If I've driven a VW Kombi in the past 12 years, I don't remember it. What I do remember, however, is a launch in the late 1980's or thereabouts of the Volkswagen Syncrobus.
We had to tow CI caravans up the North Coast to Mapelane for an overnight stay - and my 'bus blew a gasket or the belt came off the boiler or something and it gobbled up five pints of oil... I think it came out, then, with a five-cylinder Audi engine.
Fast-forward to now, and climbing into this big, very gorgeous, 2010 VW Kombi was a treat. I'd been given the T5 two-litre TDI; at R416 400, it ain't cheap, but you're getting a lot of vehicle for your bucks.
It's way removed from the old two-toned surfer vans of my youth but the DNA is much the same: the upright bus-driver seating for the pilot, the space, the incredible visibility, the ease of parking (with that nice short front), quite surprisingly tight turning circle and overall, well-built and solid feel of the Kombi.
Space is the overall impression - and then there's the ultra-low fuel consumption with this frugal turbodiesel. VW says the latest TDI engines have new injector technology for lower fuel consumption and exceptional performance, with more power and torque than before
My five-speed, manual-gearbox chariot had a four-cylinder engine for which VW quoted 75kW at 3500rpm and 250Nm at 1500-2500rpm. And, while its top speed is only about 157km/h, you don't really want to go much faster in a vehicle such as this.
After all, it's a family or people-moving set of wheels, not a racing car.
There's oodles of space, with three rows of seats and an aisle between the front and second row, which I found very useful. The eight-seater has a multitude of stowage areas all round the cabin, cup holders in just the right spots, and even sunblinds for rear passengers.
There're also swivelling reading lights above all passenger seats, front and rear aircon, a foldable rear bench and - my absolute best - a sliding door on either side.
Luggage will also enjoy an easy, spacious ride because the Kombi (and its sister Caravelle) have the largest amount of space in relation to overall vehicle area in their class: 1208 litres with the seats in place, and a cavernous 4525 litres with the seats removed.
It's the ideal mom's taxi: fuel-friendly, comfortable, very good looking, easy to drive, comfortable, safe and, I must add, a lot more comfy and user-friendly than the old "If this van's a-rockin don't come knockin" surfer transporters of my youth!