Toyota RAV4 XA10, 1 generation 05.1994 - 07.1998

In 1994, Toyota introduced the RAV4 SUV, which subsequently became one of the company's hits. Meanwhile, the concept car, which preceded the appearance of the model, was shown to the public back in 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show and was very warmly received. Two years later, Toyota gave the project a green light and serious work began to create a first-generation car. Its distinguishing features are a comfortable passenger compartment with a high landing, decent clearance, a powerful engine, independent suspension, and permanent four-wheel drive. The car turned out to be so successful, and the demand for it was high that the company had to increase capacity in the first year. What is noteworthy, the color for RAV4 was selected from 800 shades through research and surveys across the country - a large-scale advertising campaign was held under the slogan "choose your own version of the exterior and interior colors."
 Since 1995, sales of an elongated (40 cm) five-door version began. In 1997, the car was updated, in particular, the interior trim was qualitatively improved, models with a “phaeton” type body (soft top) appeared - a kind of beach option. In 1998, the model was restyled, the door trim panels were replaced, the car got an electronic odometer and a new audio system. The shape of the grille, bumpers and optics has changed. The simplest basic equipment of the first generation RAV4 includes power windows, power side mirrors, central locking, a vertically adjustable steering column, power steering, folding seats, two airbags. In more expensive versions, it was supposed to have a sunroof, leather steering wheel braid, front and rear spoilers, a remote control key, climate control, aluminum rims, and a leather interior.

 At first, the RAV4 was equipped with only one engine - a two-liter inline four-cylinder 3S-FE with a capacity of 135 hp, but since 1996, some forced modifications of the 3S-GE, with a capacity of 165 liters, have been put on some modifications. with., and since 1998 has been brought up to 180 hp Given the decent thrust-to-weight ratio, the RAV4 demonstrates good dynamics, especially the lighter three-doors. Transmission - 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

 RAV4 independent suspension: 16-inch off-road wheels are combined with front shock absorber struts and rear double wishbones. It should be noted, however, that the lower rear levers somewhat reduce the parameters of geometric cross-country ability, and short suspension moves allow suspension of the wheels, however, a robust body forgives even such tests. Four-wheel drive - permanent, with a symmetrical center differential. On cars with a mechanical transmission, the lock is forced, hard; on "machines" - with an electronically-controlled hydromechanical coupling. The optionally expensive versions were equipped with an automatically locking rear differential.

 In addition to the driver and passenger airbags, which are standard, the car is equipped with door stiffeners, belt tensioners, and child restraints. In tests by the ANCAP methodology in 1998, RAV4 showed a good result in both crash tests (frontal and offset). At the same time, RAV4 of the first generation, taking into account the initially high strength of the body, good resistance to corrosion, and today are able to provide an acceptable level of protection for the driver and passengers.

 Among the disadvantages of the RAV4, one can name a cramped interior, a tight layout of the engine compartment, and suspension stiffness. But all these “cons” can be easily forgiven: considering the “honest” four-wheel drive, powerful engine, good ground clearance and good maneuverability, the car behaves equally well both on standard road surfaces and when driving over rough terrain. All this allowed the RAV4 to become one of the iconic light SUVs.