The drive is pleasant thanks to precise steering, which benefits from well-modulated assistance, a rarity where modern electric power steering systems are concerned. The brakes are easy to measure out and the suspension strikes a nice balance between stiffness and comfort.
The little 2.0-litre mill gets the RVR from 0 to 100 km/h in a tad over 8 seconds. What’s more, on our test drive, conducted over about 500 kilometres of winding, undulating roads, we managed an average fuel consumption rating of around 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres, similar to the competition.
Learning curve
The automatic transmission is the Achilles’ heel of the RVR. Using it requires a mandatory adaptation period because it doesn’t use a kickdown system. Consequently, when you’re driving uphill and want to pass another car or avoid an obstacle, there’s simply no use putting the pedal to the metal: nothing happens. To get the most out of those 148 ponies, you have to downshift manually, either using the shift lever or the steering wheel paddles if you’re in the RVR GT. That’s the only way to coax any decent throttle response out of this diminutive crossover.
After having assimilated this, the RVR becomes a perfectly agreeable driving companion. In fact, some of the GT’s equipment even enhances said agreeability, i.e., the powerful high-intensity headlamps and the Rockford Fosgate stereo (710 watts, 9 speakers).
And how could I fail to mention the heated front seats, the tilting telescopic steering wheel and Bluetooth, all delivered standard, yes standard, on the base model!
What’s more, I got wind of some very interesting rumours. For instance, the complaints received from Canadian and American consumers regarding the absence of a kickdown system could well precipitate some changes.
I’ve also heard talk about a potential beefed up GTS version, available in 2012. This RVR would be powered by the Outlander’s 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill, while the latter would inherit a 3.0-litre number. The little ute would thus benefit from some very desirable extra power, which would elevate it to the level of its competitors. To be continued…
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| The RVR accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 8 seconds. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The little 2.0-litre mill gets the RVR from 0 to 100 km/h in a tad over 8 seconds. What’s more, on our test drive, conducted over about 500 kilometres of winding, undulating roads, we managed an average fuel consumption rating of around 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres, similar to the competition.
Learning curve
The automatic transmission is the Achilles’ heel of the RVR. Using it requires a mandatory adaptation period because it doesn’t use a kickdown system. Consequently, when you’re driving uphill and want to pass another car or avoid an obstacle, there’s simply no use putting the pedal to the metal: nothing happens. To get the most out of those 148 ponies, you have to downshift manually, either using the shift lever or the steering wheel paddles if you’re in the RVR GT. That’s the only way to coax any decent throttle response out of this diminutive crossover.
After having assimilated this, the RVR becomes a perfectly agreeable driving companion. In fact, some of the GT’s equipment even enhances said agreeability, i.e., the powerful high-intensity headlamps and the Rockford Fosgate stereo (710 watts, 9 speakers).
And how could I fail to mention the heated front seats, the tilting telescopic steering wheel and Bluetooth, all delivered standard, yes standard, on the base model!
What’s more, I got wind of some very interesting rumours. For instance, the complaints received from Canadian and American consumers regarding the absence of a kickdown system could well precipitate some changes.
I’ve also heard talk about a potential beefed up GTS version, available in 2012. This RVR would be powered by the Outlander’s 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill, while the latter would inherit a 3.0-litre number. The little ute would thus benefit from some very desirable extra power, which would elevate it to the level of its competitors. To be continued…
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| The RVR GT’s bucket seats are particularly comfortable and offer a good deal of side support. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
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