Monday 9th October 2006

VW shows off whacky van

Replacement for microbus -- kind of

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VW Atacama concept. Want one?

Volkswagen has revealed what it calls "a striking off-road vehicle", that's based on the recently-launched Crafter van. Well, it makes up for the fact that VW cut its retro microbus project.

Named Atacama, after the desert in South America, the four-wheel drive concept is the product of VW's design centre in Wolfsburg, and could become a limited production vehicle.

For protection during off-road use, the vehicle has been equipped with robust panelling and modelled wheel arches.

The designer responsible, Romain Chareyre, said: "The design study shows further potential for the Crafter in the leisure and fun segment."

Sales boss Harald Schomburg said: "I'm very curious about the customer reaction – if it's positive, we will build a series of up to 100 vehicles."

[jvaughan]

Interesting.

Shame they cut the Microbus ... Really wanted one of those.

[collateral]

Looks like it would tip over pretty easily...anyone for off-roading a Transit? You first mate.

The microbus concept was much cooler - this reminds me of a Honda Element, just bigger.

Edited by collateral on Monday 9th October 13:13

[fatboy b]

The article said:

For protection during off-road use, the vehicle has been equipped with robust panelling and modelled wheel arches.

I think that should read moulded wheel arches.

Anyway - looks a bit like a Transit to me.

Edited by fatboy b on Monday 9th October 13:19

[jvaughan]

Terios anyone ?

[ian2144]

God help us all if "White Van man" gets one!!

[jackass]

fatboy b said:

The article said:

For protection during off-road use, the vehicle has been equipped with robust panelling and modelled wheel arches.

I think that should read moulded wheel arches.

Anyway - looks a bit like a Transit to me.

Edited by fatboy b on Monday 9th October 13:19

The Crafter is actually a Merc Sprinter in drag.

[Drgp]

What a shed. They have truly lost the plot.

Why not just build that micro-bus they were tarting about and the world (and VW profits) would be happy.

[KM2]

Why is the new generation of Vans (also the new Sprinter (which has 60% of parts or so shared with the VW LT anyway) and new Transit) so unbelievably ugly?

[rchadd]

looks perfect for a remake of "The A Team"!

[dula]

Looks like a 21st century version of the mystery machine on steriods....if it wasn't for those pesky kids.

[oagent]

Im guessing you wont see any of these being piloted by surfers or hippies in 40yrs time.... and who can blame them.. not exactly cool is it

[zebedee]

oagent said:

Im guessing you wont see any of these being piloted by surfers or hippies in 40yrs time.... and who can blame them.. not exactly cool is it

it appears to be the very antithesis of cool

[dula]

ian2144 said:

God help us all if "White Van man" gets one!!

Cos then presumably he'd be.. 'gold/puce green flip' - van man..eh!

Edited by dula on Monday 9th October 15:34

[rustyintegrale]

Ugly and a huge error of judgement.

The marketing department should be fired.

The retro Microbus was pure genius, an example of exemplary design with just enough classy retro. I've wanted one since seeing the first pics years ago.

Why do these manufacturers persist in watering down designs or abandoning them altogether. The fact that the bean counters can wield the axe like this may save money short term, but long term they'll see the demise of the industry locally.

Don't get me started on the brain drain or the the UK car industry...

Cheers

Rich

[shadytree]

rchadd said:

looks perfect for a remake of "The A Team"!

was thinking the same thing

[andyinpembs]

Its got a face like a new ford Transit.
It's also got a big C fro CR*P on the side..

Shame, as an owner of a few air cooled combie vans in the past, was looking forward to the new take on it, and ws pretty gutted when they canned it. This is hardly in the same vein now, is it?

[andyinpembs]

shadytree, cool! I ain't gettin on no plain!

[kingb]

how could anyone say no!!

[B10]

Buy a Mazda Bongo Friendee if you want a 4x4 campervan.
There is a "Moving Cottage" special edition!

[beasto]

OK-ish but not a patch on the Microbus concept. What are they thinking of?

If you want a camper today, get a Mazda Bongo.