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Boxy,
awkward and somewhat geeky, Volkswagen's EuroVan is nonetheless lovable. Certainly,
the unlovely, decade-old design-which has more right angles than a crossword puzzle-is
nothing to behold. So why is it still here?
Because over the years, during
a few of which the van was only sold as a camper conversion, the EuroVan has slowly
transformed from being an overpriced, underpowered, tippy-handling box on wheels
to being competitively priced, reasonably powerful and decent handling (thanks
to standard stability control). A
minor styling update along the way helped its monochromatic paint convey a more
modern image whilst not losing the lanky character that VW loyalists couldn't
live without. That said, the interior could use the same kind of freshening, and
we also know that no matter how fresh it can be made to look, the bus-driver steering
wheel and van-like seating position are inherent to the design. At least VW still
offers a camper version with partner Winnebago with a pop-up roof so you can hang
with the hippies without embarrassment. And
speaking of hanging with the hippies, you'll be a hit at love-ins come 2005 or
so, when VW rolls out an all-new Microbus. In the meantime, VW fans can take out
a three-year lease on a EuroVan and get the next best thing.
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