Another vision

The Eurovan is the latest descendant of the famous VW minibus of the fifties. Like many of its buyers, it has matured and changed considerably over the years, but it still wants to be different. Its power now comes from the fabulous VR6 (stronger this year) and its body comes in a multitude of configurations that can turn it into a minivan for seven, a lean and mean utility vehicle or a cute camping van, the most popular (and most expensive) alternative in the lineup. In short, the Eurovan is Volkswagen ’ s unique vision of a minivan.Teutonic by nature, the Eurovan has a sober but functional design, obvious in everything from the instrument panel to the rear doors. There’s nothing frivolous to be found; instead, expect the calculated efficiency of a craftsman’s workshop and the feeling of durable sturdiness. Each part is designed and installed to withstand decades of use.

Over the past two years, the list of accessories has considerably expanded, meaning that if you want to spend extra money, your only choices are heated bucket seats, a sliding roof and metallic paint. The amount of space in the passenger compartment says a lot. Its 5,400 liters provide plenty of room for elbows, heads and bulky baggage. The Transporter version even has a steel partition separating the front of the vehicle from the rest and a large double door in the rear. The camper van is fitted out at Winnebago’s U.S. plant (which took over from Westfalia on the North American market) and it provides the model’s sliding roof and other accessories as well.In the end, the Eurovan isn’t all that different from its predecessors. It still doesn’t like crosswinds and despite its more powerful engine, performance levels are acceptable at best. But they’re still much better than what the diesel engine used to offer: acceleration times that could be measured with a calendar! With better soundproofing, the Eurovan is pleasant to drive. Its well-calibrated suspension, precise steering system and short turning radius are assets drivers will appreciate as the kilometres fly by.

In short, if integrity and durability easily come before power and cargo capacity on your list of priorities, it could well be that one or another of the Eurovan incarnations will meet your needs. Like the hippies of the ’60s, the Eurovan is an eccentric in the minivan clan. It does show some strokes of genius, but it also has major drawbacks.

PROS
Superb handling
Superior V6
Versatility

CONS
Utilitarian styling
Austere interior Price
CRASH TEST
(five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data
Passenger: no data

More powerful V-6 with 201 hp

Germany