|
Motoring journalist Paul Guinness, a former editor of 4x4 Mart, has been reviewing off-roaders for more than 20 years for leading British newspapers and magazines. Here he steers you to the very best
Click to view Top 5 Off Road Vehicles.
|
Best for the 'School Run' (Toyota RAV4) |
|
 This compact SUV will comfortably keep ahead of the competition to get to the school gates first - and the kids will love it. A sensibly-sized, 4x4 that drives more like a car. |
| |
Thirteen years on and Toyota is still at it, this time with the third-generation RAV4 – a model that’s bigger and more expensive (£19,040 to £27,015) than its predecessors, but still well ahead of the game in terms of all-round capabilities and pleasures of ownership.
You have a choice of 2.0-litre petrol (152bhp) or 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (136 and 177bhp) engines, ensuring your RAV4 will happily keep ahead of the competition to get to the school gates first. And all versions come with the same rather clever four-wheel drive set-up that, in normal use, directs power to the front wheels only; as soon as any loss of traction is detected, however, the RAV4’s Active Torque Control automatically transfers up to 45 per cent of drive to the rear wheels. It’s as foolproof a system as you’re likely to find anywhere. |
| |
 The RAV4 might lack the dual-range gearing offered by such rivals as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, but that’s only of any real use when heading for serious off-road terrain. Nevertheless, any RAV4 will cope happily away from the tarmac, while top-line versions get Hillstart Assist, Downhill Assist and Stability Control – which should give your offspring something to brag about at lunchtime.
According to the UK’s Autocar magazine, the RAV4 "…remains at the forefront of its class by sticking to a well-established and successful formula". And they’re right. The latest-model RAV4 is a sensible and likeable evolution of the original. |
Distinctive |
 Admittedly, the RAV4 has grown up a lot these days, and no longer has quite the same fun and funky image its original namesake became famous for all those years ago. Oh, and neither can you choose a three-door version now – because Toyota reckons there isn’t a market for it any more. On the bright side, though, the 2007-model RAV4 is a distinctive and rather handsome addition to the market – don’t you think?
What you’re guaranteed with any brand new RAV4 is a compact 4x4 with eager performance, class-leading handling, generous levels of equipment, a brilliantly effective all-wheel drive set-up and a genuinely rewarding driving experience. The Suzuki Grand Vitara might be cheaper, and the very latest Land Rover Freelander 2 might be a massive step forward from its rather dodgy predecessor – but the RAV4 is still the daddy when it comes to compact packages and stylish "school run" transport. Just ask the kids. |
| |
WHY TO BUY - It's a great compact 4x4 with stylish looks ... and the kids will love it
BEAR IN MIND - It's not the cheapest in its class |
| |
TYPICAL PRICES - £19,040 to £27,015
For currency converter click here
|
|
Other great reviews in Driving:
|
|
RELATED PAGES
|
Could this