>   I've driven Japanese vans before and many VW vans too and they are simply
>   chalk and cheese.

Yep... the VW is chalk. Objectively speaking.

>   VWs feel safe and are fun,the Jap equivalent just a bouncy delivery van
>with
>   questionable handling & braking characteristics (esp in the wet) unless
>carrying
>   a goodly load in the  back.Even then they are still barely acceptable.

I beg to differ. I have driven extensively in old & current model
Toyota Hiaces, and these can be pushed hard in corners. The upmarket
torsionbar-rear models more so. They are not at all bouncy. They are
also extremely strong in collisions, as my university found out the
hard way... In fact I'm looking at a 1998 super-long-wheelbase
high-roof 2.8D one right now... shame it's automatic...

2WD Mitsubishi Delicas (L300 or Express) aren't too bad either,
though the 4WDs ARE extremely prone to pitching doe to the very stiff
springs and very short wheelbase.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut