| RAF-2203 | |
| Manufacturer: | Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika (RAF) (1976-1994) GAZ (1994-1998) |
| Production: | 1976–1997 |
| Class: | Light commercial vehicle (M) |
| Length: | 4980 mm |
| Width: | 2035 mm |
| Height: | 1970 mm |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Weight: | 1670 kg |
| Engine: | ZMZ 4-cylinder, gasoline 2,445 litres |
| Powerout: | 95 hp |
| Transmission: | 4-speed manual |
| Successor: | GAZelle (spiritual successor) RAF M1 'Roksana' RAF M2 'Stils' |
The RAF-2203 Latvija (nickname Rafik) is a cabover van designed and developed by Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika from 1976 to 1997. They were widely used throughout the USSR as fixed-run taxis (marshrutkas), medical cars, used for trade and as a special services vehicles. It was the successor of the RAF-977.
This van used the 2445cc engine of the GAZ-24, between the front seats, making its construction similar to other competing vans such as the Dodge A100 and the Volkswagen LT, with independent front suspension also from the GAZ-24 (but springs from the GAZ-13).[1] It borrowed headlights and brake system parts from the Moskvitch 412, outside door handles from the Moskvitch 408,[2] and 15inches wheels of the GAZ-21 Volga.[3] The single rear door hinged at the top,[4] rather than the more-usual side-opening. There were two major models: one, the 2203, seated ten plus driver and passenger, powered by a 95lk=onNaNlk=on 2445cc with 8.2:1 compression; the other, the 22032, a twelve-seat "route taxi", had longitudinal seats and lower 6.7:1 compression (to use more readily available 76 octane petrol), and produced only 85lk=onNaNlk=on.[5] (The 2203-02 would run on liquified propane).[6] An ambulance, the 22031, was soon added to the range, and made up fully a third of all 2203s built; there was also a 22035 for blood donor clinics.[7] These were joined by the 22034, for fire departments.[8]
In addition to the uncommon 22033 and 22036 for state militias, there were prototype electric vehicles.[9]
While the 2203 looked good, it was susceptible to rust, especially in the frame rails,[10] and was unpleasant to drive in bad weather.[11] Quality control of the assembly was also poor.[12] Oil leaks and axle bearing failures were frequent.[13] It also suffered overheating, serious vibration issues, failures of front suspension parts leading to poor handling, and high fuel consumption.[14] On top of it all, access to the cab was difficult, despite the forward-control position.[15]
After RAF went bankrupt, production was picked up by GAZ, who quickly replaced it with the GAZelle.