bradley emmanuel

They are called VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga, Mitsubishi ASX: Almost every car manufacturer has a compact SUV in the program. It was a bit quiet around the founder of this segment, the Toyota RAV4. The current model has now been substantially revised.

More chrome trim
The most striking feature of the new RAV4 is without question the modified front section with wider chrome grille and new headlamps. In addition, a modified front bumper and LED lights come on back. The interior has seen little done, there's a charge against future Alcantara leather equipment. The seatbacks fold down easily to stay, this one must only press a handle near the tailgate. The boot volume is 586-1752 liters.

A petrol, two diesel
The four-cylinder petrol engine in the RAV4 makes 158 hp. It is available with a manual six-speed manual transmission and front-or all-wheel drive. For the four-wheel drive version is also a CVT automatic transmission, called "Multi Drive S" is available. This can also a sport mode and a manual switching function can be selected. The most popular RAV4 will be the 2.2 D4-D 150-hp diesel. Standard equipment is a six-speed manual transmission, also can choose between front-and four-wheel drive. The Allradler is to get even with a six-speed automatic. Top version of the RAV4 is the 2.2 D-CAT: The top diesel with 177 hp is only with all-wheel drive range.

First Impressions
We could already do a short test drive with the 2.0 RAV4 Valve Matic: A positive impression is the smooth-running engine, which gives together with the CVT automatic one-mannered character. Although this gives a little sluggish operating gear something else, it's going fast, for exactly eleven seconds to reach 100 km. Other advantages are the direct steering, the rear space, good ride comfort and forward visibility thanks to the contoured hood. But there is still not a downside: The plastics in the interior convincing. The steering wheel and the instruments are always too low, which limits the people with great legroom. The displays in the instruments and center console are difficult to read, the tailgate opens impractical way to the left side.

A question of costs
Prices start at € 23 800 for the two-liter gasoline engine with front-wheel drive, 600 € more than previously. As standard, then an additional lighting and a rain sensor, a CD changer, cruise control and a two-zone air conditioning. Where the RAV4 is priced in its segment? Considerably more expensive is € 26 050 of the 150-hp VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI Trend & Fun Blue Motion Technology, while calling for the front-wheel drive Hyundai ix35 2.0 with only 163 hp 20 990 €.