Now a Polo van
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
FOLLOWING in the footsteps of the Nova Nobel (CM, July 28), Audi/VW dealer Windrush Garage of Slough has produced a light van conversion based on the Volkswagen Polo hatchback.
The Polo Chucka is an 1,130kg (22.26cwt) gvw front-wheeldrive van derived from a base model Polo fitted with the 1.05 litre 29kW (40bhp) overhead camshaft four cylinder engine which has a maximum torque of 74 Nm (54.5 lbft).
Windrush claims a maximum payload of 406kg (8cwt) with driver on board for the Chucka van, with a body volume of 1.03cum (37cuft) compared to 1.40cum (50.3cuft) on the factory-built VW Golf van. The load bed length of the converted Polo is 1,260mm (49.6in). Interior body height is 880mm (34.6i n).
The 2,335mm (92in) wheelbase van is equipped with a four-speed synchromesh gearbox fitted with a 0.8 9 :1 overdrive fourth gear and a final drive ratio of 4.27:1. Standard fittings include cloth seats, laminated windscreen, fitted carpet and a heated rear windscreen.
Windrush has also added side skirts and additional body trim as well as a rear window wind deflector surround taken from the Forme' E model. A radio and driving mirrors are also included.
The conversion consists of the removal of the rear seat and mounting brackets and the insertion of a solid wood floor. The rear windows are replaced by sheet metal panels which are trimmed on the inside of the van body. The van conversion is approved for taxation as a light commerical by Customs and Excise, and the existing 12 month Polo warranty is unaffected.
As it is based on the Polo hatchback, the Chucka van has a much lower 170mm (6.7in) rear entry sill, compared to the 254mm (10in) high lip on the VW Golf van, making for easier loading.
Given its unusual styling the Chucka van's price of £3,885 is still higher than the Metro 310 (£3,514), the Fiesta 1.1L (£3,567) and the Nova Nobel 1 litre (£3,125) — all prices exclude vat.
Windrush's price includes a livery/design package of our diagonal coloured body stripes upon which the operator's name can be applied.
CM recently drove an unladen demonstrator around a section of our old light van route.
Overall the conversion appears to be well executed, although the two section plywood floor could be better fitted. The addition of interior trim over the neatly installed metal blanking panels has helped keep noise levels to a mimimum. On the road, the Polo van appears very quiet even at 70mph on dual carriageways.
The 1.05 litre engine, coupled with the four-speed gearbox, gave the Chucka a lively performance and ride and handling Es very similar to the larger Golf van, as is the high-level of interior trim.
The firm seats give excellent support.
Steering on the Chucka van is very responsive, but the absence of vacuum servo assistance on the braking system on right-hand-drive UK Polo imports means that braking requires more driver anticipation.