1999 Volkswagen Lupo from Netherlands - Comments

Engine failed completely twice.

Brakes failed twice.

Tires had to be replaced too soon.

Smaller things.

Everything replaced by excellent Fushings dealer.

A very nice car. Spacious enough for a family with two kids. Makes you feel like you're driving a much bigger car.

Fuel consumption is excellent.

Safe car too...

I drive a 'W' reg Ludo (the real name is not in your dictionary) 1.7 SDI. I bought it this year (2002) in May sometime. It has been a fantastic car. Excessively cheap to run and brilliant fun, but I am noticing a few little niggles with it now.

The tires seem to have worn out rapidly. I would not call myself a 'boy racer' but do find that the very torquy engine does spin the wheels in the wet if you are not careful. Mind you, the distances that I have covered in this 'little car' are closing on the 10,000 mark already and it was second hand.

The brakes are unusual. Sometimes, it Possesses the stopping power of a tripple parachute launched from the boot. Other times though I just find them poor and soggy. I have just learned that WV (again this 'word'is not in your dictionary) have been recalling many of the Lupos manufactured in 1999-2001. As far as I can tell, the brakes are supposed to be a little more positive. I am going to look into this tomorrow to see if my car is affected.

Initially the body roll was suprising for a car of this size. I think that the damping could be a little firmer. I did adjust to it after a while, and often find myself at a fairly brisk pace on the 'B' roads that run through Wales.

On a positive note though, this has to be the most fun car I have ever owned. I also own an 'E' reg 1.6 8v Golf GTI cabriolet. I choose the Ludo (sorry again) for most trips, for the economy and creature comforts. It has some poke on the motorways, and will comfortably hold 70-85Mph with no trouble. The engine does get a little noisy at 90Mph it will continue to a little over 100Mph.

I am very pleased with this car and would give it a high rating, say 4 out of 5 stars.

Nicholas Llewellyn (Wales UK).

Thank you for your review Nicholas not in the dictionary Llewellyn!