| When it comes to vans everyone has a favorite, mine | | | | powerful Mercedes or was the T5 losing it's grip on |
| is the T5 VW Transporter but is it really as good as I | | | | the best van title. |
| think it is? I have owned my Transporter for five years | | | | Both vehicles feature traction control and so getting |
| and she is as good today as when I first laid down my | | | | off the line presented no problems to either van but |
| money. | | | | now into the race the Volkswagens ASR could be |
| The British television program Fifth Gear are also | | | | switched off allowing the driver to maximise the road |
| pretty impressed with the T5 and decided to put it's | | | | holding capability of the VWs' 18 inch wheels and |
| faith to the test in a straight race between it and a | | | | lowered suspension. |
| new contender the Mercedes Vito X. | | | | The Vito also has a switch to turn off the traction |
| The two vans stack up like this: | | | | control but it only works for a short time, a very short |
| T5: 2.5 turbo diesel pumping out 172 BHP and 400 Nm | | | | time before activating again meaning the Mercedes |
| of torque. | | | | lost significant power on every corner. |
| Vito X: 3.0 diesel V6 with 204 BHP and 440 Nm of | | | | At the first check point the VW was ahead by seven |
| torque. | | | | tenths of a second, the pulling power and handling |
| The race was held at Snetterton race track in less | | | | coming to the fore, by the second check point it had |
| than perfect conditions but nevertheless the race was | | | | gained another tenth. |
| on. Could the Volkswagen beat the seemingly more | | | | |