Overview:
This week I looked at the 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan MV, for Multi Van, Camper version, meaning it has a pop up top with a bed and the third row bench seat pulls forward to make into another bed. I like to camp and this gave me the opportunity to shake down the van in the environment it was made for. All things considered it was good. Not great, but good.
Surely the ride was smooth and designed for the autobahn where speed limit is to my liking – None. But here in the US it is unlikely you’d ever get the chance to see if it would reach 200 KPH or 120 MPH let alone the speedometer that indicates 160 MPH. I don’t think so.
My better half said repeatedly that she likes it, and gives it thumbs up during and after our camping outing, while I’m less impressed and find several thumbs down issues. I wasn’t as comfortable, for example, in the upper sleeping area. I think it would be fine for children and the lower rear fold down seat that makes into a bed would be better for adults. The upper was just too claustrophobic for me. You can’t lie on your back and put your knees up without hitting the top.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Germany 75%.
Assembly – Hannover, Germany
Class: – Passenger Van
Cars: – EuroVan, Golf, Jetta, Jetta Wagon, New Beetle, Passat, Passat Wagon & Touareg.
Fit and finish is very good with the exception of the bottom rough unfinished look.
Camper version with pop up top for 7 feet of clearance up front. The problem is the clearance drops at the rear. A scissor lift apparatus would have been a better choice for lifting the top… in my opinion.
Handling & Performance:
Drives great with smooth ride. It stands tall, so you do get that tipsy feeling but I never did feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Remember when VW’s were synonymous with slow? Not any longer. VW finally caught up with the “fast” women of the free love 60’s.
Styling:
The van sits very high which is even taller with the pop up on the camper version. Sitting high is nice for visibility but the bus-like seating requires a step that makes entry and exit as difficult as an SUV. Other current van designs are low slung with easier driver and front passenger access. VW also does not offer double sliding doors, as do competitive vans. But at the end of the day there aren’t any real competitors to the Camper version of this EuroVan.
VW has designed into the MV Camper the pop-top, but it lifts from the front with lots of room up front while narrowing to zero at the back. I believe they could have made it a scissor lift that would give the same clearance front and back.
Fit and Finish:
Generally VW is excellent and that is the case here, but I was surprised at the unsightly unfinished look around the bottom of the body.
Conveniences:
The shift is mounted on the floor, which requires an awkward reach.
Cost:
The MV Camper version I tested was over $32,000. That includes the Pop Up with a bed, a fold up table, and a rear bench seat that pulls forward for another bed. There was no refrigerator in my test vehicle but I understand it is a part of the camper package. The cost can’t be compared with the competition because the VW is unique. This is the only Camper mini-RV, so the price is not bad in that sense.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you want a quick get-a-way vehicle for a small family, or a longer trip for two this is a great way to go. You can avoid hotel room costs and avoid costly restaurants with a refer. There are so many campsites around the country with bath facilities including showers you can travel simply and cost effectively.
The Competition:
VW EuroVan $26-32,000, Chevrolet Venture $21-33,000, Chrysler Town & Country $24-37,000, Chrysler Voyager $21-24,000, Dodge Caravan $20-35,000, Kia Sedona $20-22,000, Mazda MPV $22-26,000, Oldsmobile Silhouette $28-36,000, Toyota Sienna $23-37,000.
Good News:
Comfortable, spacious, versatile, powerful, second row seats can be easily removed.
Bad News:
Only fair mileage, cramped upper sleeper albeit ok for kids, awkward entry and exit, poor finish around bottom skirt, only one sliding door, no entertainment package offered and jerky accelerator.
Standard Equipment:
2.8-liter 201 hp V6 engine, front wheel drive, ESP electronic stabilization program, 4-speed auto transmission, power steering, independent suspension, power ABS braking system, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, height adjustable front seat belts, climate control, cruise control, stereo with cassette, power front windows, child safety rear door lock and anchors, remote keyless entry, power heatable outside mirrors, rear window washer and wiper, 3-place bench seat that is removable and converts to bed, fog lights, theft deterrent system, folding table, window curtains and rear cargo shelf.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 20 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $32,395.
