Renault RX4 Sportway

Limited-edition Renault RX4 Sportway is bargain hunters dream

The Sportway is a limited-edition RX4 with a comprehensive accessory package worth around R12 000 and excitingly priced midway between the existing two models.

Standard RX4 models are comprehensively equipped, with such items as climate control, cloth upholstery, tinted glass, seven-function trip computer, CD-player and sound system with steering column satellite controls, central locking and electric windows and mirrors as standard equipment, over and above the power steering, height adjustable steering column, front centre armrest, auxiliary power sockets in the rear of the cabin and the boot, rear seat footrests, heating ducts to the rear seats and pull-down trays on the front seatbacks.

According to Renault, the Sportway adds about R12 000 worth of additional equipment and is specifically tailored to suit lifestyle owners. Included is a 19-litre, removable fridge, anti-theft roof rack system, six-disc CD shuttle, integrated mud flaps, a luggage net for the boot and special Sportway badging.

To prevent damage to the bodywork during off-road use, the RX4’s waistline is protected by colour-coded strips along the sides, front and rear. The front bumper has a built-in bulbar, there are flared wheel arches to accommodate the larger 16-inch 215/65 Michelin XPC radial tyres and greater suspension travel, and the front fenders – slightly wider for a more broad-shouldered appearance – are made from a composite material. The rear door is electrically-latched door and hinged on one side. The spare wheel is mounted on the centre of the door with an anti-theft locking device, and ground clearance is 210 mm.

All RX4 models have comprehensive safety items such as ABS and an EBV brake limiter/proportioner, a total of six airbags, front headrests with height adjustment, three headrests in the rear, programmed restraint front safety belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, three point rear safety belts with load limiters on the outer two, and an ISOFIX system for fitting child seats to the outer rear seats.

Power is from a 102 kW/190 Nm 2.0-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine mated to five-speed manual transmission sending proportional drive to all four wheels, depending on which have the most traction. The front suspension is a McPherson strut layout comprising cast iron lower wishbones with an anti-roll bar, while a fully independent system with trailing arms, coil springs and dampers are used t the rear.  According to Renault, all components are mounted on a detachable galvanized sub frame, which also carries the rear transmission components.