Our test vehicle was the Comfortline 2.0 TDI equipped with a slick, user-friendly 7-speed DSG transmission (which can also be clicked into manual mode with a simply tick of the gear selector stick).
Our “Business Class Addo Coach” (as it was quickly dubbed by us) is equipped with three rows of seats but because we were only four adults aboard we folded the back row down which gave us acres of packing space for cases (including a few cases of beer and cooler bags filled with good wine), travel bags, backpacks and containers stuffed with food, cameras, binoculars, braai wood, blankets, walking sticks and an assortment of other essentials for a long road trip.
We left Cape Town in sweltering heat which stayed with us virtually all the way to Knysna, but the fully adjustable and efficient aircon (for rear seat passengers as well) did a fine job of keeping the living quarters comfortable.
The Kombi immediately impressed with its willingness to trot and even over a few mountain passes its 103kW/340Nm willingness hardly slacked, in spite of spells of buffeting wind. Volkswagen claims a top speed of 172km/h for this model and although we didn’t push it that hard we did hustle along at fair pace for most of the motorway sections.
One of real surprises the “Addo Wagon” served up was the frugal way it downed expensive forecourt champagne, bearing in mind it was carrying four biggies, a wide assortment of goods and was being piloted by a fairly lead-footed driver. VW claims a combined consumption of 8-0 litres/100km (in perfect laboratory conditions) and our average for the entire trip - which varied from gravel and sandy game park roads, badly corrugated secondary roads, town and city traffic and undulating motorways - came to a more realistic but still very acceptable 9.8-litres/100km.
A super convenience feature is sliding-door access to the middle row of seats (used extensively by the passengers on our trip), but the front seats are high and it takes some time to get used to because it involves clambering and hauling to get to the seat. My very tall wife did struggle for a while before she mastered it. However, the high-ride seats are great for game viewing, which is further enhanced by the Kombi’s large windows.
Our vehicle, which retails for R589,600 in standard format, was equipped with optional extras such as Metallic Mojave Beige paint and a comfort package (which adds cruise control and front fog lamps, 17-inch allow wheels and a Composition Media System).
The one bit of equipment the Kombi could do with (and I am sure many Kombi owners would agree with me) is a Park Assist system because it is impossible for the driver to see or even guestimate distances when reversing because of the restricted rear view.
Although this is a modern reincarnation of the multi-functional original Volksie Kombi of way back then when it was an integral part of our lives as Family All Purpose Wagon, decalled, sloganned, gaily-painted Surfwagon, Signal Hill Passion Wagon, Dogs Beach-wagon and Garden Refuse Removal Van, it has retained much of the character of the original Volksie Kombi which is an adorable characteristic in a world populated by vehicles deprived of special personalities.
