extensions. Plus, there are driver, front passenger and Curtain Shield airbags, as well as ABS with EBD to cover you in the braking department. Youre probably familiar with the RAV4 line-up, but for those that arent, heres a brief biography of Toyotas compact 4x4. After soaring insurance premiums killed of the hot hatch in the early nineties, manufacturers of small 4x4s stepped into the breach to cater for style-conscious urbanites.
These cars were often pretty flaky to drive and soon developed a rather fey reputation. The RAV4 offered something different in blending GTi style performance and chuckable handling with an elevated driving position and chunky good looks. The result was a compromise of course, but far less of one than other manufacturers had ever dreamed could be possible. It took them years to catch up.
"If they dont baulk at the price, buyers downsizing from larger 4x4s shouldnt be disappointed"
This particular generation of RAV4 is reaching the end of its life but far from flagging as a result in the sales stakes, interest in the car is on a relentless up, with year on year sales climbing by around 18 per cent. As already suggested, there are two engines to choose from and its worth pointing out that the 147bhp 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine is now Euro4 emissions compliant. The 114bhp D-4D diesel version carries a £1,000 premium which, over the course of three years taking into account fuel economy, depreciation and residual values, makes it marginally the better buy.
In recent times,
Toyota has concentrated on finessing the ride and handling of all RAV4 models. The steering has been re-geared and firmer mounting bushes have been introduced to give a little more feel to the tiller while the front springs and shock absorbers have been tuned to give a more comforting ride. Not that too many customers would notice. Theyd probably be drawn to the subtly revised exterior that features revised rear light clusters, a chunkier front bumper assembly, sharper fog lights and a redesigned spare wheel cover.
At the front, theres a revised front grille and headlamp cluster. All variants come fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, a hard cover for the spare wheel and a body styling kit that comprises colour keyed bumpers and wider wheel arches. Comfort and practicality inside the cabin is a major RAV4 plus. The rear seats can slide backwards or forwards, fold, tumble or be removed altogether.
Total passenger space was increased over the original model by lengthening the wheelbase and improving interior height, meaning greater head and legroom. Its apparently wider inside too but doesnt feel it. Three adults across the back
seat will still be friendly after all but the shortest journeys. Despite this, this remains one of the most spacious cars in its class, offering surprisingly good luggage capacity.
This RAV4 is lighter and faster than its direct rivals and is far more comfortable over poor surfaces. The 2.0-litre VVT-i engine feels willing and quick, the 147bhp unit making sixty in 10.8s on the way to 112mph.
The D-4D diesel isnt too much slower, hitting 60mph in 11.9 seconds and topping out at 106mph. Where it really scores is in offering an average fuel consumption figure of 39.8mpg, although the manual VVTi engined versions showing of 32.
1mpg isnt to be sniffed at. Opt for the automatic gearbox and that figure is shaved down to 30.4mpg. Overall, this Toyota probably makes most sense in more affordable XT3 and XT4 guises but that wont stop a decent number of XT5 derivatives cruising out of the showrooms in the direction of those downsizing from Discovery-class vehicles.
If those customers dont baulk at the sticker price (or theyre people who would have raided the options list anyway), then they shouldnt be disappointed.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota RAV4 XT5 range
PRICES: £23,450-£24,450 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-12
CO2 EMISSIONS: 190-224g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 VVT-i] 0-60mph 10.8s / Max Speed 112mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 VVT-i] (combined) 32.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin font, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height) 4265/1785/1715mm
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