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V olkswagen's current IT has always languished in the shadow of

12th April 2001, Page 38
12th April 2001
Page 38
Page 39
Page 38, 12th April 2001 — V olkswagen's current IT has always languished in the shadow of
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the closely related Mercedes-Benz Sprinter due to its less compelling range of engines and a slightly less comprehensive range of models. But it still has plenty to offer, with diesel engines from 74-129hp (and a petrol version which puts out 141hp) as well as three wheelbases, two roof heights and gross weights up to 4.6 tonnes.

The LT also has a few extra stan dard features of its own, such as ABS (including the brake-operated EDL "electronic differential lock" system), a driver's-side airbag and a stainless-steel exhaust as standard, with three years' emergency assistance for free. Best of all, every new LT comes with three years or 180,000 miles-worth of free servicing.

This test vehicle is pretty closely comparable to the Sprinter seen here, offering the same mediumwheelbase/high-roof combo.

However, it uses a less sophisticated 2.8-litre engine, which cuts the payload by a fraction and delivers slightly worse fuel consumption. More significantly, the recent facelift for the Sprinter was not taken up by the LT, so the interior looks dated and the gear lever is still the gigantic floormounted stick that caused so many sniggers when it was launched.

The interior is pretty spacious, but it has been left behind by some of the other contenders. The materials used are predominantly grey and stark (though miles ahead of an oldschool van like the LDV) and while nobody could argue with the LTs build quality the overall effect is rather, well, Teutonic, In-cab storage is below par, although at least you can stick a ballpoint pen in the air vent grilles...

The cab still scored pretty well with our testers: the driving posi tion is good, although some complained that the pedals are set too high. The driver's seat offers good support and acijustability and passengers are well catered for (with three-point seat-belts for both). Visibility through the windscreen is

fine and the mirrors are OK, but wide-angle blindspot eliminators would be welcome. Just be careful if you're getting into the cab with wet shoes—the vinyl floor can become treacherously slippery.

The load compartment is, natu rally,Ilke that of the Mercedes, but VW skimps on the floor covering: you just get the painted steel floor as standard, rather than the Sprinter's ply finish.

In terms of performance the LT scores pretty much as well as the competition. and 2.8-litre engine has plenty of mid-range torque.

Volkswagen is clearly keen to keep the IT competitive, so it has been running a promotion of a free "upgrade" to the engine spec, saving arc und 1390 on this model. That scheme has just ended, but it's well worth looking out for dealer-based offers.

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