THIRSTY AND UNDERPOWERED • As an operator of light commercial
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vehicles, I always read your light vehicle road tests with keeness to see if I have been missing out on the latest in light truck technology.
Well, when I read the VW LT35D report (CM, July 19), I couldn't believe the low fuel economy; 13.51it/100km (20.9mpg) seems very bad for a vehicle running at 3.5tonnes with a diesel engine, particularly if you put it into context by comparing it to the 33.2lit/100k (8.52mpg) Burtons biscuits are achieving with their Seddon Atkinsons running at 10 times the weight, mentioned in the same issue.
I am delighted to have discovered the Perkins 4.236 diesel in my own 3.5tonne vehicle which offers outstanding torque, power and, most importantly, fuel economy. Whilst not the smoothest engine in the world (sixes are naturally smooth) its four one litre cylinders are well on top of the job. The day it gives less than 9.41it/100km (30mpg), I shall know something is amiss with it.
I am sure that the fuel figures you obtain in your road tests are typical of hard driving, which is probably how most commercials are driven, but I still feel it is very surprising that you make little comment on such low figures. It is interesting that one of the main attractions of heavier vehicles is their outstanding economy in relation to the weight they operate at, yet at the light end it is a very small point, even if the vehicle is underpowered to boot. We can all live with a powerful, thirsty engine if need by, but a struggler with a thirsty en
gine seems an odd vehicle to go for. I am sure the VW LT35D has many things in its favour as a light commercial, but there were quite a number of off-putting comments in your test, such as engine, transmission and road noise levels being high, decidedly lumpy gear selections, seat and engine cover off to check the water level, etc. Just managing to restart on a 1-in-4 slope doesn't bode well for those who live or drive in hilly areas.
Your final sentence saying "Prospective van buyers should certainly not ignore it" seemed a little generous. DR Wooster DR Wooster Transport North Harrow Middlesex.