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2001 Volkswagon GLS EuroVan
by Susan Frissell, Ph.D.
It’s back. Or, more correctly: Volkswagen’s EuroVan has been re-launched. They only German built and engineered van sold in North America, the VW EuroVan is a comfortable, functional vehicle. Even if it resembles a commercial bus.
Perhaps VW Bus was a more accurate name for the passenger van. With re-aligned pricing, the 2001 EuroVan can compete with other minivans. Yet, offer a tad more versatility and more space. Two of the big changes to Volkswagen’s ’01 EuroVan include more standard equipment and improved performance. The price of the 2001 EuroVan has been reduced by 16.3 percent for the GLS and 15.5 percent for the MV. The 2001 GLS EuroVan now sells for $26, 200 ($31,300 in 2000), and $27,700 for the MV ($32,800 in 2000).
Volkswagen has added the more powerful, multi-valve version of the VR6 engine, along with an advanced electronic stability and traction control system (ESP).
Not knowing how I’d like driving the EuroVan, I was pleasantly surprised. Other than taking bumps a little hard, the VW Minivan is a quiet riding, fairly comfortable minivan. One thing we didn’t care for was the placement of the gearshift: on the floor. And not within easy reach. Unless your arms happen to be abnormally long, the gearshift placement is awkward, causing the driver to lean over to reach it. It would be a heck of a lot easier were it mounted on the steering column.
Clearly a very functional minivan, VW’s EuroVan is one of only two vans ever built to combine a fully independent front suspension and front drive. Available in two versions, GLS and MV, EuroVan offers a few standard feature updates for 2001, including 16-inch alloy wheels, a premium 6-speaker stereo system, integrated fog lights, and middle seating with two removable, folding seats with dual armrests and adjustable back rests.
Also new for 2001 is EuroVan’s four-valve-per-cylinder version of VW’s VR6 engine. Maximum horsepower is 201 (140 in previous models), and increased torque (180 pounds). A 2.8-liter interior room is a vacuous 206 cubic feet (18.8 percent more interior volume than Dodge Grand Caravan ES, for instance).
Power front windows, central remote locking, cup holders, privacy glass (GLS), and a pollen and dust filter offer improved comfort and convenience.
Also standard for 2001 on the EuroVan is the Climatronic System, power door locks, cruise, AM/FM/Cassette stereo with six speakers, intermittent wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, rear hatch wiper/washer and defroster, power outside mirrors and 4-speed automatic transmission.
Our test model came equipped with a Monsoon stereo, and optional sun-roof. The sun-roof is a nice addition and was used often. The windscreen capability is a great idea, offering protection from bugs and other flying objects. There is plenty of storage in the EuroVan underneath the bench seat is a stow-away area, and behind each front seat, as it backs up to the rear seats is room for a 4-sided tray to hold miscellaneous items.
One cool–and nostalgic–feature is the EuroVan’s seating arrangement. On our test vehicle, the MV, there is also seating for seven, but with a slightly different set-up. The two separate seats are positioned back-to-back with the front seats, and face the rear bench seat. The benchseat converts to a bed, accommodating campers (The Weekender Package).
Backseat passengers have a separate dial for temperature and fan, and outside temperature gauge. They also have their own lighting switch. Back side-sliding windows work easily, providing lots of opportunities to let in fresh air. This is a good thing, considering the EuroVan is just about all windows, creating a somewhat greenhouse effect.
The EuroVan Camper introduced in Spring, has a longer wheelbase (130.7 inches) than the GLS or MV. Optional on the Camper is the companion seat, a single-seat alternative to the optional double center bench seat. The companion seat option provides more interior room for passengers. Pop-up roof, 2-person bed, window screens for two side-sliding windows, fixed left-hand rear facing seat, refrigerator, second battery and alternator.
The Winnebago Camper conversion package features a pop-up roof, full-swiveling captain’s seats, two-burner LP gas stove, and other goodies.
Copyright 2002. Susan Frissell, Ph.D., Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved