4x4 that was built for the road

Dec 1 2008 Peter Hayward

4x4 that was built for the road

THE first RAV4 built until 2000 was not very pretty but it drove like a hot hatch, with a storming two-litre twin cam engine and roadholding to match.

Toyota was one of the first see the way the 4x4 world was going and come up with one built for the road.

The second generation RAV is much better looking and also has the option of a 114bhp D4D turbo diesel with decent performance to add to the petrol engine's excellent 147bhp.

There was also a 1.8 with 123bhp and the cheapest NV version was only two wheel drive.

Comfort is good in all and handling is much better than any 4x4 should ever be, with great balance, excellent grip and loads of fun.

The controls are light and easy, the steering has good feel, the cabin is light and airy and the high driving position is excellent.

Interior

As well as the on-road performance, they can also handle fairly tough off-road work, although there are no low ratio gears.

The seats are excellent, the five door has much more interior space and levels of equipment are very good throughout the range.

FAST FACTS

Toyota RAV4 2.0 5dr

Price : Pay about £2,900 for an '00 W-reg NV, £5,200 for an '03 03-reg GX, or £6,900 for an '05 55-reg XT2

Mechanical : 147bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 115mph

0-62mph : 10 secs

Combined mpg : 30

Insurance group : 10

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Honda CR-V