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Date:         Thu, 13 Mar 2003 16:17:45 -0800
Reply-To:     Harald Rust <harald_nancy_vw@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Harald Rust <harald_nancy_vw@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      New T5 auto review English translation
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

As forwarded from: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vw-camping/

Here is a new review about the new T5 VW van on a German site, Mobil. http://focus.msn.de/D/DL/DLB/DLBE/DLBEA/dlbea.htm?snr=257 The following is a loose translation by me from the German. Particularly noteworthy in the fifth generation VW bus is a new and intelligent communication system , “Bordkommunikationssystem” named digital voice enhancement (DVE). Here the driver and passengers can communicate through six microphones installed in the ceiling, and every word will be amplified through the loud speakers of the sound system. In addition, all passengers can participate in communicating on telephone calls simultaneously, if they can find the words in their astonishment. Introduction: New Fifth Generation VW Bus 53 years after production of the first bus named “Samba”, a new full-size van of the fifth generation will be introduced in April 2003. The new multi-van will combine highest flexibility with modern technique. The old bus became a symbol for freedom and independence of the young baby boom generation. Even though the original cute charm of the “bug derivative“ over time transformed into a box-like exterior, the multi-van remained a class in itself. This is the reason it always had a market-share of 70% of all vans sold (in Germany/Europe). Page 1: Interior (Innenraum) On first impression, the multi-van T5 does not appear much different from the T4. From the front, you notice the new larger clear glass headlights and the enlarged VW emblem, which is similar to the new off-road model Touareg. The new rear-end seems higher. License plate, rear lights, and VW logo are all higher. These details and the smooth lines create a modern and elegant look. From the side, the most noticeable difference are the door handles. The upright door handles of the predecessor are replaced with ergonomic handles. Inside the cockpit you notice the new center console with the monitor of the navigation system and joy-stick like shifter. There are also many storage compartments and cup-holders. Thanks to the relocation of the shifter, it is easier for the driver or passenger to go to the back. In the back you find 5 elegant seats, which in the rear can be turned into a bed. They can be moved around on tracks. In the second seating row, the seats can be turned against the driving direction. There are no limits to the versatility. There is also an optional table available. Page 2: Drivetrain (Fahrwerk) There are many changes in the drivetrain. Compared to the T4, the new T5 feels even more like a limousine. The McPherson springs, struts, and stabilizers are not directly connected to the body anymore, but are instead connected to a separate frame, which reduces road noise. An additional benefit of this new premium truck is its responsive and precise steering, nimble in all turns. There is a 4 channel ABS, stabilizing program ESP (standard with V6), and brake-assist. These features reduces negative results should the driving habits become too euphoric. (that’s what it says in German) Page 3: Motor In the line-up are 2 gas and 3 diesel engines. For price-conscious buyers whose top priority is not driving-pleasure, the recommended motor would be the 1.9 l TDI engine with 4 cylinders, 104 hp (77 kw). A slow acceleration of 18.4 seconds from 0-100 km per hour, top speed of 159 kilometers. This proves that the torque of 250 Nm have to work hard to accelerate this 2.2 ton premier truck.

There is a reward of fuel-efficiency of only 7.7 liters diesel per 100 km. More driving-pleasure is provided by the five-cylinder TDI motors, with 2.5 l displacement, 96 kw, 131 hp or 128 kw, 174 hp. They are not quiet, but provide good acceleration with 340 or 400 Newtonmeter torque. The weaker version needs 15.8 seconds for the 0-100 km/hr acceleration, with a top speed of 168 km/hr, and the stronger at 11.8 seconds, and top speed of 188 km/hr. Amazingly the stronger 2.5 l TDI, which has 25% more power, has the same fuel consumption of 8 liters per 100 kilometers. If you would rather burn gasoline than diesel, and can afford it, you have a choice: 2 liter (like in the Sharan) 4 cylinder with 88 Kw (115 hp) or 3.2 liter as in the Phaeton and Touareg) V6 with 170 Kw (231 hp). Aside from fuel type, all motors are perfectly harmonized with the new designed 6 speed manual transmission. The stick shift is located in the middle of the dash, and looks like a joystick, with very short and precise shifting. There is a 6 speed automatic transmission with tiptronic function for the 5 and 6 cylinder models available. One still has to wait another few months for the all-wheel drive 4motion multi-van. Page 4 Cost (Kosten) No surprise that the multi-van has become more expensive than the earlier model buses. Entry price of around $33,000 with the basic version of the 2.0 liter gas engine. The top version with 3.2 liter VR-6 with 231 hp is “proudly” around $45,300. With this you will get a vehicle which is on par with the premium models Phaeton and Touareg. Page 5 Technical data (Datenblatt) Multivan 2.5 TDI, inline 5, 2460 cubic cm, 174 hp at 3500 rpm, 400 nm (torque) at 2000 rpm, 188 km top speed, 6 sp manual. Multivan 3.2 V6, VR6, 3189 cubic cm, 231 hp at 6200 rpm, 315 nm (torque) at 2900 rpm, 205 km top speed, 6 sp automatic. Multivan 1.9 TDI, inline 4, 1896 cubic cm, 104 hp at 3500 rpm, 250 nm (torque) at 2000 rpm, 159 km top speed, 5 sp manual. All of them are front-wheel drive. Page 6 Summary (Fazit) Like its predecessor, the new multi-van sets standards in versatility. It has a well-designed system that makes it easy to change the passenger room layout. In addition its nimble driving behavior of the stronger engine versions gives the driver the feeling of a limousine. The shifting is made easy and fun with the joy-stick and responsive transmission. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, electric window lifters, and sun-shades. This makes the large-volume VW an ideal travel and fun mobile. Harald Rust ‘90 westy (translation, all rights reserved)

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