 SIX
WHEELS ON MY WAGEN
VW unveil their versatile new golf cabriolet at the Frankfurt Motor
Show this month. The 6- wheeler has an extended rear end with four
passenger seats which fold down to create the storage facility of
a mini pick-up truck. VW, mindful of the Toyota Tundra's limited success
in the US pick-up truck market, are at pains to point out that the
new vehicle aims to create a new niche, rather than fill an existing
one.
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Wreckered road test
Can this car really
be all things to all men ? A sporty cabriolet, an occasional pick-up
truck, a people carrier and an off-road fun buggy ? Well, it certainly
has a good try. My wife liked it, my kids loved it and I .. well..
sort of liked it, but can't help feeling that VW has done little more
than make long called- for improvements to the existing Cabriolet,
stuck some bells and whistles on and added extra wheels.
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On the road
A meaty
3-litre V6 delivers 240bhp for a 0-60
in under 9.0sec. Not bad considering the
dimensions and extra weight of the car.
With chassis
stiffening and the extra height-adjustable wheels, the cabriolet
is composed
and assured even over rough terrain.
6-speed
manual gearbox gives satisfying, if not startling, ratios.
Overall a very nice ride. Heavy
at her rear end but that's rarely an issue when
you let the throttle out. |
In the cabin
The age old
fight between fabric roofs and boot space is resolved by the
car's 5100mm length and the fold-down flat-back features. Raked
screen provides minimal buffeting even at high speed
and the top itself fits snug enough to keep wind noise to an
acceptable hiss.
The stronger chassis has eliminated the rattle which often bedevilled
the MK IVs. The cockpit is familiar to any Golf owner, but with
better quality trim throughout and only a few new switches to
startle the unwary - the green button by the rev counter makes
aqualungs appear from the cowls and the car changes into a submarine. |
Overall rating: 
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 FERRARI DELIVERS
We won't be able
to call it snail mail anymore when the Royal Mail gets its hands on
a fleet of these babies.
The postal service is confirmed as the first major customer for the
Ferrarivan, which will provide the the Royal Mail with a classy new
fleet of delivery vehicles over the next three years.
Hi-end Ferrari power and class might prove a PR coup for the beleaguered
postal service. |
Wreckered road test
The new Ferrarivan marks not only a change in design parameters but
a sea-change in marketing philosophy. I took the van for a spin around
Surrey with my mate John, who is a painter and decorater
and who used to be a postman.
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On the road
The familiar Ferrari growl dares anyone to call you Postman
Pat while a 3.0 litre V5 delivers 250bhp and kicks the Ferrarivan
from 0-60 in under 6.3sec.
Sharp through the curves and leaning to understeer - though
you'd expect as much. The 6-speed manual sweeps thru the ratios
to slam the van up to a top speed of 158mph. John is grinning
from ear to ear. |
In the cabin
Big windscreen, with rearward visibility improved by dynamic
flex mirrors. World class seats got John's approval. As did
the payload bay - robust, roomy, with fold-away shelves and
racks.
The fleet cabin is in cream leather - though the civilian version
next year will come in four choices and feature upgraded trim
throughout. John likes. John wants. |
Overall rating: 
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