As an ex hooligan motorcyclist/drag racer more used to Nitrous Injected GSXR1100 Suzuki's, and turbocharged tire smoking raw power, the idea of a van did not really appeal much. But as I still needed something that I could get about in I had little choice... Ok a van then!

So the search started, and after a lot of research and pricing stuff up, I ordered this to play with.... Click on any picture to see a bigger version in a new window.

2.8 litre narrow angle V6 with 5 speed automatic gearbox with ''fuzzy'' logic control, ABS braking on big vented disk brakes on all 4 wheels, speed sensitive power steering, 8 seats! (now 5 and a wheelchair) 235 low profile tyres on 17 inch x 9J alloy wheels, air conditioning (separate heating control system for front and rear), central locking, electric windows, tinted glass, electronic cruise control system, standard fitment imobilizer/alarm/remote control, etc.. Bit of a limo really! Smooth quiet (well it whistles when you rev that lovely VR6 motor), but still good for an easy and comfortable 120mph indicated! Not a big bikes 170mph performance admittedly,  but pretty damned good for a van! And it bloody should be for £26,000 plus usual additions!

The engine is linked to a Dynamic Shift Programmed "thinking" automatic gearbox that examines how each driver is using the car and adapts to their individual needs for superior performance of economy.

The VR6's Dynamic Shift Programmed (DSP) gearbox has five different shift programs loaded into its memory.

These range from a very economical program, which changes up early and down late, keeping engine speed and fuel consumption to a minimum, to a sport program which holds onto gears into high rev bands and down shifts as the Caravelle's speed reduces, so that it is always ready to respond with maximum power.

On top of this I had to have a Ricon hydraulic / electric wheelchair lift, and an electronic rotating six way adjustable seat fitted so that I can transfer from my wheelchair to my drivers seat....... Add another £5,000 to the bill! This being disabled is working out extremely expensive! And it holds 80 Quid's worth of Super unleaded!!

Still better this than being stuck at home.... Anyway it goes well and is easier to drive than my old Granada Ghia X. Pretty cool for a van all in all.

The 17 inch wheels/tyres were fitted about two days after I got it, it was crying out for them! Strangely, this van is not available to the very people who need it as it is not on any of the current Motability lists. Just a lot of small universal shopping trolleys that I can't tell apart! (Motability is a UK scheme to help get disabled people mobile by leasing cars at an 'advantageous' rate)

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