toyota rav4 20 d4d nrg 2002 review
Toyota Rav4 2.0 D-4D NRG (2002) Review
Writen by John Applin
I bought this car as my first major step up from the bangers that I used to drive. My last car was a Daihatsu Sportrak, a brilliant little petrol 4×4, built like a tank, especially good in summer with the removable hard tops although not really suited to long motorway driving. It was this car that prompted me to look for another 4×4 when it finally died.
I was looking for a similar sized 4×4 that was more comfortable on long journeys, it had to be diesel to improve on fuel costs compared to my previous car.
After much searching, and looking at various different models such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda HRV, Honda CRV, Landrover Freelander, and Daihatsu Terios, I came across the short wheel base (SWB) version of the Toyota Rav4 (there has since been a new model in which the short wheelbase version is no longer being made and the range has been given an all round facelift). The first thing that stood out is that it looks a lot more stylish than the other 4×4’s in the same class, especially the diesel engined version, which I opted for, with the bonnet scoop for the turbo intercooler.
It turns out that the diesel engine that comes in this model (2.0 D-4D) is really quite efficient, I’m currently returning 41.7 mpg on average which is mostly town driving. Another good point about this engine is it’s low CO2 output (190g/km) which is 1 in the eye for all those 4×4 haters out there as it has lower emmissions than most cars, be aware though that the increasing vehicle excise duty rates means taxing the vehicle can be quite expensive but you will reclaim this money with the savings on fuel.
The model I purchased was the 2 door NRG which came with the optional leather seats and 6 disc changer which is located under the passenger seat. The leather seats are extremely comfortable on long journeys, the ride feels sturdy yet does not break your back when encountering pot holes.
For a 4×4 the RAV corners exceptionally well with little or no roll. The RAV was rumoured to be the ‘4×4 GTi’ and I can confirm those rumours, it pulls very strongly through each gear and will easily top 100mph. The RAV comes as a full time 4 wheel drive apart form the NV model which is 2 wheel drive. Personally I think this model is pointless, who in their right mind is going to buy a 2 wheel drive 4×4?
The RAV is billed as a softroader which means it has car like driving characteristics but has the ability to cope with the occasional off roading should you need it. The idea of softroaders came about because car companies realised that people buy big 4×4s because they think they are safer, they also realised that very few of those people actually used their 4×4s off road, so softroaders retained the high driving position and size of ‘proper’ 4×4s while simplifying the 4×4 running gear and softening the suspension to make them more suited to driving on the road. While it does not come with the low transfer box which comes with the larger 4×4’s, it will handle most of the off road scenarios that you’re likely to come across. The 4×4 factor really comes into it’s own under extreme weather conditions, meaning it will handle better and therefore be safer, that coupled with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) means that you feel more confident driving this car in bad weather than any standard 2 wheel drive car.
One unique feature about this D-4D engine is the variable nozzle turbocharger, this allows the turbo to adjust how much air is allowed to enter the turbo and thus produces an extra 5bhp over the old D-4D engine and delivers a constant torque of 250Nm between 1800rpm and 3000rpm.
Maximum power of 114bhp (85kW) occurs at 4000rpm. Not to mention it creates a satisfying turbo whine once you reach the turbo band!
Something you do not get with the 2dr RAV4 is a boot. With the rear seats pushed all the way back (the 2 independent rear seats adjust forward and back and also incline) there is pretty much no usable boot space whatsoever. This renders the SWB 2 door version of the RAV 4 unsuitable to families of more than 2 unless you’re going to use the RAV as a second family car. For me it’s ideal as I rarely have more than 2 people in the car at any 1 time. If I do need any boot space for anything significant it’s not a problem because the rear 2 seats fold forward and lock into place, and if necessary can be completely removed with the simple push of a lever.
With Toyota being a Japanese car firm you also get the benefit of excellent build quality and exceptional reliability. This will save you money in the long run and will outweigh the premium that you will pay for a car of this make. Toyota recommends that major services should be performed on the RAV 4 every 20,000 miles which also means that you should see less of the dealer or local garage which is always a good sign.
Key Features
Available in three and five-door bodystyles
Full time four-wheel drive (two-wheel drive NV version not available with D-4D engine)
Latest technology, common rail, 2.0-litre D-4D diesel
Exceptional fuel economy, low noise, low emissions
Available in four trim levelsl (NV, NRG, GX and VX)
Excellent combined fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg
0-62mph in 12.1 seconds, maximum speed of 106mph
WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and twin front airbags standard on all grades
MPV-style versatility with rear seats designed to slide, fold, tumble and be removed
Air conditioning standard on all grades
Remote alarm and Thatcham Category One immobiliser fitted as standard
Roof rails standard on all grades
Offered with three-year/ 60,000 mile warranty as standard
On sale in the UK from 1 September 2001
D-4D engine is a