The front bucket seats were quite cozy and completely adjustable, right down to the armrests. Looking back from the driver's seat offered a view of a forest of headrests-seven altogether. And you want map pockets? On the inside of the driver's door was a pocket so big that saddle bag would be a more appropriate term. You could stow a brown-bag lunch in there and your sprout sandwich would emerge unsquished. The three easily reachable heater and air-conditioning controls were a familiar sight-the same ones VWs been using since the unveiling of the front-wheel drive Rabbits. Attention-getting center-mounted indicators allowed our driver to keep a watchful on hand-brake engagement, the rear-defrost function, recirculation and the ABS. Since van buyers typically like to carry or tow heavy loads, we would recommend the four-speed automatic transmission over the five-speed manual. However, even on our automatic model, the shifter was on the floor - apparently for those drivers who want the gear strength of an automatic to approximate the form-follows-function of a gearshift. Stepping to the rear of this bus, we noted various cubbies and holders that revealed that the VW EuroVan has been conscientiously designed for family use. For those of us who can read in a moving vehicle without getting sick, the magazine holders behind the front seats were a civilized touch. And for highway dining, the center double seat folded down into a table with recessed rectangle tray bins and cutaway cupholders. The rear bench seat could be removed, folded or tumbled forward to make space for various cargo configurations. VW likes to point out that when the rear seats are removed, enough space is left behind to accommodate a stack of 4- by 8-foot sheets of plywood, or-by the looks of it - that lawnmower, stair-climbing machine or other major appliance you ve avoided buying because you didn't have proper means of transport.
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