Or+− General
Production: 01 Oct 2003 until now
Length: 4265 mm
Width: 1785 mm
Weight: 1377 kg
Fuel Delivery: Multi point fuel injection
Transmission: Manual
Gears: 5 Speed
+− Performance
Engine Size: 1998 cc
Cylinders: 4
Power Output: 147 bhp
Valves: 16
Torque: 192 Nm
Top Speed: 115 mph
MPG: 32
Production: 01 Nov 2003 until now
Length: 3870 mm
Width: 1785 mm
Weight: 1296 kg
Fuel Delivery: Multi point fuel injection
Transmission: Auto
Gears: 4 Speed
+− Performance
Engine Size: 1998 cc
Cylinders: 4
Power Output: 147 bhp
Valves: 16
Torque: 192 Nm
Top Speed: 109 mph
MPG: 30
Both the VVTi units - the 1.8 and 2.0 - are willing and work well, the 123bhp 1.8 in the front-wheel-drive NV is based on the MR2 and Celica unit. It's reasonably economical, returning a Combined fuel consumption figure of 38.2mpg. It's quick for a 4x4 too - with a 0-60mph time of 12.2 seconds. But the main petrol unit is the 147bhp two-litre. It's swift (0-60mph in 10.9 seconds), but less refined than the 1.8 and fuel consumption is 32.1mpg. Diesel buyers can opt for the 2.0 D-4D, it's lively enough for most people, is quite refined and gives 39.8mpg.
Despite its height and chunky tyres, RAV-4 corners with confidence. The power-assisted steering is light, making it easy to park, but on the road it feels over-assisted and lacks feel. Well-spaced ratios make for slick gearchanges, but it’s hampered by a notchy gearbox.
christopherpostill said:I
Can't
Stand
Automatics
*sorry, rant over*
You will get less miles to the gallon from an automatic, and it will noticably slower off the mark than the manual. If you only do short runs, that will cut into the MPG yet again - my mum has a 1.8 Auto 306 and gets 300 to a tank from £60 of unleaded. Because she only drives short distances and its an auto.