Category: Compact MPV 
Price Range: £14,395 to £24,245
Stylish, unusual looks, the view out, versatility, safety features, ride quality, handling, equipment
Highish prices, slightly weak diesel performance, lack of low gear ratios and/or hill descent control, notchy gearchange.
The RX4 could prove more expensive to maintain than a two-wheel drive Scenic, especially if you suffer reliability problems, and it is not particularly economical in terms of either fuel consumption or insurance. Still, if you judge it against the 'proper' 4x4s, rather than as an MPV, it looks less costly. It holds its value quite well, as there continues to be a demand for family-sized 'soft-roaders'. With the worst of its depreciation (loss in value) behind it, a secondhand RX4 can make a cost-effective family purchase, if you're aware of its limitations and drawbacks. Don't be fooled into paying too much; some dealers - and private sellers - are asking silly money for them. Still, look at the private classified ads or independent forecourts, and they're more realistic. The special edition Scenic Fidji RX4, the only remaining model is offered with either the 140bhp 2.0 16v petrol engine or the 105 bhp 1.9 dCi diesel, and starts from £17,770. Equipment includes two electric sliding sunroofs, body-tinted bumpers and protective side panels, manual air conditioning and special Fidji interior trim and alloy wheels. Like the two-wheel drive Scenic Fidji, the RX4 version has cloth/alcantara upholstery, copper-coloured gearknob and switches, adjusters for all five seats and a zip pocket and can holder on the back of the front seats, instead of the outgoing models' fold-down tables. It is offered in three metallic paint colours, Glacier Blue, Platinum and Dune. That's a reasonable spec for the cash.
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