Hitch four wheels to the wagon
THE thirst for so-called off-road vehicles continues to grow, not so much because drivers actually intend to use them on anything less than solid roads, but more because they tend to make a lifestyle statement. To symbolise freedom and youth.
Vehicles like these have been around, it seems, for ever. From the dreadful, utilitarian Suzuki jeep, through to the upmarket Land Rover Discovery, the basic shape remains the same. But they have had to become more sophisticated as customers demand more comfort, more speed and roadholding, at least on a par with some of the more modest hatchbacks. No longer are they content to settle for wheel-lifting cornering and a breathless top speed of just a shade over 110 kilometres per hour.
Toyota has had its eye on this still-burgeoning market for some time and has now introduced its all-new RAV4, an attractive, though still essentially jeep-shaped, off-road vehicle which it hopes will capture some of the public's money, if not its heart.
The RAV4 - Recreational Active Vehicle/4-wheel drive - has ultra smooth lines and softer suspension than many in its class. It also has a lower driving position making it all the more car-like while retaining definite off-road capabilities.
It is powered by a two-litre Camry engine, and has a conventional stressed monocoque body instead of the usual ladder-frame chassis. The result is a rattle-free machine with doors that close snugly and a bonnet and boot which fit as well as they would on a similar saloon.
Amazingly, the RAV4 is relatively inexpensive. In Hong Kong, of course, it is lumbered with stiff taxation which pushes it well into the semi-luxury bracket, but in the UK, you can buy it as little as ?13,000 ($158,600). A bargain in any language.
The UK market, though, is encumbered with a list of options, many of which will be standard equipment for Hong Kong cars. The powerful 16-valve engine gives the RAV4 reasonable performance, although its housebrick aerodynamics prevent anything in the way of outstanding top speeds. Acceleration is brisk if not exactly exciting. Maximum output from the DOHC power unit is 98kW at 5,800 rpm, while torque figures given are a respectable 183 Nm at 4,400.
Independent suspension all round - many competitors are still on cart springs and beam axles - gives a decent ride while long-stroke shock absorbers remove much of the bucking associated with such vehicles.
Inside it's pretty comfortable too, with twin, removable sun roofs which store conveniently in the rear door, one-touch electric windows, engine-speed-sensitive power steering and a reasonable, four-speaker sound system. A far cry from most of the original off-roaders. The seats are well designed, but how they would handle the kind of lifestyle Toyota is promoting with the RAV4 - beach barbecues and the like - is questionable. The rear seats recline for a quiet kip in those moments when narcolepsy threatens.
Safety has been addressed in the RAV4 rather more than many of its rivals, with side impact beams in the doors, a high-mounted stop lamp and three-point rear seat belts. The brakes are ventilated discs up front with drums on the rear, while anti-lock braking (ABS) is standard.
Toyota is making much of the luxury features the RAV4 has over its obvious competitor, the Suzuki Vitara. And it scores heavily on engine size - the Suzuki is only 1590 cc - and the fact that the RAV4 has permanent four-wheel drive, instead of one that has to be engaged.
When is becomes available in Hong Kong in mid-March, the RAV4 is expected to establish a trend for off-road vehicles, a type which has hitherto been relatively ignored. All we have to do now is find sufficient off-road space to make it all worthwhile.
Win your own four-wheel drive in our Toyota RAV4 competition, starting next week. Don't miss your chance.