SECOND HAND SENSE:WRITTEN OFF by some as mere fashion accessories, cars such as the Toyota Rav 4 and the Nissan X-Trail do have some justification for their existences, wrties Donal Byrne
Of course, they are of virtually no use in cities (where many of them spend their time) but they have a use in more rural areas where conditions can be trying for a normal saloon car.
The recent floods in many parts of the country provide a good example. Besides, a car like the Rav 4 is not as polluting as some might think - the 2.2 diesel engine, for instance, has an emission output of 173g/km, which is better than many cars.
The Rav has enough ground clearance to avoid many problem areas and its off-road abilities are sufficient for the occasional challenge. It has been around since the mid-1990s and has served its owners well.
What you get with the Rav is essentially a lifestyle vehicle that drives well, has good handling and does not wallow in corners the way bigger four-wheel -drives tend to. With the rear seats folded it will take a good load, yet it always seems to behave more like a car than a small loaded van.
There are various options around depending on the year you go for (the Rav is now in its third incarnation and was re-launched in 2000 and 2006), from 1.8 petrol versions to 2.2 diesel models. The post-2006 models are obviously an improvement on the ones that went before - the 2006 model being longer and wider - but the pre-2006 models are fine at the right price.
For those who need a Rav, the diesel is by far the best option. The 2.2 has good emissions and it is very economical, returning up to 40 miles to the gallon (0.05 litres per kilometre) and it does not lack either low range pulling power or overall performance.
A 2005 petrol version with 1.8-litre engine, several airbags, air conditioning, alloy wheels, a CD player and 34,000km on the clock is on offer for €22,500. A 2006 (new model) with even better equipment levels and the 2.2-litre diesel engine and 61,000km up is on offer at €26,000. The later models have a four-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash programme.
STAR RATING: 6/10