At the dawn of its automotive career, the Toyota RAV4 was positioned as a youth car for outdoor activities. This compact crossover with the number "4" in the "heading", denoting four-wheel drive, even allowed himself design liberties like a fabric roof or rubber moldings. Over time, the teenage outrageous model changed to adult confidence and a solid appearance, which attracted a completely different audience to her. Now the RAV4 is bought by family people who love comfort both on and off the track. Our guest Alexander is one of them. He agreed to drive his car onto the Friday lift rather out of personal interest, since he does not plan to sell it in the near future. Let's get to know him better!
Instead of "Corolla"
Alexander bought his all-wheel drive Toyota in 2015. It was in the capital dealership: the man just wanted to change the old Corolla car for a fresher model. Then a restyled version just came out. But, after testing the novelty and not finding significant differences, our hero began to stare at other models. Alexander was especially upset by the lack of cruise control with a standard variator - he was very much accustomed to this function, overcoming long distances.
« My family has always only had Japanese cars.- says the man. - This and , and , and ... At first, it was probably an accident. Then - a pattern. After all, there are no problems with Japanese brands, their cars are simple, reliable, inexpensive. Therefore, this time, too, were chosen from them. LookedCamry, afterRAV4. Surprisingly, their price tag was then almost the same. And since we in the family decided that we would live outside the city, we took a car more adapted to difficult roads... Moreover, from time to time I like to go fishing, in the forest to pick mushrooms ... The best option for such trips, a car with a high ground clearance is».
By that time, there were already jumps in the exchange rate in the country. The meaning of bringing five-year-old foreign cars from abroad disappeared, since new car in our salons it turned out to be purchased with a slight difference in price. Therefore, the choice in favor was formed by Alexander by itself.
« The dealer offered me to take a 2-liter crossover on the variator, He adds, but something I doubted. It seemed strange that four-wheel drive car offer with this type of checkpoint. As a result, without changing the old habit, I made a choice in favor of "mechanics"».
Advantages and disadvantages
Alexander got the SUV in the Comfort configuration, and it was also made in Japan. “It's almost the same as the base, only with four-wheel drive,- the owner comments. - Although everything that is needed for a comfortable ride is present here. The steering column is tilt-adjustable, the controls are powered by the electric booster, the steering wheel itself is multifunctional. There is a central lock, power accessories for mirrors and glass, roof rails. "
However, there were also some nuances. First of all, the man is dissatisfied with the full-time multicenter. He says that his control system with Mirror Link, duplicating a smartphone, runs on the ancient Android firmware, which constantly freezes, and it turns out to launch it only after a few times. For this reason, Alexander has to listen to either music on disks or radio.
Poor sound insulation is another tangible problem. Owners of both Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail sinned on it. Alexander does not differ in this matter from his “colleagues” in the fan club. " Yes, noises are cut off weakly, He says. - Everything is the same as with the rest of the "Japanese". In order to somehow influence the situation, I even had to drown out the wheel arch liners. I would have done more, but then it is necessary to sort out the entire interior, otherwise there will be no sense. HaveToyotathis is a deliberate policy: if you want a perfect car, take it ! No money - put up with it and go, which was enough».
About the plug-in all-wheel drive, the owners of crossovers, all as one, try not to say bad things. Our hero also does not extend to this point too: “ At speeds up to 40 km / h, the drive can be switched on forcibly. To do this, you need to cut out all the assistants, and then the car will skid with all its wheels. But I try not to climb into such places, because it will sit on the belly - then you will not stretch it. AlthoughRAV4 is defined as a car off-road, take it on faith is not worth it. Yes, there is a decent ground clearance, but the body rigidity is mediocre: if you hang rear wheel, the trunk is already difficult to close. Even in the book of operation it is written that this car is not intended for off-road ...»
But Alexander was lucky with the suspension - in the year of the release of his car, the manufacturer just changed its design. On earlier models, this "goat" and jumped, but here it was finalized, made more user-friendly. " This affected the smoothness of the ride, but not too much. It is still a bit stiff due to the height of the knots, but it suits me. Doesn't make me sick at least».
Despite the fact that the man additionally installed engine protection in his RAV4, he did not make the underbody anticorrosive - he hoped for the strength of the metal in the new car. At the same time, the crossover is the only car in Alexander's family and is operated all year round. As our hero said, “ I myself wonder what they will see there on the lift. At the Toyota service, they are not allowed to get close to the car during maintenance, you can only watch through the glass what is being done to it ...»
There are a couple of things that Alexander would certainly add to each package. Japanese crossover... First, it is heating windshield... Instead of this option, “wipers” with electric heating help to cope with frosts - not a panacea, but at least something. But in the summer, the car would not have been hurt by tinting the rear hemisphere. " I can hide behind a visor from the sun, - the owner complains. - But the children have nowhere to hide behind ...»
At the same time, the very quality of Alexander's gallery suits more than completely: “ How many times have not gone fishing with friends, everyone is sitting behind, throwing one leg over the other. Places, they say, you have here, like in a limousine. The back sofa here is really the most comfortable in the class.". A useful man also finds a rear-view camera, thanks to which a rather big car can easily turn around even on a tiny penny. It turned out to be an excellent gift and inner space trunk. " Except that it is big,so he also has a "hunchback"! Because of this, with the seats folded down, a flat area is obtained. I have already spent the night there three times - very comfortable! I fit entirely", - the man notes.
HowRAV4 rides
For two years of operation, "Toyota" Alexandra dashed off about 46 thousand km. Until next March, it is under warranty, so all scheduled maintenance took place at the company service. According to the owner, during this time only consumables (filters, oil) were changed in the car. Nothing more significant happened to her. Although Alexander travels a lot both around the country and abroad.
« It's nice to drive this car on the highway, - Alexander shares his impressions. - But here it is important to remember thatRAV4 with a 2-liter gasoline engine is never a sports car. For example, if there are five people in the cabin, overtaking should be done with a large margin. It's like throwing a brick and hoping it will fly fast. Therefore, I try to ride within the signs, and here the dynamics are good. After 3500/4000 rpm, she drives, so much so that you feel it and do not suffer. As for the consumption, it is small for an almost 2-ton machine. On the highway, there are about 9 liters per "hundred", and in the city - definitely more than 10. But still it is less than that of competitors.».
On the lift
So, after the car was washed and raised for inspection, we head to the technical floor of the H3O Bosch Service site to personally ask the masters about technical condition our car.
« Brake pads are good, still "fresh", - the mechanic comments, highlighting the wheels with a lantern. - But the front brake discs must already be replaced. There is no sense in this yet, because the pads are in order, but when they reach, you will need to replace everything with a set. There are no complaints about the rear brakes».
« This is a strange trend, - Alexander agrees. - The owners of other new : people with relatively low mileage changed the entire discs and pads. Maybe this is a new factory policy - they save again?»
« Only the seams are finished, - the master briefly informs, crawling under the bottom. - Knowing at what speed the "Japanese" rot, it would not hurt to process the entire plane as a whole. Here are the spots on the beam. Small so far, but this is already a signal. The stones will knock down the factory coating, and the rust will move on. If the machine will be operated in winter time, I recommend treating it with anticorrosive. The safety margin from the manufacturer is enough for five years. Therefore, while everything is beautiful, "bugs" have not gone anywhere ...»
Then the car returns from heaven to earth. The master opens the hood and takes measurements technical fluids... He hums with satisfaction. Another mechanic passes by and jokingly advises to wash the dirty engine. " No need to wash anything!- Alexander immediately answers. - In these cars, all the wires are outside the engine ...»
« The drive belt is already old, red and in small cracks, - says the mechanic, demonstrating a brand new belt for persuasiveness. - See, new belt should be charcoal black. And this one needs to be replaced as soon as possible. So, what else ... The oil is in order, but the coolant should be topped up. Well, the paintwork leaves much to be desired - you need to carefully monitor its condition».
« This is true, - our hero answers. - Whether for the sake of ecology, or simply because of the reduction in the cost of production, but the quality of the lacquer of new cars is simply awful. Even the brush leaves scratches! The same thing happens with glasses, where they stopped adding zinc - after three years of operation, they are all worn out and glare!»
Diagnostics of "brains"
|
Detail |
Official service, prices in rubles (including VAT) |
Online store, prices in rubles |
|
Air filter |
KNECHT - 17.42 DYNAMATRIX-KOREA - 6.44 |
|
|
Cabin filter |
29.21 (cabin carbon filter - 85.16) |
KNECHT - 12.99 DYNAMATRIX-KOREA - 6.8 |
|
Oil filter |
KNECHT - 10.83 CHAMPION - 5.25 |
|
|
Thermostat |
78.89 (thermostat gasket - 13.09) |
STELLOX - 8.33 |
|
Radiator |
||
|
Water pump (pump) |
||
|
Front shock absorber (1 pc.) |
||
|
Front brake discs (1 piece) Rear brake discs (1 piece) |
PATRON - 35.56 |
|
|
Front brake pads (set) Rear brake pads (set) Rod / Strut, stabilizer front axle Rod / Strut, rear axle stabilizer Anti-fog headlight |
PATRON - 22.68 LEMFÖRDER - 31 |
|
|
Spherical bearing |
159,02 | BLUE PRINT - 27.52 (pilot joint) |
|
Detail |
Official service, prices in rubles (including VAT) |
Online store, prices in rubles |
|
Front bumper molding |
||
|
Front bumper |
784.40 (not painted) lower part, structured - 493.57 |
|
|
Rear bumper |
588.64 (structured plastic) |
|
|
Front left wing |
||
|
Front right wing |
||
|
Front right door |
1542.11 (not painted) |
|
|
Front left door |
1542.11 (not painted) |
|
|
Rear right door |
||
|
Rear left door |
Computer diagnostics also revealed several malfunctions. In the drive, two errors were reflected: on the cruise control and on the operation of the air conditioner. The detection of such errors occurs during engine start-up, often due to the fact that a contact failure has gone. It takes time to find the exact cause. Fortunately, the wizards managed to reset the indicators and no more errors were reflected. It means, after all, a false alarm.
« Since the car was produced in 2015 and avoided accidents, its body, engine and other units are still in perfect condition., - sums up the specialist. - The owner needs to pay attention to two points: to replace the aggregate belt and replace the front brake discs when the pads reach».
« Timely service, using only high-quality consumables and passing diagnostics from time to time is the key to success for long service car. Everyone knows that the "Japanese" make reliable cars, but the quality of the body, the reduction in the thickness of the metal is the result of a global reduction in the cost of production. This also affected the "Koreans", and now, the representative of the Japanese car industry. The varnish is thin here. After washing, rubbing and coating defects are possible. This is also worth watching».
Do you own a crossover or a real SUV no older than 7 years old and want to talk about it? Write to us at [email protected] a site indicating the mileage of the car, year of manufacture, engine and whatever you deem necessary (if the car is for sale, we are waiting for a link to the ad in the catalog site). We will be glad to receive your letters!
the site would like to thank H3O Bosch Service, online store Ilan.by and Toyota Center Minsk for help in preparing the material
In terms of decreasing harmful emissions- definitely yes. Application turbines allows you to burn more efficiently combustible mixture... This will be gladly confirmed by all car manufacturers, which are squeezed by the Euro-6 requirements.
However, the concept of "good ecology" includes not only harmful emissions, but also the reasonable consumption of the planet's resources. The internal combustion engine consumes oxygen contained in the air, and the principle of turbocharging is based on the fact that more air passes through the combustion chambers than in an atmospheric engine.
It seems that the consumption of oxygen in the internal combustion engine (whose amount is steadily increasing) should be reduced until we have burned it all out. But how? After all, no one canceled. Roughly speaking, about 3 kg of oxygen is burned with a liter of fuel, about 100 cubic meters of oxygen per 50-liter tank. Modern motors maneuver between different levels of enrichment of the mixture so as to get as little harmful rubbish as possible at the output, but in general it is the same range: from about 12: 1 to 14: 1 in operating modes (the ideal proportion for complete combustion of fuel is 14, 7: 1).
The supercharged engine, in theory, is geared to enrich the mixture to a greater extent than the atmospheric engine - that is, the proportion of air in the "supercharged" mixture is slightly lower. But the mixture, other things being equal, the supercharged engine will eat more. How to calculate what is worse for the environment - more harmful emissions or less oxygen?
Scientists claim that the oxygen content in the atmosphere is gradually decreasing. A century and a half ago - 26%, now - about 21%. At 18%, a person will experience oxygen deprivation. Actually, the permanent inhabitants of megalopolises have long been content with 19% and suffer from hypoxia, not always suspecting about it. And at 17% ... it's better not to think about it yet.
The faster you go, the faster you get there
In pure mathematics, this statement is absolutely true - there is an unshakable formula for the dependence of distance and time on speed. But mathematics does not take into account forced stops for refueling and cleansing the body of toxins. And at long distances - say, 1500 km or more - this is a fairly significant factor.
And we have here not some kind of France (950 km "across" from north to south and from west to east) and 1500 km - quite an ordinary distance for Russian drivers... Many people pass it "in one go." It is well known that the most economical mode of driving on suburban highways is within 80–100 km / h in top gear. Faster - the motor will "eat" significantly more.
Formula 1 could travel from Moscow to Sochi in five hours - in conditions of perfect asphalt, no traffic jams and, of course, ignoring traffic rules. But she would have to - with a 100-liter tank - stop at the gas station every 300 km. Travel time can therefore increase by 15–20%.
Formula 1 could travel from Moscow to Sochi in five hours - in conditions of perfect asphalt, no traffic jams and, of course, ignoring traffic rules. But she would have to - with a 100-liter tank - stop at the gas station every 300 km. Travel time can therefore increase by 15–20%.
Moreover fuel consumption grows faster than speed, in part because air resistance is directly proportional to the square of speed. For some models, the difference in fuel consumption for speeds of 90 and 120 is almost twofold. That is, if you keep the pedal to the floor all the time, there will be almost twice as many stops at the gas station. Each stop is at least ten minutes, if there are no queues. And the total gain in time over a long distance, even if it does take place, is extremely small. It's worth it? Count yourself.
Body rigidity is a very important parameter
For designers, yes. For buyers, no. Because the overwhelming majority of buyers do not even have a rough idea of the meaning and content of the parameter expressed in Nm / deg. Although many intuitively understand the difference between torsional and bending stiffness. And in general, they guess that the higher the stiffness index, the better. But let's say 19,000 Nm / deg. - is the result of Lada Vesta a lot or a little? Is this good for a car of this class or bad?
Manufacturers willingly take advantage of the technical backwardness of consumers, reporting in the parade descriptions of new products that the rigidity of the body has increased by 7, 15 or even 50 percent in comparison with the previous model. And it is extremely rare to report specific values, thus turning the rigidity of the body into a purely marketing "enticement". Some factories do not consider it necessary to give any numbers at all. Try, for example, to find data on the stiffness of the body - one of the best-selling cars in Russia. From the "Manual for repair and operation": "The body is a non-separable structure with sufficient rigidity ...".
Burning fuel indicator - urgently at the gas station!
If you are sure that your sensor and fuel gauge are not lying, then there is no need to rush. Numerous ZR experiments in the field of fuel efficiency when we drained the tanks of the most different models to a real emptiness, showed that at the time the indicator was triggered, the power reserve still remained hefty. In concrete figures - from 40 to 80 km, sometimes even more than 100! That is, in terms of liters, manufacturers lay a reserve in the range of 10-15% of the volume fuel tank models.
The exception is some hybrids, which, as it turned out, categorically cannot stand when the fuel level in the tank is very low. It is better not to take risks with them and, upon the indicator signal, immediately go to the nearest column.
All-wheel drive is required for off-road
Nothing like this. Four-wheel drive, of course, it will not hurt, as well as high geometric cross-country ability. But, above all, you need grippy tires - with wide grooves and faceted checkers. Many all-wheel drive crossovers on the road they look very sour. And more than once in our "mud" and "snow" tests, the authors exclaimed - he would have tires "teeth"!
A tread with a frankly parquet pattern, ideal for asphalt, will be uncomfortable even on a rain-dampened flat dirt road. And you will fall into a rut not at all because the car does not have all-wheel drive- she just won't be able to catch on the road at some point.
Four-wheel drive is definitely preferable to front or rear when you are already stuck and the car needs to be pulled out somehow. And to drive - in most cases, one drive axle is enough.
Two sides of the coin
Almost any statement, and not only in the automotive world, is ambiguous and has a "back end". If the seller in the salon is pushing on " the largest trunk in the class"," High efficiency of a diesel engine "or" outstanding off-road qualities ", you, of course, listen to it culturally, but it is better to draw conclusions later, on common sense. Large trunk is often compensated cramped cabin, the efficiency of a diesel engine negates its price relative to "gasoline", and off-road qualities are generally superfluous in an urban lifestyle.
All this is to ensure that we are not deceived - even with good intentions, when they want to give some recommendations. And so that we do not deceive ourselves.
The obvious non-obvious: controversial judgments about the car
