The load was an unassembled kitchen, which means plenty of cupboards and 3 lengths of granite tops.

For a change, it now seems as though I was on a real mission. Not only was I to drive the VW LT35, I was meant to load, deliver and unload as well. A great opportunity to do some real work and test the credentials of this delivery van.

The strangest thing of all was that I was looking forward to this encounter with manual labour.

So we set off from southern Lake Macquarie to the far western suburbs of Sydney ready to do a real days work.

Driving the Volkswagen LT35 was a breeze. The 2.5 litre 5-cylinder diesel provides a good level of performance. In fact, the performance was quite impressive because not once did I feel any additional get and go was required. And the economy was impressive. Figures issued by Volkswagen state an estimate of 8 litres per 100 kms for the fuel consumption. For a largish van, this figure is just one more impressive item to add to the list of attributes. The handling of the van is easy and the technical features of the vehicle, such as the steering, suspension and braking work in harmony with the driver. The satisfying driving qualities of this van were further enhanced by the comfort level provided by both front seats.

Peace of mind is provided by the safety aspects of the van. For example, there were two airbags, large (external) rear view mirrors so the driver can keep up to date with surrounding traffic conditions, good performance from the willing 2.5 litre diesel and strong brakes. But the greatest safety feature of all, though, were the comfortable seats. In an enlightened age when driver comfort is a valued safety requirement this aspect is prized just as much as the primary and secondary safety features because all businesses seek a high level of productivity from employees and this must include drivers. After all, a comfortable employee is a productive employee. Accordingly, there is not one complaint with the driving experience of this commercial van.

Loading the van in Sydney was an easy task with the side door and both rear doors opening wide and providing plenty of space to manoeuvre the load in a protective manner. The big van swallowed the new kitchen easily. But there was not much space left! The loading height was a relatively easy step-up, contributing to the easy loading process.

Driving the full van was just a little confusing. And that was because the willing diesel in the VW meant that driving the van whilst full was exactly the same as driving it empty! Sure the tail end of the van would have been more secure on the road but no difference in acceleration, handling and braking were detected by this experienced driver. Full marks to the Volkswagen LT 35 for the completely satisfying driving experience, because we returned to southern Lake Macquarie on a mission accomplished basis and still had some energy left.

Summing up means the many attributes of the Volkswagen LT 35 have been tested in both a working and non-working environment. Those attributes, which include the economic aspects of running the LT35, the driving satisfaction and the loading/unloading aspects together with the safety considerations of the Volkswagen van confirm that many van operators will be just as satisfied as we were with the LT35.

And let's be sure of one thing ..... we were fully satisfied with the Volkswagen LT 35.