RAF-2203

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.

There were two major models: one, the 2203, seated ten plus driver and passenger, powered by a 95 hp (71 kW; 96 PS) 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) 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 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS).

[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.

[13] It also suffered overheating, serious vibration issues, failures of front suspension parts leading to poor handling, and high fuel consumption.

RAF-2203 Rear
An RAF-2907 adopted for use at the 1980 Summer Olympics .