A fine second generation Toyota RAV4 3-door SUV, seen in the far north of the Chinese capital Beijing. The good Toyota was in great shape, painted in silver with the original racy stickers on the sides. The license plate has a very special sequence, with three 8’s. Eight is a lucky number in China.
[table id=122 /]
The second generation ‘XA20’ Toyota RAV4 was made from 2001 until 2005. There was a 5-door version as well. The platform shared many components with the Carina and Corolla. The RAV4 was available with various diesel and gasoline engines, mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
The interior was in great shape too; with black leather seats and the original radio set. Note the giant gear lever!
The second generation RAV4 was officially marketed in China as an import. There was just one trim level and one engine: a 2.0 petrol with 150 hp and 192 Nm, mated to the 4-speed automatic. Price for the 3-door was 341.500 yuan, and the 5-door went for 343.000 yuan. The difference is tiny, so why would anybody choose the 3-door..?
Because it is cooler! Look at those blue flames on the sides and the spare wheel cover, check the sporty five-spoke wheels, the roof rails, and the black rear windows. This is a cool car for cool people.
The RAV4 badge with a black 4.