In 1993, when Volkswagen replaced its rear-wheel drive Vanagon with the all-new front-wheel drive EuroVan, the action was regarded as an act of heresy by longtime VW loyalists. After all, these folks spent their halcyon youth rambling around in the venerated VW Microbus-the granddaddy of all vans-and the Vanagon was a friendly reminder of the Micro.But for those who valued function over adherence to tradition, the EuroVan was a hit. Its maximum cargo volume of 201 cubic feet-aided by a low 20.3-inch floor and high 53.7inch ceiling---was about 35 percent roomier than the average minivan. Indeed, its spacious interior allows VW to successfully market the EuroVan not as a minivan but as a midsize van, despite the fact that its length is shorter than some minivans and just a few inches longer than some sedans. At press time, the 1994 edition of the EuroVan was not yet in the showrooms. But VW reported that no changes were planned for the latest model. So to bring you the necessary data to make an informed purchase, we tested a 1993 VW EuroVan with a base MSRP of $20,420. After adding options including a four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), cruise control, power assists and a sliding left-side window, the retail price was $23,745.
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