VW updates its EuroVan

By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

It was the very first vehicle that I ever bought when I moved to California. It was a Volkswagen Westphalia Camper and did I have fun. There was a fridge, a bed and a vehicle that fitted into every parking space.

Now, Volkswagen of America is re-launching the only German-built and engineered van sold in North America by dramatically lowering its price and boosting its performance.

Earlier this year the German automaker announced a major price realignment for its passenger van sold in the U.S., making the 2001 EuroVan just as affordable as minivans that offer two-thirds the space, a fraction of the versatility, and a ho-hum driving experience.

While adding standard equipment and improving performance, Volkswagen reduced the price of the 2001 EuroVan—on sale now—by 16.3% for the GLS and 15.5% for the Multivan (MV). The 2001 EuroVan GLS will sell for $26,200 (compared to $31,300 for 2000). The MV version will be priced at $27,700 (compared to $32,800 in 2000).

With the price realignment, Volkswagen said it expects to double its annual sales volume of the EuroVan.

In addition to a lower price tag, Volkswagen’s newest EuroVan will come with a much more powerful, multi-valve version of its VR6 engine and incorporate a highly advanced electronic stability and traction control system, called ESP. With this feature, the 2001 EuroVan becomes the only van, big or mini, to offer standard ESP, a system that can help stabilize a vehicle in a serious emergency maneuver that might otherwise swerve out of control and potentially roll. For pure traction control, Volkswagen’s Anti-Slip Regulation, ASR, system will also be standard.

Other updates on the 2001 model include new standard 16-inch alloy wheels; a new premium, six-speaker stereo sound system; standard integrated fog lights; and middle seating with two removable, folding seats with dual armrests and adjustable back rests.

The EuroVan remains one of only two vans in the world to combine a fully independent front suspension and front drive, giving it the connected-to-the-road feel and responsiveness akin to Volkswagen’s German-engineered cars.

Built in Hanover, Germany, the EuroVan is available as a well-equipped GLS model and versatile MV. Both models offer comfortable, spacious and functional interiors that can haul up to seven large people and the tools and cargo for just about any sport or adventure.

"Some people have called it the Swiss Army Knife of vans, and I think that’s a pretty accurate description of what the EuroVan offers the consumer," said Volkswagen’s vice president of sales and marketing, Frank Maguire. "It has the tools and space for just about anyone who wants to have some fun and adventure in their lives and you don’t give up a connected-to-road driving experience.

"Minivans are good for hauling groceries from the supermarket; the EuroVan is the one you want to take the family, maybe even a friend or two, and get as far away as possible from the supermarket."

The EuroVan’s newfound brawn comes from a new four-valve-per-cylinder version of Volkswagen’s renowned VR6 that offers a maximum horsepower of 201 versus 140 in the previous model year. Just as importantly, this 2.8 liter multi-valve engine has also increased the torque for 2001. The engine now creates a peak torque of 181 lbs. ft. at 2,500 revolutions per minute, up from the 177 lbs. ft. found in the 2000 EuroVan.

With 206 cubic feet of interior room, the 2001 Eurovan (MV) has 18.8% more interior volume than the Dodge Grand Caravan ES and 11.4% more space than the Chrysler Town and Country LXi, at a lower manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

Comfort and convenience features for the 2001 EuroVan again include power front windows, with one-touch up/down and pinch protection features, central remote locking, cup holders, privacy glass (in GLS model), and a pollen and dust filter for the ventilation system.

Because of its high seating position, the EuroVan provides much better road visibility than any van or sports utility on the market. Typically, the driver can see two or three car lengths ahead.

Additional standard equipment on the EuroVan includes a Climatronic system; power door locks (including side and rear hatch); cruise control; AM/FM cassette stereo with six speakers; programmable intermittent wipers; heated windshield washer nozzles; rear hatch wiper/washer with intermittent feature and defroster; power outside mirrors; illuminated vanity mirrors; and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Its high stance and versatile interior optimize cargo capacity for the EuroVan. Long items, such as plywood, slide in and out due to its long load length with bench seats removed.

The EuroVan comes with a variety of options and packages. The optional Weekender Package for the EuroVan MV combines day-to-day functionality with the adventurous overnight capabilities of the EuroVan Camper. Its features include a pop-up roof with two-person bed; window screens for two side-sliding windows; fixed left-hand rear facing seat (with refrigerator beneath lift-up seat bottom); second battery; and alternator.

Each model also comes with a unique seating arrangement that best suits its individual purpose. Behind the front passenger seats, the EuroVan GLS contains two forward-facing individual seats and triple rear bench seat, making it possible to seat a total of seven passengers. The MV also seats seven passengers, but contains two separate rear-facing seats, positioned back-to-back with front passenger seats. A triple rear bench seat with bed conversion capability is also standard, which best suits the optional Weekender Package (only available on the MV).

EuroVan options include a power sunroof with sliding sun visor and windscreen capabilities (not available with Weekender Package), and heatable front seats.

TheEuroVan is different from the other minivans on the market. It provides facilities that they just do not offer and is well worth a long look at Neftin Volkswagen in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall.