Toyota RAV4 (2000 - TO DATE)
MODELS COVERED: Second generation August 2000 to date: 3 and 5-door Station Wagon, 1.8 2WD, 2.0 4WD [NV, NRG, GX, VX, XT2, XT3, XT4, XT5]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Although the second generation
Toyota RAV4 didnt change the way we viewed small 4x4s with quite the same seismic impact its predecessor did, few would contend with the fact that its a markedly better car. Bigger, more mature and considerably more refined, the RAV4 concept now seems to have grown in both confidence and competence. As a used proposition that Toyota name is as close to a watertight guarantee as its possible to get.
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This second generation RAV4 has a far more muscular look than its progenitor, with the kind of appearance that makes you feel like taking to the tracks. Appearances of course can be deceptive - and so it is here. Exactly the same permanent four-wheel drive transmission has been retained, which makes this
Toyota of rather limited use in anything other than a muddy field. Even those rather basic 4x4 mechanicals are only available on the larger of the two petrol engines on offer in the latest line-up, a 147bhp 2.
0-litre petrol unit. Four-wheel drive 118bhp D4-D diesel models are also available. The entry-level 123bhp 1.8-litre petrol model flatters to deceive, with two-wheel drive only.
This is apparently what people wanted. No point in paying for the extra 4WD hardware if you were never going to use it. In which case, you could argue, why buy a RAV4 in the first place? Fashion apparently, knows no practical bounds. What people did want was extra practicality.
The three and five-door bodystyles (which have been retained) were fine but rather cramped inside. And once inside, there wasn't much you could do with what was there. For a generation used to the versatility of
mini-MPVs like
Renault's Scenic, that wasn't good enough. So it is that the rear seats can now slide backwards or forwards, fold, tumble or be removed altogether. Total passenger space has been increased by lengthening the wheelbase and improving interior height, meaning greater head and legroom. Its wider inside too but three adults across the back
seat will still be pretty friendly after all but the shortest journeys.
Despite this, the RAV4 is now the most spacious car in its class, offering much better luggage capacity, especially on the three-door model. Take a seat behind the wheel and youll find that the dashboard has been redesigned to create what Toyota hopes is a sportier environment. Hence the metallic rings that border the three white-faced main dials. Theres also a three-spoke sports steering wheel.
Otherwise, its standard Toyota fare, sensible but not particularly inspiring. As before, there are numerous convenient storage spaces, cup holders and pockets and options included the inevitable satellite navigation system. Air conditioning however, is limited to plusher models. You shouldnt be disappointed in terms of equipment and safety is much improved too.
Apart from twin airbags and three triple-point seatbelts for rear seat passengers, all front occupants sit on Toyotas whiplash injury lessening (WIL) seats.
Prices for the second generation Toyota RAV4 kick off at around £8,000 for a 2000W registered 1.8-litre NV three-door. Most customers opted for the 2.0-litre models, the NRG retailing at around £10,000 for a 2000W plate with the plusher GX trim commanding an additional £400.
The GX Auto is another £500 on top of that, with a representative price for a 2002 52-plate model being £14,500. The D-4D diesel models are still relatively rare £12,500 should get you a 2001 Y-plate example.
Not much goes wrong on-road. Make the normal inspection for signs of heavy off-road use. Since the car was never sold as an 'off-roader', you're unlikely to find that this is a problem. If the vehicle seems to have been used a lot in the mud, its best to walk away as it isn't built to take that sort of treatment.
(approx - based on a 2000 GX three-door ex VAT) A clutch assembly is around £240, a full exhaust system around £800 (with the catalyst), front brake pads are around £45 and rear brake shoes are around £40. A radiator is about £240, an alternator around £180 and a starter motor about £195.
Late shape RAV4s may look more conventionally off-road than their predecessors but the big gains have definitely come in terms of on-tarmac performance. This RAV4 is lighter and faster than its direct rivals and is far more comfortable over poor surfaces. This is thanks to a fully independent suspension set-up further improved by the addition of a rear anti-roll bar to improve cornering performance. The new VVT-i engines feel willing and quick, the 2.
0-litre unit making sixty in 10.6s on the way to 115mph. The 1.8 isnt much slower (thanks to the lack of 4WD hardware) and will average over 38mpg.
If you want better economy, the D-4D diesel will average nigh-on 40mpg.
Be honest with yourself. Do you really need low range gearboxes, whistling dual purpose tyres and the aerodynamic profile of Johnny Vegas? Probably not. This being the case, the Toyota RAV4 strikes a blow for the pragmatist. If you enjoy an elevated seating position and rugged good looks, the RAV4 doesnt disappoint.
It throws in the best bits of a conventional hatchbacks driving dynamics and melds them with the practicality of a mini-MPV. The 1.8-litre NV even ditches the 4x4 architecture in favour of an eminently practical, simple and affordable front wheel drive layout. If youre looking for something that will make you look like a contestant from the Camel Trophy, the RAV4 comes up short.
If, on the other hand, you use a compact 4x4 like 95% of other buyers, a used second generation RAV4 is extremely difficult to better.
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