DRIVING THE RAPID INTERVENTION VEHICLE
To climb aboard the RIV you grab the rollcage, place a foot on the sidestep and swing up and into the deep bucket seat, before clipping yourself into the racing harness.
The functional design extends to the cockpit which, despite a wealth of dials and buttons and a large centre screen, wouldn’t impress EURONCAP due to its unyielding bare metal construction. Still, at least the steering wheel adjusts for rake.
The dashboard is home to fuel, speed, revcounter and engine temperature gauges. At the top of the centre console is a multi-function screen showing the status of the RIV’S power distribution management system. Below that are the controls for the tyre inflation system and the RIV’S ride height. To their left is the stubby ZF shift lever.
Turn the ignition key and press the Power button and the V6 engine settles to a diesely rumble, but it’s the steady hiss of compressed air produced by the turbocharger and escaping from the straightthrough exhaust that is most noticeable at tickover.
Engage Drive (the lever moves smoothly and precisely) and pull away, and the ZF gearbox changes gear quickly and seamlessly as the revs build. This blend of ultrasophisticated mechanicals and battle-ready hardware is the most impressive thing about the RIV.
The jeep gathers speed remarkably quickly but without drama. At around 40mph, its ride on MIRA’S sinewy handling track is firm but not bouncy, ensuring the RIV is stable and secure in corners. However, while the Mercedes-sourced steering system is light, it lacks feel. A hefty shove on the brakes brings the 4000kg RIV up short without fuss.
Autocar wasn’t permitted to drive the RIV on MIRA’S outer test circuit, but with the company’s test driver at the wheel it certainly achieved its claimed 0-62mph sprint time of 10.5 seconds, on the way to an indicated and unflappable 100mph.