When VW introduced their funky-looking electric ID. Buzz three years ago it was an immediate hit with journalists and motorists alike and was named Continental Irish Car and Van of the Year. But sales were slow and we didn’t see many of the yellow-coloured cars on our roads.
Graeme Lennox, Head of Group Communications for VW in Ireland, explained that there were ‘availability problems’ with the Buzz, and added that VW now has attractive finance deals which means we should soon see more of these attractive motors on our roads.
Well, last week, I was back in the ID. Buzz, but it was a black version and there were no back seats as it was VW’s Cargo model. It probably didn’t turn as many curious eyes at the yellow version, but it came in a very attractive Deep Black Pearlscent colour.
However, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed to get a Cargo version rather than a seven-seater. I had cleaned out my shed the previous week when I drove the Dacia Bigster, so what could I use the Cargo version for?
I don’t think the ID Buzz Cargo version be an option for small builders, who would be filling up that huge area with bags of gravel or cement. I know it could be cleaned, but believe me it was spotless and it seemed a shame to dirty it. The cargo version would be fine is you were delivering ‘clean items’ like drinks, newspapers, magazines or maybe packets of cornflakes etc. Maybe you could knock newspapers off that list as sadly sales are falling everywhere.
A neighbour suggested that it might be useful for a small band or ballad group. The bench seat in the cabin can carry three adults and then in the cargo area you could carry you drum-kit, PA equipment and various instruments. Just a thought. You get two large sliding doors which makes loading and unloading items very easy.
The cabin is the same as the regular seven-seater version. The driver has a high driving position and as there is no long bonnet in your line of vision, you can perfectly judge the available space in front of you when parking or turning.
The front of the van has an attractive retro look and that VW logo slap in the middle, certainly is impressive. The ID Buzz been described as the most head-turning car that VW has ever built and it’s hard to disagree with that comment
It’s a really comfortable motor to drive to travel in, but you need to be careful reversing and turning corners as it’s a very long vehicle. Reversing cameras are provided of course and they are essential.
My wife, who has a touch of arthritis, had a bit of trouble climbing on board, but she agreed that it was so comfortable to travel in.
The range is approximately 450km with a full charge and when driving in dry weather conditions. Charging was very fast, once I found an ESB site where they cables were not cut by vandals.
Apparently, this is a new trend as the culprits can sell the copper in the cables. Yet another problem for the Irish charging network, which is still struggling to cover vast areas of the country. But I hear you say ‘how about surveillance cameras’? Well, I’m told the culprits cover their heads with balaclavas to avoid detection.
No spare wheel and I did check underneath the car to see if there was one tucked away there, but no luck.
Prices start at €66,704, while the Cargo version is cheaper at €59,449. It was really cute and lovely to drive, but I reality I would have preferred the seven-seater. But in this game, you have to take what you get on a Monday morning.
